Agriculture (Geography) PYQ [1995 – 2020]

Set 1
Question 1:
What is the use of biochar in farming? [2020-I]
1. Biochar can be used as a part of the growing medium in vertical farming.
2. When biochar is a part of the growing medium, it promotes the growth of nitrogen-fixing
microorganisms.
3. When biochar is a part of the growing medium, it enables the growing medium to retain
water for a longer time.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer is Option (d)
 Biochar is a stable, carbon-rich form of charcoal that is applied to the soil.
 biochars from manures and food wastes recorded higher nitrogen and phosphorus levels.
So #2 is right.
 Some biochars can increase soil fertility, water holding capacity, and crop productivity. So
#3 is right
 There is only one option where #2 and #3 are together so the answer is “d”.

Question 2:
“The crop is subtropical in nature. A hard frost is injurious to it. It requires at least 210 frost-
free days and 50 to 100 centimeters of rainfall for its growth. A light well-drained soil
capable of retaining moisture is ideally suited for the cultivation of the crop.” Which one of
the following is the crop? [2020-I]
(a) Cotton
(b) Jute
(c) Sugarcane
(d) Tea
Correct Answer is Option (a)
 Sugarcane requires an annual rainfall of between 75cm. and 100cm. Irrigation is required in
regions of low rainfall. So, #C was eliminated.
 Cotton requires high temperature, light rainfall or irrigation, 210 frost-free days.
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  Jute: require es high temperature, heavy rainfall, and humid climate
 Tea: requires a cool climate and well-distributed high rainfall throughout the year
 Cotton: Cotton requires high temperature, light rainfall, 210 frost-free days.
 Considering these descriptions, cotton seems to be the better choice among the given
options.

Question 3:
What is/are the advantage/advantages of zero tillage in agriculture? [2020-I]
1. Sowing of what is possible without burning the residue of the previous crop.
2. Without the need for the nursery of rice saplings, direct planting of paddy seeds in the
wet soil is possible.
3. Carbon sequestration in the soil is possible. Select the correct answer using the code given
below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer is Option (d)
 Open burning of crop residues in the agricultural fields has become an environmental
concern in India, particularly during the paddy harvesting season. ....The Union government
is providing subsidies for Happy Seeders, Zero Till Seed Drill, etc. which can help to plant
the seeds for the next crop without burning the previous crop. So, #1 is correct. Ref:
Economic Survey 2019-20 Volume 2 page 186-189.
 In the zero tillage, We are not disturbing the soil and we are not burning the previous crop
Residue so that way, it could help in Carbon sequestration. So, #3 should be correct.

Question 4:
What are the advantages of fertigation in agriculture? [2020-I]
1. Controlling the alkalinity of irrigation water is possible.
2. Efficient application of Rock Phosphate and all other phosphatic fertilizers is possible.
3. Increased availability of nutrients to plants is possible.
4. Reduction in the leaching of chemical nutrients is possible.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2, and 3 only
(b) 1, 2, and 4 only
(c) 1, 3, and 4 only
(d) 2, 3, and 4 only

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Correct Answer is Option (c)
NCERT vocational class 11 floriculture ist book page 84: When an element forms precipitate with
another substance commonly found in the irrigation water, it is not advisable to use this method.
Phosphorus and anhydrous ammonia may form a precipitate in water with high calcium and
magnesium content. So they are not used in fertigation. So 2nd statement is wrong by elimination
we arrived at the answer “c”.

Question 5:
With reference to the circumstances in Indian agriculture, the concept of "Conservation
Agriculture" assumes significance. Which of the following fall under Conservation
Agriculture? [2018-I]
1. Avoiding the monoculture practices
2. Adopting minimum tillage
3. Avoiding the cultivation of plantation crops
4. Using crop residues to cover the soil surface
5. Adopting spatial and temporal crop sequencing/crop rotations
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 3 and 4
(b) 2, 3, 4 and 5
(c) 2, 4 and 5
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 5
Correct Answer is Option (c)
Kurukshetra February 2018 Issue on Agriculture, page 43 has given three key features of
conservation agriculture viz: i. minimum soil disturbance by adopting no-tillage or minimum tillage
and reduced traffic for agricultural operations. So, #2 is right. This eliminates Option (a) ii.
maximum soil cover by leaving crop residues on the soil surface. So, #4 is right. This eliminates
Option (d) iii. adopt spatial and temporal crop sequencing/crop rotation. So, #5 is verbatim right.
Hence final answer (c)

