Which one among the following options defines Culturable Wastelands in India?
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Answer A (official UPSC key)Culturable wasteland is land left uncultivated for more than five agricultural years
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Geography & Environment · Indian Geography
Agriculture: Crops, Irrigation & Farming Systems: 125 previous year questions
UPSC has asked 125 questions on Agriculture: Crops, Irrigation & Farming Systems between 1998 and 2026: CSE 54 · CDS 22 · CAPF 16 · NDA 14 · Geo-Scientist 8 · CISF (LDCE) 7 · EPFO (APFC) 4. 84 of them came after 2015, so this is a live topic examiners keep returning to. 54 were set in Civil Services Prelims; the rest come from UPSC's other papers, which draw on the same question bank.
Tap an option to check yourself. Answers follow the official UPSC key; where the key was dropped or disputed the question is not shown.
Which one among the following States in India is the leading producer of coffee?
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Answer D (official UPSC key)Karnataka is the leading coffee producer in India
Which one of the following is not a strategy in the Rainfed Area Development (RAD) scheme of India?
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Answer D (official UPSC key)Optimizing canal irrigation is not a Rainfed Area Development strategy (diversified farming, soil health management and cluster approaches are)
As per the land-use categories in the Land Revenue Records of India, ―a cultivable land which is left uncultivated for more than a year but less than 5 years‖ is called
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Answer B (official UPSC key)Cultivable land left uncultivated for more than a year but less than 5 years is fallow, other than current fallow
Which of the following is/are Kharif crop/crops in India? 1. Cotton 2. Gram 3. Mustard 4. Rapeseed Select the answer using the code given below:
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Answer A (official UPSC key)Cotton is a Kharif crop | NOT: gram, mustard, rapeseed (Rabi)
Consider the following pairs: Plant Description I. Cassava Woody shrub II. Ginger Herb with pseudostem III. Malabar spinach Herbaceous climber IV. Mint Annual shrub V. Papaya Woody shrub How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
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Answer B (official UPSC key)Three pairs correct: Cassava - woody shrub; Ginger - herb with pseudostem; Malabar spinach - herbaceous climber | NOT: Mint (not an annual shrub), Papaya (not a woody shrub)
Consider the following statements about turmeric during the year 2022-23: I. India is the largest producer and exporter of turmeric in the world. II. More than 30 varieties of turmeric are grown in India. III. Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are major turmeric producing States in India. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Answer D (official UPSC key)Turmeric 2022-23: India is the largest producer and exporter, grows more than 30 varieties, and Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu are major producers (all three)
Which one of the following is not associated with the Jhum cultivation in Northeastern States of India?
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Answer B (official UPSC key)Conservation of natural habitats is not associated with Jhum (it involves deforestation, slash and burn, shifting agriculture)
The cultivation of which one of the following crops was introduced in the Baba Budan Hills?
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Answer B (official UPSC key)Coffee cultivation was introduced in the Baba Budan Hills (Chikkamagaluru)
As per the Land Revenue Records, any land is categorized as Culturable Waste-Land if it is left fallow (uncultivated) for more than
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Answer D (official UPSC key)Land is culturable wasteland if left fallow for more than 5 years
Which of the following statements with reference to crops cultivated in India is/are correct? 1. Bajra grows well in sandy and shallow black soils, whereas red and shallow black soil is suited for Ragi 2. Bajra is predominantly grown in states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, while Ragi is mainly cultivated in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Himachal Pradesh Select the answer using the code given below:
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Answer C (official UPSC key)Both correct: bajra suits sandy and shallow black soils and ragi red and shallow black soils; bajra is mainly grown in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat
What is culturable wasteland?
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Answer D (official UPSC key)Culturable wasteland is land left fallow for more than five years
Which of the following statements regarding coconut production in Lakshadweep is/are correct? 1. Productivity per hectare is highest in India. 2. Oil content in nuts is highest in the world. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
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Answer C (official UPSC key)Lakshadweep coconut has India's highest productivity per hectare and the world's highest oil content (both correct)
Consider the following statements : 1. Bajra is predominantly grown in states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat, while Ragi is mainly cultivated in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. 2. Bajra grows well in sandy and shallow black soils, whereas red and shallow black soil is suited for Ragi. With regard to the statements given above, which of the following is correct ?
