Resources and It’s Types and Uses

What are Resources?

Any item of value that is necessary to achieve a goal is referred to as a resource. The term “resource” refers to anything in our surroundings that helps us meet our wants and requirements. With the passage of time and the advancement of technology, an object becomes a resource.

Domestic resources are defined as economic resources found within a country’s borders. Regardless of their presence or promise, these resources are not utilised jointly. As a result, there is a disconnect between the resources’ predicted potential and their actual use.

There are three characteristics that all resources have in common

• Consumer satisfaction: This is particularly achieved through the use of resources

• Limited availability: Resources are insufficient to meet the demand

• Depletion risk: Resources gradually deplete as they are consumed.

The economy of a country is built on resources. Agriculture and manufacturing cannot be developed without land, water, forest, air, and mineral resources. They make up the natural environment, which includes air, water, forests, and a variety of life forms, all of which are necessary for the survival of the human race and development. Humans developed their world of dwellings, buildings, modes of transportation and communication, industries, and so on by harnessing natural resources. These, together with natural resources, are very beneficial, and these human-made resources are necessary for progress.

Types of Natural Resources 

Natural resources can be categorised in different ways. The origin of resources can be classified as follows:

Biotic Resources 

All living aspects of the environment are included in these resources. Forests and forest products, harvests, birds, wildlife, fish, and other aquatic life are all examples of biotic resources. These resources regenerate and reproduce themselves, allowing them to be used indefinitely. Biological resources like coal and mineral oil are non-renewable.

Abiotic Resources

All non-living aspects of the environment are included in these resources. Land, water, air, and minerals such as iron, copper, gold, and silver are a few examples of abiotic resources. They are limited and non-renewable since they cannot be renewed or recreated.

Natural resources can be categorised into the following groups based on how quickly they recover:

Renewable Resources

Renewable resources can be replenished naturally. Examples of resources, such as air, wind, sunlight, and water, are always available. Their quantity is not affected due to human consumption even though many renewable resources do not regenerate rapidly like others, and they are susceptible to abuse and depletion. In terms of human use, resources are considered renewable as long as the rate of replenishment or recovery surpasses the consumption rate. They are easier to replenish than non-renewable resources.

Non-Renewable resources

Non-renewable resources are either slow to develop or don’t generate naturally in the environment. The most prevalent resource in this group is minerals. The consumption of non-renewable resources surpasses their replenishment or recovery rate. Fossil fuels are types of examples that fall into this category since their production rate is extremely slow (mostly millions of years), rendering them non-renewable. Without the interference of humans, some resources, such as radioactive materials like uranium, which organically decay into heavy metals, are naturally reduced in abundance. Coal and petroleum cannot go through the process of recycling; however, metallic minerals can. Once they’ve been depleted, they take millions of years to refill.

Natural resources are also classified according to their distribution:

• Ubiquitous resources are throughout the place (for example, air, light, and water)

• Only a few places on the planet have localised resources (for example, metal ores and geothermal power).

Man-made resources are items created by humans from natural resources, such as paper, clothing, books, plates, and wallpaper. Wires, televisions, computers, mobile phones, and other electronic items are all examples of high-tech products that use man-made resources. They make our life easier and more comfortable.

Human resources refer to the people who work for a company, industry, or economy. Humans are regarded as resources because of their potential to transform natural resources into valuable commodities.

This is accomplished by the use of skills, knowledge, and technology. Human talents, technical knowledge, and hard effort transform inert matter into a commodity or service that meets the material and spiritual demands of human society.

Although the terms “human capital” and “human resources” are interchangeable, human capital typically refers to a narrower vision (i.e., the knowledge the individuals embody and economic growth).

Conclusion

Natural resources such as fertile soil, minerals, forests, and water are abundant in India. These resources are dispersed inequitably. The Indian continent is home to a diverse range of biological and abiotic resources. As a result of India’s rapid population growth, there is resource overconsumption, such as uncontrolled logging or overfishing, and many valuable natural resources are quickly depleting. India has vast regions that are well-watered and fertile. Wheat, maize, sugarcane, rice, jute, cotton, mustard, sesame, rapeseed, and linseed are abundantly farmed on the Sutlej-Ganga plains, and the Brahmaputra Valley has sedimentary soils. India’s land area stretches from the ocean to the Alps, with wet tropics and barren deserts.