Question 6:
With reference to agriculture in India, how can the technique of 'genome sequencing', often
seen in the news, be used in the immediate future? [2017-I]
1. Genome sequencing can be used to identify genetic markers for disease resistance and
drought tolerance in various crop plants.
2. This technique helps in reducing the time required to develop new varieties of crop
plants.
3. It can be used to decipher the host-pathogen relationships in crops.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only

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(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer is Option (d)
Since UPSC has combined the preliminary exam of civil services and forest services, so few such
odd questions are expected. There is no need to lose sleep if you can't solve it. But let's do it:
NCERT Class 12 Biology Chapter 6: "Molecular Basis of Inheritance". It explains the benefits of
human genome sequencing that- "It is the sequence of bases in DNA that determines the genetic
information of a given organism. So, learning about the DNA sequences can lead to an
understanding of their natural capabilities that can be applied toward solving challenges in health
care, agriculture, energy production, environmental remediation." So on that logic, statements 1
and 3 should be possible, and if 1 and 3 are possible then statement 2 ought to be possible as
well! So answer (d) all three statements are correct. Searching academic papers on Google Scholar
engineer confirms that (d) is the answer.

Question 7:
Which of the following practices can help in water conservation in agriculture? [2017-I]
1. Reduced or zero tillage of the land
2. Applying gypsum before irrigating the field
3. Allowing crop residue to remain in the field
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer is Option (c)
According to the Kurukshetra Magazine, November 2017 special issue on irrigation: Tillage
exposes the soil to drying, conversely, reductions in tillage help conserve soil water. So #1 is right.
The retention of crop residues helps in reducing water loss from the soil to the air and cools the
soil. So, #3 is right. According to some random research papers & Google books, even gypsum
application helps in water conservation so experts were divided between Option (c) or (d). But in
the official answer key, UPSC has kept (c) as the correct answer.

Question 8:
What is/are the advantage/advantages of implementing the 'National Agriculture Market'
(NAM) scheme? [2017-I]
1. It is a pan-India electronic trading portal for agricultural commodities.
2. It provides the farmer's access to a nationwide market, with prices commensurate with
the quality of their produce.
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Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Correct Answer is Option (c)
Both statements are correct as per Government notification.

Question 9:
Consider the following statements : [2017-I]
The nation-wide 'Soil Health Card Scheme' aims at
1. expanding the cultivable area under irrigation.
2. enabling the banks to assess the quantum of loans to be granted to farmers on the basis
of soil quality.
3. checking the overuse of fertilizers in farmlands.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer is Option (b)
A soil health card provides information about 12 soil parameters, so farmer can use appropriate
fertilizers. hence only 3 is the correct statement. Statement 1 and 2 are irrelevant.

Question 10:
With reference to „Initiative for Nutritional Security through Intensive Millets Promotion‟,
which of the following statements is/are correct? [2016-I]
1. This initiative aims to demonstrate the improved production and post-harvest
technologies and to demonstrate value addition techniques, in an integrated manner, with a
cluster approach.
2. Poor, small, marginal, and tribal farmers have a larger stake in this scheme.
3. An important objective of the scheme is to encourage farmers of commercial crops to
shift to millet cultivation by offering them free kits of critical inputs of nutrients and micro-
irrigation equipment.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
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Correct Answer is Option (c)
(i) This initiative aims to demonstrate the improved production and post-harvest technologies in
an integrated manner to catalyze increased production of millets in the country. The scheme,
through processing and value addition techniques, is expected to generate consumer demand for
millet-based food products. Poor, small, marginal, and tribal farmers have a larger stake in this
scheme.
(ii) 1st and 2nd statements are right. The policy aims to give free kits but “wanting to shift
commercial crop farmers to millet” doesn’t fit logic. There is no such mention in the scheme, nor
any talk about giving micro-irrigation equipment. Hence 3rd statement is wrong.