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Answer A (official UPSC key)Both correct, 2 explains 1: bajra (Rajasthan, UP, Gujarat) grows in sandy and shallow black soils while ragi (Karnataka, Tamil Nadu) grows in red and shallow black soils
Consider the following geographical conditions : Well-drained, rich friable loams containing good deal of minerals, temperature between 15 °C-28 °C and rainfall between 150cm-250cm and altitude variations from 600 m-1600 m Which one among the following crops is suitable under the above conditions?
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Answer B (official UPSC key)Well-drained friable loams, 15 °C-28 °C, 150cm-250cm rainfall, 600 m-1600 m altitude: coffee
Which of the following is/are the measure/measures undertaken by the Government of India to promote the production of Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG)? 1. Central financial assistance for setting up of plants for generation of Bio-CNG 2. Inclusion of CBG projects under Priority Sector Lending 3. Concession on customs duty for the import of machinery required for setting up of projects Select the correct answer using the code given below.
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Answer C (official UPSC key)To promote Compressed Bio-Gas the government gives central financial assistance for Bio-CNG plants, priority sector lending status and customs duty concession on machinery (all three)
Which one among the following States in India has received maximum funds under Sub- Mission on Agriculture Mechanization from 2014-2015 to 2023-2024?
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Answer B (official UPSC key)Karnataka received the most funds under the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (2014-15 to 2023-24) (key B)
Consider the following plants : 1. Groundnut 2. Horse-gram 3. Soybean How many of the above belong to the pea family ?
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Answer C (official UPSC key)Groundnut, horse-gram and soybean all belong to the pea family (Fabaceae)
Consider the following: 1. Papaya 2. Cashew 3. Red sanders How many of the above trees are actually native to India?
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Answer A (official UPSC key)Only red sanders is native to India (papaya is from Central America, cashew from Brazil)
Consider the following statements : Statement-I: India does not import apples from the United States of America. Statement-II: In India, the law prohibits the import of Genetically Modified food without the approval of the competent authority. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements ?
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Answer D (official UPSC key)Statement I false, II true: India does import apples from the USA; Indian law prohibits GM food imports without approval of the competent authority
Which of the following statements regarding groundnut cultivation in India is/are correct ? 1. Groundnut is a Rabi crop. 2. Gujarat is an important state for Groundnut cultivation. Select the answer using the code given below :
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Answer B (official UPSC key)Correct: Gujarat is important for groundnut | NOT: groundnut is mainly a Kharif, not Rabi, crop
Which of the following statements with respect to milk production in India is/are not correct ? 1. From 2013 - 14 to 2021 - 22, the milk production in India has registered an increase of more than 50 %. 2. Although the milk production over the above period has increased, per capita availability of milk has decreased. Select the answer using the code given below :
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Answer B (official UPSC key)Not correct: per capita milk availability did not decrease (it rose from 307 to 444 grams per day); production did rise more than 50% from 2013-14 to 2021-22
Using the code given below identify the type of farming on the basis of given characteristics : 1. The produce is consumed entirely or mainly by the family who work the land or tend the livestock. 2. If a small surplus is produced, it may be sold or bartered. 3. It is generally small scale and labour intensive with little or no technological input. Code:
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Answer C (official UPSC key)Produce consumed mainly by the farming family with any small surplus sold or bartered: subsistence farming
Consider the following statements about millets: 1. Millets are often referred to as climate-resilient crops because they can grow on and lands with minimal inputs and maintenance. 2. Millets are a good source of minerals, dietary fibre, antioxidants and protein 3. Milieu, including sorghum, account for less than 3% of the global grains trade. Which of the statements given above are correct ?
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Answer D (official UPSC key)Millets are climate-resilient on arid lands with minimal inputs, a good source of minerals, fibre, antioxidants and protein, and (with sorghum) under 3% of global grains trade (all three)
Which one of the following crops is not cultivated under dryland farming ?
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Answer C (official UPSC key)Sugarcane is not grown under dryland farming (jowar, ragi and groundnut are)
Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists : List I (Name of Shifting Cultivation) List II (Country) A. Roca 1. Sri Lanka B. Chena 2. Thailand C. Masole 3. Brazil D. Tamarai 4. Zaire
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Answer D (official UPSC key)Roca - Brazil; Chena - Sri Lanka; Masole - Zaire; Tamarai - Thailand
Consider the following statements: 1. India has more arable area than China. 2. The proportion of irrigated area is more in India as compared to China. 3. The average productivity per - hectare in Indian agriculture is higher than that in China. How many of the above statements are correct?