Question 11:
The FAO accords the status of „Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS)‟ to
traditional agricultural systems. What is the overall goal of this initiative? [2016-I]
1. To provide modern technology, training in modern farming methods, and financial
support to local communities of identified GIAHS so as to greatly enhance their agricultural
productivity
2. To identify and safeguard eco-friendly traditional farm practices and their associated
landscapes, agricultural biodiversity, and knowledge systems of the local communities
3. To provide Geographical Indication status to all the varieties of agricultural produce in
such identified GIAHS
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer is Option (b)
(i) In order to safeguard and support the world’s agricultural heritage systems, in 2002 FAO started
an initiative for the dynamic conservation of Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems
(GIAHS). The GIAHS Initiative promotes public understanding, awareness, national and
international recognition of Agricultural Heritage systems. It aims to identify and ensure global
recognition of the importance of unique traditional agricultural systems for food security and
sustainable development. The GIAHS initiative explicitly recognizes that change in “traditional”
political, social, and economic processes is inevitable; they cannot be frozen or re-created.
(ii) There is no provision to give Geographical indication to “ALL” varieties. Hence statement 3 is
wrong. By elimination method, we are left with answer (b) only 2.

Question 12:
The terms 'Agreement on Agriculture', 'Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and
Phytosanitary Measures' and 'Peace Clause' appear in the news frequently in the context of

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the affairs of the [2015-I]
(a) Food and Agriculture Organization
(b) United Nations Framework Conference on Climate Change
(c) World Trade Organisation
(d) United Nations Environment Programme
Correct Answer is Option (c)
'Agreement on Agriculture', 'Agr eement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary
Measures' and 'Peace Clause' are related to World Trade Organisation.

Question 13:
In India, markets in agricultural products are regulated under the [2015-I]
(a) Essential Commodities Act, 1955
(b) Agricultural Produce Market Committee Act enacted by States
(c) Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marking) Act, 1937
(d) Food Products Order, 1 956 and Meat and Food Products Order, 1973
Correct Answer is Option (b)
Agricultural Produce Market Committee Acts of respective states are responsible for markets in
agricultural products.

Question 14:
What can be the impact of excessive/inappropriate use of nitrogenous fertilizers in
agriculture? [2015-I]
1. The proliferation of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms in soil can occur.
2. Increase in the acidity of soil can take place.
3. Leaching of nitrate to the ground-water can occur.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer is Option (c)
Excessive/inappropriate use of nitrogenous fertilizers increases the acidity of soil and the Leaching
of nitrate into the ground water.

Question 15:
Which one of the following best describes the main objective of the 'Seed Village Concept'?
[2015-I]
(a) Encouraging the farmers to use their own farm seeds and discouraging them to buy the
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seeds from others
(b) Involving the farmers for training in quality seed production and thereby to make
available quality seeds to others at the appropriate time and affordable cost
(c) Earmarking some villages exclusively for the production of certified seeds
(d) Identifying the entrepreneurs in the village and providing them technology and finance
to set up seed companies
Correct Answer is Option (b)
The seed village concept is to promote the quality seed production of foundation and certified
seed classes. The area which is suitable for raising a particular crop will be selected and raised with
a single variety of a kind. A suitable area for seed production will be identified by the Scientists.
The foundation/ certified seeds or University labeled seeds will be supplied by the University
through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and Research Stations at 50% subsidy cost to the identified
farmers in the area. The farmers will use these quality seeds and take up their own seed production
in a small area (1 acre) for their own use. The crops are Rice, Pulses, and Oilseeds.

Question 16:
The substitution of steel for wooden ploughs in agricultural production is an example
of [2015-I]
(a) labor-augmenting technological progress
(b) capital-augmenting technological progress
(c) capital-reducing technological progress
(d) None of the above
Correct Answer is Option (b)
Capital-augmenting technological progress results in the more productive use of existing capital
goods; for example, the substitution of steel from wooden ploughs in agricultural production.