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Answer B (official UPSC key)Two correct (key B): India has more arable area than China and a higher irrigated proportion | NOT: Indian productivity per hectare is not higher than China's
Which one of the following crops is generally benefitted by the rain caused by western disturbances in India?
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Answer B (official UPSC key)Wheat benefits from rain caused by western disturbances
How many of the following pairs of specialized agriculture and its products are correctly matched? 1. Apiculture : Honey 2. Sericulture : Silk 3. Silviculture : Forestry 4. Viticulture : Grapes Select the correct answer using the code given below :
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Answer A (official UPSC key)All four correct: Apiculture - honey; Sericulture - silk; Silviculture - forestry; Viticulture - grapes
In which one of the following States, more than 50% area is under Jhum cultivation?
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Answer D (official UPSC key)Mizoram has more than 50% of its area under Jhum cultivation
Consider the following statements about Karewas : 1. These are the lacustrine deposits of Pleistocene period. 2. These are found along the lower slopes of Pir Panjal. 3. Karewas are well known for the cultivation of saffron, almond and walnut. How many of the above statements is/are correct ?
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Answer C (official UPSC key)All three correct: Karewas are Pleistocene lacustrine deposits along the lower Pir Panjal slopes, known for saffron, almond and walnut
Consider the following States: 1. Andhra Pradesh 2. Kerala 3. Himachal Pradesh 4. Tripura How many of the above are generally known as tea-producing States?
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Answer D (official UPSC key)Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Himachal Pradesh and Tripura are all tea-producing States
With reference to the ―Tea Board‖ in India, consider the following statements: 1. The Tea Board is a statutory body. 2. It is a regulatory body attached to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. 3. The Tea Board‘s Head Office is situated in Bengaluru. 4. The Board has overseas offices at Dubai and Moscow. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Answer D (official UPSC key)Tea Board: a statutory body (Tea Act 1953) with overseas offices at Dubai and Moscow | NOT: under the Agriculture Ministry (it is under Commerce); NOT: head office in Bengaluru (Kolkata)
System of Rice Intensification‖ of cultivation, in which alternate wetting and drying of rice fields is practiced, results in: 1. Reduced seed requirement 2. Reduced methane production 3. Reduced electricity consumption Select the correct answer using the code given below:
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Answer D (official UPSC key)SRI with alternate wetting and drying reduces seed requirement, methane production and electricity consumption (all three)
Which one of the following statements about fertilizers is not correct?
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Answer A (official UPSC key)Not correct: urea is not a phosphorus fertilizer (it is nitrogenous, made from ammonia and carbon dioxide)
In India, a cultivable land which is left uncultivated for more than a year but less than five years is labelled as
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Answer C (official UPSC key)Cultivable land left uncultivated for more than a year but less than five years is fallow other than current fallow
Arabica, Robusta and Liberica are varieties of
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Answer A (official UPSC key)Arabica, Robusta and Liberica are coffee varieties
Identify the crop on the basis of the following characteristics : 1. It is a kharif crop. 2. Aus, Aman and Boro are its three different growing periods in an agricultural year. 3. About one-fourth of the total cropped area of India is under its cultivation. Select the correct answer using the code given below :
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Answer B (official UPSC key)Kharif crop with Aus, Aman and Boro seasons and about one-fourth of cropped area: rice
Growing of two or more crops simultaneously on the same field in a definite pattern is known as
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Answer B (official UPSC key)Growing two or more crops simultaneously in a definite pattern is inter cropping
Which one of the following States is not prominent for plantation agriculture ?
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Answer A (official UPSC key)Rajasthan is not prominent for plantation agriculture (Assam, Nagaland, Kerala are)
How is permaculture farming different from conventional chemical farming? 1. Permaculture farming discourages monocultural practices but in conventional chemical farming, monoculture practices are predominant. 2. Conventional chemical farming can cause increase in soil salinity but the occurrence of such phenomenon is not observed in permaculture farming. 3. Conventional chemical farming is easily possible in such regions. 4. Practice of mulching is very important in permaculture farming but not necessarily so in conventional chemical farming. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
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Answer B (official UPSC key)Permaculture vs chemical farming: discourages monoculture, avoids salinity build-up, relies on mulching (key B) | NOT: statement 3
With reference to ‗palm oil‘, consider the following statements: 1. The palm oil tree is native to Southeast Asia. 2. The palm oil is a raw material for some industries producing lipstick and perfumes. 3. The palm oil can be used to produce biodiesel. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Answer B (official UPSC key)Palm oil is used in lipstick and perfume industries and to produce biodiesel | NOT: the oil palm is native to West Africa, not Southeast Asia
Among the following, which one is the least water-efficient crop?
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Answer A (official UPSC key)Sugarcane is the least water-efficient of the four crops
Cultivable land, which is left uncultivated for more than a year but less than five years, is known as:
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Answer C (official UPSC key)Cultivable land left uncultivated for more than a year but less than five years is fallow land other than current fallow
Pulikulam is an indigenous breed of:
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Answer C (official UPSC key)Pulikulam is an indigenous cattle (cow) breed of Tamil Nadu
Which of the following pairs of crop and product is/are correctly matched ? 1. Food crop : Ragi 2. Cash crop : Jute 3. Plantation crop : Coconut Select the correct answer using the code given below :
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Answer C (official UPSC key)All correct: Ragi - food crop; Jute - cash crop; Coconut - plantation crop
Which one of the following is not a feature of agriculture in India ?
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Answer D (official UPSC key)Predominance of cash crops is not a feature of Indian agriculture (subsistence farming, population pressure and monsoon dependence are)
Which one of the following is not a land use category?
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Answer C (official UPSC key)Marginal land is not a land use category (forestland, pasture land and barren/wasteland are)
Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched?
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Answer A (official UPSC key)Not correctly matched (key A): Kuddapah-kar - rocky wastelands; Nancai - wet fields, Puncai - dry fields, Tottakal - garden lands are correct
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?
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Answer D (official UPSC key)Biochar in the growing medium: usable in vertical farming, promotes nitrogen-fixing microorganisms, helps retain water longer (all three)
―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]
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Answer A (official UPSC key)Subtropical, frost-sensitive, at least 210 frost-free days, 50 to 100 centimeters rain, light well-drained moisture-retaining soil: cotton
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:
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Answer D (official UPSC key)Zero tillage: sowing wheat without burning residue, direct seeding of paddy without a nursery, soil carbon sequestration (all three)
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:
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Answer C (official UPSC key)Fertigation: controls irrigation-water alkalinity, increases nutrient availability, reduces nutrient leaching | NOT: efficient application of rock phosphate and all phosphatic fertilizers
Which among the following states in India is known as „Fruit Bowl‟ of the country?
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Answer B (official UPSC key)Himachal Pradesh is known as the Fruit Bowl of India
Which one of the following states in India produces largest marketable surplus of wheat?
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Answer D (official UPSC key)Punjab produces the largest marketable surplus of wheat
Which one of the following terms describes the practice of growing two or more crops simultaneously on the same piece of land ?
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Answer B (official UPSC key)Growing two or more crops simultaneously on the same land (no definite pattern) is mixed cropping
Land Revenue Records maintained in India have categorized land-use into
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Answer B (official UPSC key)Land Revenue Records classify land use into 9 categories
Dry land farming in India is largely confined to areas with rainfall less than
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Answer D (official UPSC key)Dry land farming is largely confined to areas with rainfall below 75 cm
Which of the following conditions is/are essential for wheat cultivation ? 1. Optimum temperature during growing period is around 30°C 2. A frost-free period of about 100 days 3. Light clay or heavy loam soil Select the correct answer using the code given below :
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Answer C (official UPSC key)Essential for wheat: a frost-free period of about 100 days and light clay or heavy loam soil | NOT: optimum growing temperature around 30°C
If one plots the tank irrigation in India and superimposes it with map of well irrigation, one may find that the two are negatively related. Which of the following statements explain the phenomenon? 1. Tank irrigation predates well irrigation. 2. Tank irrigation is in the areas with impervious surface layers, 3. Well irrigation requires sufficient ground water reserves. 4. Other forms of irrigation are not available. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
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Answer B (official UPSC key)Tank and well irrigation are negatively related because tanks occur on impervious surface layers while wells need sufficient groundwater | NOT: statements 1 and 4
Which one of the following is not geographical requirement for cultivation of cotton?