Question 17:
Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding vegetative propagation of
plants? [2014 - I]
1. Vegetative propagation produces a clonal population.
2. Vegetative propagation helps in eliminating the virus.
3. Vegetative propagation can be practiced most of the year.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

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Correct Answer is Option (c)
Vegetative reproduction is a form of asexual reproduction in plants. It is a process by which new
organisms arise without the production of seeds. It helps in the development of clones. Vegetative
propagation involves only mitosis, this ensures that the genetic information in the DNA of
vegetative progeny (child) is the same as in the mother plant and can be practiced throughout the
year. However, it does not helps in the elimination of viruses. A plant once systematically infected
with a virus usually remains infected for its lifetime. Thus any vegetative parts taken for
propagation remain infected.

Question 18:
In India, cluster bean (Guar) is traditionally used as a vegetable or animal feed, but recently
the cultivation of this has assumed significance. Which one of the following statements is
correct in this context? [2014 - I]
(a) The oil extracted from seeds is used in the manufacture of biodegradable plastics
(b) The gum made from its seeds is used in the extraction of shale gas
(c) The leaf extract of this plant has the properties of antihistamines
(d) It is a source of high-quality biodiesel
Correct Answer is Option (b)
Guar gum is used in hydraulic fracturing technology during shale gas extraction.

Question 19:
What are the benefits of implementing the „Integrated Watershed Development
Programme‟? [2014 - I]
1. Prevention of soil runoff
2. Linking the country‟s perennial rivers with seasonal rivers
3. Rainwater harvesting and recharge of groundwater table
4. Regeneration of natural vegetation
Selects the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Correct Answer is Option (c)
Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) was launched during 2009-10. It aims at
Prevention of soil runoff, Rainwater harvesting, and recharge of groundwater table, and
Regeneration of natural vegetation.

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Question 20:
Consider the following pairs: [2014 - I]

Which of the above pairs is/ are correctly matched?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None
Correct Answer is Option (d)
The draught-prone area program is by the ministry of Rural development to minimize the adverse
effects of drought on the production of crops and livestock and productivity of land, water, and
human resources. The desert development program is also by the ministry of Rural development
to minimize the adverse effect of drought and control desertification. National Watershed
Development Project for Rainfed Areas is by the ministry of agriculture.

Question 21:
What are the significances of a practical approach to sugarcane production known as the
'Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative'? [2014-1]
1. Seed cost is very low in this compared to the conventional method of cultivation.
2. Drip irrigation can be practiced very effectively in this.
3. There is no application of chemical/inorganic fertilizers at all in this.
4. The scope for intercropping is more in this compared to the conventional method of
cultivation.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 1, 2 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Correct Answer is Option (b)
NPK (fertilizers) can be applied at the rate of 112 kg, 25 kg, and 48 kg per acre, respectively
through inorganic or organic methods. Hence statement #3 is wrong, this eliminates (a), (c), and
(d). therefore, answer (b) 1,2,4 only.
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Question 22:
Consider the following statements : [2014 - I]
1. Maize can be used for the production of starch.
2. Oil extracted from maize can be a feedstock for biodiesel.
3. Alcoholic beverages can be produced by using maize.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer is Option (d)
All three statements are correct as Maize can be used for the production of starch. Oil extracted
from maize can be a feedstock for biodiesel. Alcoholic beverages can be produced by using maize.

Question 23:
Consider the phenomena of the following techniques: [2014 - I]
1. Budding and grafting in fruit plants
2. Cytoplasmic male sterility
3. Gene silencing
Which of the above is/are used to create transgenic crops?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) None
Correct Answer is Option (d)
Cytoplasmic male sterility and gene silencing are used for the creation of transgenic crops.
Grafting and budding in fruit plants are not used for transgenic crop production but used during
regular horticulture practices.

Question 24:
Consider the following pairs: [2014 - I]

Which of the above pairs is/ are correctly matched?

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(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None
Correct Answer is Option (d)
Kinnaur (Himachal) is famous for apples. Areca nut is mostly confined to Karnataka, Kerala, and
Assam. Mewat in Haryana is not famous for mango. UP is famous for mango. Similarly, the
coromandel coast is not famous for soya beans. The top two producers of soya are Madhya
Pradesh and Maharashtra which are outside the coromandel coast. Therefore, (d) is the correct
option.

Question 25:
With reference to the Neem tree, consider the following statements : [2014 - I]
1. Neem oil can be used as a pesticide to control the proliferation of some species of insects
and mites.
2. Neem seeds are used in the manufacture of biofuels and hospital detergents.
3. Neem oil has applications in the pharmaceutical industry.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer is Option (c)
Neem oil can be used as a pesticide to control the proliferation of some species of insects and
mites and also has applications in the pharmaceutical industry as neem oil has various medicinal
properties.

Question 26:
Consider the following crops: [2013 - I]
1. Cotton
2. Groundnut
3. Rice
4. Wheat
Which of these are Kharif crops?
(a) 1 and 4
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 2, 3 and 4

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Correct Answer is Option (c)
Rice is the main Kharif crop and groundnut and cotton are also the Kharif crops wheat is a raki.

Question 27:
Contour bunding is a method of soil conservation used in [2013 - I]
(a) desert margins, liable to strong wind action
(b) low flat plains, close to stream courses, liable to flooding
(c) scrublands, liable to spread of weed growth
(d) None of the above
Correct Answer is Option (d)
Contour Bunding is one of the simple methods of soil and water conservation. This technique is
used at places where the land is sloppy. Due to slope, soil and nutrients erode fast which makes
agriculture on this land very uneconomical. To adopt this technique the agriculture field's contours
are marked and then the bunds are taken along the contours.

Question 28:
Consider the following crops of India : [2012 - I]
1. Groundnut
2. Sesamum
3. Pearl millet
Which of the above is/are predominantly rained crop/crops?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer is Option (d)
All of them are predominantly rain-fed crops

Question 29:
Consider the following crops of India : [2012 - I]
1. Cowpea
2. Green gram
3. Pigeon pea
Which of the above is/are used as pulse, fodder, and green manure?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
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Correct Answer is Option (d)
All these crops are leguminous crops (Pulses crops) and have the capacity to fix atmospheric
nitrogen through symbiotic nitrogen fixation.

Question 30:
Which of the following is the chief characteristic of „mixed farming? [2012 - I]
(a) Cultivation of both cash crops and food crops
(b) Cultivation of two or more crops in the same field
(c) Rearing of animals and cultivation of crops together
(d) None of the above
Correct Answer is Option (c)
Mixed farming refers to the rearing of animals and the cultivation of crops together.

Set 2
Question 1:
Salinization occurs when the irrigation water accumulated in the soil evaporates, leaving
behind salts and minerals. What are the effects of salinization on the irrigated land? [2011 -
I]
(a) It greatly increases the crop production
(b) It makes some soils impermeable
(c) It raises the water table
(d) It fills the air spaces in the soil with water
Correct Answer is Option (b)
Salinization for a long time on the irrigated land led to soil impermeability.

Question 2:
Given below are the names of four energy crops. Which one of them can be cultivated for
ethanol? [2010]
(a) Jatropha
(b) Maize
(c) Pongamia
(d) Sunflower
Correct Answer is Option (b)
Maize is one of the carbohydrate-rich crops; hence it is more suited for ethanol-production among
the given crops.

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Question 3:
Tamil Nadu is a leading producer of mill-made cotton yarn in the country. What could be
the reason? [2010]
1. Black cotton soil is the predominant type of soil in the State.
2. Rich pool of skilled labor is available.
Which of the above is/are the correct reasons?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Correct Answer is Option (b)
The predominant soil in Tamil Nadu is red which supports cotton cultivation and a rich pool of
skilled labor is available in Tamil Nadu.