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Answer D (official UPSC key)Not a cotton requirement: only 100 frost-free days (cotton needs at least 180-200)
In which one of the following States is jute not significantly cultivated ?
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Answer D (official UPSC key)Jute is not significantly cultivated in Andhra Pradesh (Assam, West Bengal and Odisha grow it)
What is Inter-cropping?
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Answer C (official UPSC key)Inter-cropping is growing two or more crops in definite row patterns
Which one of the following crops is not a Kharif crop?
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Answer C (official UPSC key)Wheat is not a Kharif crop (rice, maize and soya bean are)
Which one of the following is a Rabi crop in the Northern States of India ?
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Answer C (official UPSC key)Barley is a Rabi crop in the northern States (rice, bajra and ragi are Kharif)
Which one of the following crops is not cultivated in Karewas, the lacustrine deposits of sand, clay, loam, silt and boulders?
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Answer D (official UPSC key)Ling nut is not grown on the Karewas (saffron, almond and walnut are)
Which of the following statements with regard to the land-use situation in India is/are correct? 1. There has been a tremendous decline in area under forest in recent years. 2. The rate of increase in land use in recent years is the highest in case of area under non- agricultural use. 3. Land use such as barren and wasteland, area under pastures and tree crops have experienced decline in recent years. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
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Answer C (official UPSC key)Correct: non-agricultural land use has increased fastest; barren/wasteland, pastures and tree crops have declined | NOT: no tremendous decline in forest area
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:
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Answer C (official UPSC key)Conservation Agriculture: minimum tillage, crop residue cover, crop sequencing/rotation | NOT: avoiding monoculture, avoiding plantation crops (key C)
The ratio of gross cropped area to the net sown area is called
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Answer A (official UPSC key)The ratio of gross cropped area to net sown area is cropping intensity
Which one of the following statements about various horticulture crops of India for the year 2016-17 is not correct?
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Answer C (official UPSC key)Not correct for 2016-17 (key C): onion production did not rise faster than potato production
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:
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Answer D (official UPSC key)Genome sequencing can identify markers for disease resistance and drought tolerance, cut time to develop new varieties, and decipher host-pathogen relationships (all three)
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. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
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Answer C (official UPSC key)e-NAM is a pan-India electronic trading portal and gives farmers nationwide market access with prices reflecting quality (both correct)
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?
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Answer B (official UPSC key)The Soil Health Card Scheme aims at checking overuse of fertilizers | NOT: expanding irrigated area; NOT: bank loan assessment
Arrange the following varieties of silk in India in their order of decreasing production : 1. Muga 2. Eri 3. Mulberry 4. Tasar Select the correct answer using the code given below :
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Answer A (official UPSC key)Silk production, decreasing: Mulberry - Eri - Tasar - Muga
Consider the following map of India : The areas marked in the map given above account for the production of which one of the following cash crops?
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Answer A (official UPSC key)Map item (key A): the marked areas are cotton-producing areas
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.
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Answer C (official UPSC key)INSIMP: demonstrates improved production, post-harvest and value-addition technologies in clusters; poor, small, marginal and tribal farmers have a larger stake | NOT: shifting commercial-crop farmers to millets with free kits
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] A. 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 B. To identify and safeguard eco-friendly traditional farm practices and their associated landscapes, agricultural biodiversity, and knowledge systems of the local communities C. 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.
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Answer B (official UPSC key)The GIAHS goal is to identify and safeguard eco-friendly traditional farm practices, their landscapes, agrobiodiversity and knowledge systems | NOT: modern technology support; NOT: GI status for all produce
With reference to Initiative for Nutritional Security through Intensive Millets Promotion‘, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. This EmHative aims to demonstrate the improved production and post-harvest technologies, and to demonstrate value addition techniques, in an integrated manner, with cluster approach. 2. Poor, small, marginal and tribal farmers have 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 a aid micro irrigation equipment. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
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Answer C (official UPSC key)INSIMP: demonstrates improved production, post-harvest and value-addition technologies in clusters; poor, small, marginal and tribal farmers have a larger stake | NOT: shifting commercial-crop farmers to millets with free kits
Which of the following is/are the advantage/advantages of practising drip irrigation? 1. Reduction in weed 2. Reduction in soil salinity 3. Reduction in soil erosion Select the correct answer using the code given below.