Question 4:
Due to their extensive rice cultivation, some regions may be contributing to global warming.
To what possible reason/ reasons are this is attributable? [ 2010]
1. The anaerobic conditions associated with rice cultivation cause the emission of methane.
2. When nitrogen-based fertilizers are used, nitrous oxide is emitted from the cultivated
soil.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Correct Answer is Option (c)
As per scientific estimations, it has been suggested that more than 2 percent of human-induced
climate warming can be attributed to rice farming. It is predominantly due to methane, a potent
greenhouse gas emitted from flooded rice fields. Methanogen bacteria in the waterlogged soil
produce it in large quantities. Nitrous oxide is also released from cultivated fields due to the
transformation of nitrogen-based fertilizers that can have a harmful climate effect.

Question 5:
An objective of the National Food Security Mission is to increase the production of certain
crops through area expansion and productivity enhancement in a sustainable manner in the
identified districts of the country. What are those crops? [2010]
(a) Rice and wheat only
(b) Rice, wheat, and pulses only

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(c) Rice, wheat, pulses, and oilseeds only
(d) Rice, wheat, pulses, oilseeds, and vegetables
Correct Answer is Option (b)
National Food Security Mission was launched by the government of India to increase the food
production of rice, wheat, and pulses and commercial gaps like sugarcane jute. The target is to
increase the production of rice by 10 million tonnes, wheat by 8 million tonnes and pulses, by 2
million tonnes by the end of the Eleventh Plan.

Question 6:
With reference to soil conservation, consider the following practices: [2010]
1. Crop rotation
2. Sand fences
3. Terracing
4. Windbreaks
Which of the above are considered appropriate methods for soil conservation in India?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Correct Answer is Option (c)
The different types of soil erosion in India are Normal or Geologic Erosion, Accelerated soil
Erosion, Wind Erosion, Water Erosion, sheet Erosion, Gully Erosion, Landslides or slip Erosion, and
stream-bank Erosion.

Question 7:
Though coffee and tea both are cultivated on hill slopes, there is some difference between
them regarding their cultivation. In this context, consider the following statements: [2010]
1. The coffee plant requires a hot and humid climate in tropical areas whereas tea can be
cultivated in both tropical and subtropical areas.
2. Coffee is propagated by seeds but tea is propagated by stem cuttings only.
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Correct Answer is Option (c)
Not only the tea plants but also the coffee plants can be propagated by seeds and stem cutting.

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Question 8:
Consider the following statements: [2008]
1. Chikmagalur is well-known for sugar production.
2. Mandya is well-known as a coffee-producing region.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Correct Answer is Option (d)
Chikmagalur is famous for coffee. Mandya is famous for sugar and paper production.

Question 9:
Which one amongst the following has the largest livestock population in the world? [2008]
(a) Brazil
(b) China
(c) India
(d) USA
Correct Answer is Option (c)
India has the largest livestock population in the world, having 57% of the world’s buffalo
population and 14% of the cattle population. According to 17th India’s Livestock Census, 2003, the
country has about 18.5 crore cattle and 9.8 crore buffalo with total livestock of 48-50 crore and
total poultry of 48.90 crores.

Question 10:
Which one of the following places was associated with Acharya Vinoba Bhave‟s Bhoodan
Movement at the beginning of the movement? [2007]
(a) Udaygiri
(b) Rapur
(c) Pochampalli
(d) Venkatagiri
Correct Answer is Option (c)
Bhoodan Movement was a voluntary land reform movement in India started by Acharya Vinoba
Bhave on April 18, 1951, started at Pochampalli village, in Telangana (Andhra Pardesh).

Question 11:
Dalbergia species is associated with which one of the following? [2007]

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(a) Cashewnut
(b) Coffee
(c) Tea
(d) Rosewood
Correct Answer is Option (d)
Rosewood is associated with the Dalbergia species. Dalbergia species are used as food plants and
fragrant wood in aromatic oils.

Question 12:
Assertion (A): There are no tea plantations in any African country. [2007]
Reason (R): Tea plants need fertile soil with high humus.
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true
Correct Answer is Option (d)
In the 20th century, tea was being grown in 3 African countries like Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.
So, the assertion is wrong. But the reason is correct because tea plants need highly organic or
loamy soils.