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Answer C (official UPSC key)Drip irrigation reduces weeds and soil erosion | NOT: reduction in soil salinity (key C)
From which among the following pairs of species, a small quantity of fine quality wool is obtained in India ?
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Answer A (official UPSC key)Small quantities of fine wool come from Pashmina goats and Angora rabbits
Regur soil is most suitable for the cultivation of:
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Answer B (official UPSC key)Regur (black) soil is most suitable for cotton
Tank irrigation is commonly found in South-Central parts of India. What could be the reason? 1. Insufficient shallow ground water 2. Rocky plateau with impervious surface depression 3. Undulating terrain helps in accumulation of rain water in depression or man-made tank Select the correct answer using the code given below:
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Answer D (official UPSC key)Tank irrigation in south-central India: insufficient shallow groundwater, rocky plateau with impervious surface depressions, undulating terrain collecting rainwater (all three)
In India, markets in agricultural products are regulated under the [2015-I]
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Answer B (official UPSC key)Agricultural markets in India are regulated under the Agricultural Produce Market Committee Acts of the States
Which one of the following best describes the main objective of the 'Seed Village Concept'? [2015-I]
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Answer B (official UPSC key)The Seed Village Concept trains farmers in quality seed production to supply quality seed to others at the right time and affordable cost
Which one among the following statements correctly defines the term Bio- fortification?
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Answer B (official UPSC key)Bio-fortification is breeding crops to increase their nutritional value
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?
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Answer B (official UPSC key)Guar gum from cluster bean seeds is used in shale gas extraction
What are the significances of a practical approach to sugarcane production known as the 'Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative'? 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.
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Answer B (official UPSC key)Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative: low seed cost, effective drip irrigation, more scope for intercropping | NOT: no chemical fertilizers at all
Consider the following statements : 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?
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Answer D (official UPSC key)Maize can be used for starch, oil for biodiesel feedstock and alcoholic beverages (all correct)
Consider the following pairs: Region Well-known for the production of 1. Kinnaur Areca nut 2. Mewat Mango 3. Coromandel Soya bean Which of the above pairs is/ are correctly matched?
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Answer D (official UPSC key)None correct: Kinnaur is known for apples (not areca nut), Mewat is not a mango region, Coromandel is not a soya bean region
With reference to the Neem tree, consider the following statements : 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?
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Answer D (official UPSC key)Neem: oil used as pesticide against insects and mites; seeds used for biofuels and hospital detergents; oil used in pharmaceuticals (all three, key D)
Consider the Following Statement Statement I : Virgin soils of newly cleared forests give higher yield of coffee. Statement II : Coffee is a soil nutrient exhaustive crop. Code :
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Answer A (official UPSC key)Both true, II explains I: virgin forest soils give higher coffee yields because coffee is a soil-nutrient-exhaustive crop
Consider the following crops: 1. Cotton 2. Groundnut 3. Rice 4. Wheat Which of these are Kharif crops?
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Answer C (official UPSC key)Cotton, groundnut and rice are Kharif crops | NOT: wheat (Rabi)
Consider the following statements about irrigation in Punjab : 1. Intensity of irrigation is the highest among all Indian States. 2. Area under canal irrigation is the highest among all Indian States. 3. There has been severe land degradation in Punjab owing to agricultural modernization including high intensity of irrigation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Answer B (official UPSC key)Correct: Punjab has the highest irrigation intensity and severe land degradation from intensive irrigation | NOT: highest canal-irrigated area
In the context of agricultural revolution in India, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. White revolution in the field of agricultural development is associated with modernization of sheep farming. 2. Second green revolution is associated with development of horticulture. 3. Blue revolution in the field of agriculture is associated with improvement in the production of fish and marine products. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
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Answer C (official UPSC key)Correct: Second Green Revolution - horticulture; Blue Revolution - fish and marine products | NOT: White Revolution is dairy (Operation Flood), not sheep farming
Consider the following crops of India : 1. Groundnut 2. Sesamum 3. Pearl millet Which of the above is/are predominantly rained crop/crops?