Question 13:
Which one of the following is the correct sequence in the decreasing order of production (in
million tones) of the given foodgrains in India? [2007]
(a) Wheat - Rice - Pulses - Coarse Cereals
(b) Rice - Wheat - Pulses - Coarse Cereals
(c) Wheat - Rice - Coarse Cereals - Pulses
(d) Rice - Wheat - Coarse Cereals - Pulses
Correct Answer is Option (d)
Production of rice is 96.43 MT, wheat is 78.4 MT, pulses are 15.11 MT and coarse cereals are 40.73
MT in India. So, the correct sequence in decreasing order is Rice – Wheat – Coarse cereals – Pulses.

Question 14:
Assertion (A): The percentage of net sown area in the total area of Andhra Pradesh is less as
compared to that of West Bengal.
Reason (R): The soil of most of Andhra Pradesh is laterite. [2006]
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A

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(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true
Correct Answer is Option (c)
Laterite soil is mostly found in areas of high rainfall and temperature with alternate dry and wet
Periods it is suitable for growing rice, ragi, and sugarcane.

Question 15:
Which one of the following statements is correct? [2005]
(a) The first meeting of the Parties (MOP) to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety was held
in Phillippines in the year 2004.
(b) In dia is not a signatory to the Biosafety protocol/ convention on Biological Diversity.
(c) The Biosafety protoco1 deals with genetically modified organisms.
(d) The United State of America is a member of the Biosafety protocol/convention on
Biological diversity.
Correct Answer is Option (c)
Biosafety protocol is an agreement designed to regulate the international trade, handling, and use
of any genetically engineered organism that may have adverse effects on the conservation and
sustainable use of biological diversity, taking also into account risks to human health. The first
meeting was held in 2004 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. India is a signatory member to it the
Biosafety protocol deals with genetically modified organisms but they do not name them so. The
USA has sign it put not yet ratified this treaty.

Question 16:
Consider the following statements: [2005]
1. India is the only country in the world producing all the five known commercial varieties of
silk.
2. India is the largest producer of sugar in the world.
Which of the statements given above less is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Correct Answer is Option (a)
Five varieties of silkworms are reared in India for producing five varieties of silk. Mulberry silk,
Muga silk, Tasar silk, Oak tasar silk and Eri silk. India is the 2nd largest producer of sugar in the
world.

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Question 17:
Consider the following crops: [2004]
1. Cotton
2. Groundnut
3. Maize
4. Mustard
Which of the above are Kharif crops?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 1, 2 and 3
(c) 3 and 4
(d) 1, 2 , 3 and 4
Correct Answer is Option (b)
Cotton, Groundnut, and Maize are Kharif crops whereas Mustard is a rabi crop.

Question 18:
Consider the following statements: [2003]
1. India ranks first in the world in fruit production
2. India ranks second in the world in the export of tobacco
Which of these statements is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither I nor 2
Correct Answer is Option (d)
India ranked 2nd in fruit production in the world and ranked 6th in the production of tobacco.

Question 19:
The Genetic Engineering Approval Committee, whose permission is required for the
cultivation of any genetically modified crop such as Bt Cotton in India, is under the Union
Ministry of: [2003]
(a) Agriculture
(b) Environment and Forests
(c) Commerce and Industry
(d) Rural-Development
Correct Answer is Option (a)
The genetic engineering approval committee comes under the Ministry of Environment, Forest,
and Climate change.

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Question 20:
Consider the following statements: [2003]
1. India is the original home of the cotton plant
2. India is the first country in the world to develop a hybrid cotton variety leading to
increased production
Which of these statements is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Correct Answer is Option (c)
India is the original home of the cotton plants, and India ranks number one in the world
accounting for 20% of the total area planted under cotton. The cotton hybrid variety H–4
developed first and Raj–16, Dhanalaxmi, and Fateh are the variety that was developed in India.

Question 21:
Assertion (A): Eastern coast of India produces more rice than the western coast.
Reason (R): Eastern coast receives more rainfall than the western coast. [2003]
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is not the correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true
Correct Answer is Option (c)
The assertion is true, but the reason is false. The western coast receives more rainfall than the
eastern coast, but the temperature between 20-27ºC, heavy clayed soil quality, and rainfall is more
suitable for rice cultivation.

Question 22:
Consider the following high-yielding varieties of crops in India: [2002]
1. Arjun
2. Jaya
3. Padma
4. Sonalika
Which of these is of wheat?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 4
(d) 3 and 4

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Correct Answer is Option (c)
Arjun and Sonalika are a hybrid variety of wheat produced by the Indian Council of Agricultural
Research.

Question 23:
With reference to Indian agriculture, which one of the following statements is correct?
[2002]
(a) About 90 percent of the area under pulses in India is rainfed
(b) Share of pulses in the gross cropped area at the national level has doubled in the last two
decades.
(c) India accounts for about 15 percent of the total area under rice in the world
(d) Rice occupies about 34 percent of the gross cropped area in India
Correct Answer is Option (a)
In Indian agriculture about 90% of the area under pulse is rainfed, but pulses need less water for
cultivation so, the production of pulse hampers.

Question 24:
The high density of population in Nile valley and Islands of Java is primarily due to [2001]
(a) intensive agriculture
(b) industrialization
(c) urbanization
(d) topographic limitations
Correct Answer is Option (a)
Due to the availability of fertile alluvial soil in tensive agricultural practices was possible in the Nile
river and islands of Java. So, in these regions, a high density of population is found.

Question 25:
Assertion (A): In Australia, cattle rearing is done more for meat than for milk.
Reason (R): Australians are traditionally nonvegetarians [2000]
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true
Correct Answer is Option (b)
The assertion is correct, but the reason is not the correct explanation of assertion but the
statement is true. In Australia, farmers rear cattle for meat export, and most of the Australian
people are non-vegetarian.

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Question 26:
Assertion (A): Insect-resistant transgenic cotton has been produced by inserting the Bt
gene.
Reason (R): The Bt gene is derived from a bacterium. [1999]
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true
Correct Answer is Option (a)
Assertion and Reason are true and the reason is the correct explanation of assertion. Bacillus
thuringiensis is the bacterium that is used in the Bt gene of cotton. Bt cotton is insect resistant.

Question 27:
Which one of the following agricultural practices is eco-friendly? [1999]
(a) Organic farming
(b) Shifting cultivation
(c) Cultivation of high yielding varieties
(d) Growing plants in glass-houses
Correct Answer is Option (a)
Organic farming is a production system of crops that avoids the use of synthetic and chemical
inputs like fertilizers, pesticides, growth regulators, and livestock feed additives.

Question 28:
Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the
lists: [1998]

(a) A-2; B-1; C- 4; D-3

(b) A-2; B-1; C- 3; D-4
(c) A-1; B-2; C- 4; D-3
(d) A-1; B-2; C- 3; D-4

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Correct Answer is Option (a)
Gujarat is the foremost producer of cotton. Gram is produced in Madhya Pradesh, Black pepper is
produced in Kerala, and Pineapple is produced highest in West Bengal.

Question 29:
The following are the major oilseeds produced in India:
1. Sesamum
2. Mustard 3. Groundnut
4. Soybean
Which one of the following is the correct sequence of the descending order of the quantity
of their production? [1997]
(a) 1, 2, 3, 4
(b) 3, 2, 4, 1
(c) 2, 4, 3, 1
(d) 3, 4, 2, 1
Correct Answer is Option (d)
The descending order of the quantities of oilseed production is, Groundnut > Soyabean >
Mustard > Sesamum

Question 30:
Coffee cultivation in Sri Lanka was abandoned because of the disease : [1995]
(a) leaf blight
(b) leaf spot
(c) leaf rust
(d) rut
Correct Answer is Option (c)
Coffee cultivation in Sri Lanka was abandoned because of the leaf rust disease which affects the
fruit and leaf of coffee. The causative fungus is Hemileia Vastarix.

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