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Answer D (official UPSC key)Groundnut, sesamum and pearl millet are all predominantly rainfed crops
Consider the following crops of India : 1. Cowpea 2. Green gram 3. Pigeon pea Which of the above is/are used as pulse, fodder, and green manure?
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Answer D (official UPSC key)Cowpea, green gram and pigeon pea are all used as pulse, fodder and green manure
Which of the following is the chief characteristic of ‗mixed farming?
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Answer C (official UPSC key)Mixed farming means rearing animals and cultivating crops together
A cultivator has about two hectares of rain-fed land without irrigation facilities. Which type of crops would he likely to grow? 1. Jowar 2. Cotton 3. Arhar 4. Potatoes Choose correct Option
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Answer D (official UPSC key)On rain-fed land without irrigation the cultivator would grow jowar and arhar | NOT: cotton, potatoes (key D)
Which one among the following is not a plantation crop ?
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Answer C (official UPSC key)Wheat is not a plantation crop (coffee, sugarcane and rubber are)
Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists List I (Plant) List II (Bio-fertilizer) A. Soyabean 1. Anabaena B. Azolla 2. Rhizobium C. Pine 3. Azospirillum D. Maize 4. Mycorrhiza
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Answer B (official UPSC key)Soyabean - Rhizobium; Azolla - Anabaena; Pine - Mycorrhiza; Maize - Azospirillum
The lower Gangetic plain is characterised by a humid climate with high temperatures throughout the year. Which one among the following pairs of crops is most suitable for this region?
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Answer C (official UPSC key)Paddy and jute suit the humid, hot lower Gangetic plain
Passage (items 37-1 to 37-4): Roughly extending from 8° north to 38° north latitude and from 68°east to 98° east longitude the country of India is of great geographical extent and diversities. It sprawls from the snowy ranges of the Himalayas in the north to the shores of the Indian Ocean in the south through the great plains and plateaus in between. It is about 3200 km in length from north (Kashmir) to south (Kanyakumari) and 2900 km from west (Gujarat) to east (Arunachal Pradesh). Its vastness in area and variation in typographic character and geological structure result in great diversities in climate, vegetation, soil, cropping pattern, human activities and so on across the country. It is often known as a subcontinent. , Which one of the following is not an important reason behind the prevailing variation in cropping patterns in the country ?
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Answer D (official UPSC key)Variation in altitude is not an important reason for India's varied cropping patterns (rainfall, soil and irrigation are)
The approximate representation of land use classification in India is:
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Answer D (official UPSC key)India's land use is approximately net sown area 47%, forests 23%, other areas 30%
Following are the characteristics of an area in India: 1. Hot and humid climate 2. Annual rainfall 200 cm 3. Hill slopes up to an altitude of 1100 meters 4. Annual range of temperature 15°C to 30°C. Which one among the following crops is you most likely to find in the area described above?
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Answer C (official UPSC key)Hot humid climate, 200 cm rain, hill slopes up to 1100 meters: pepper
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?
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Answer B (official UPSC key)The National Food Security Mission targets rice, wheat and pulses
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: 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?
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Answer A (official UPSC key)Correct: coffee needs hot humid tropical climate while tea grows in tropical and subtropical areas | NOT: tea is not propagated by stem cuttings only
A farmer sows beans in his fields after harvesting a crop of wheat. Which one of the following agricultural practice is he following ?
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Answer B (official UPSC key)Sowing beans after a wheat harvest is crop rotation
Consider the following statements Assertion (A) : In areas of intensive subsistence agriculture, animal husbandry plays an insignificant role. Reason (R) : Throughout the region, the farmers are handicapped in raising cattle due to lack of scientific methods of breeding. Codes :
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Answer D (official UPSC key)A false, R true (key D): animal husbandry is not insignificant in intensive subsistence agriculture
Consider the following statements: 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?
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Answer D (official UPSC key)Neither: Chikmagalur is known for coffee, not sugar; Mandya is known for sugar, not coffee
Which one amongst the following has the largest livestock population in the world?
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Answer C (official UPSC key)India has the largest livestock population in the world
Which one of the following is the correct sequence in the decreasing order of production (in million tones) of the given foodgrains in India?
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Answer D (official UPSC key)Foodgrain production, decreasing: Rice - Wheat - Coarse Cereals - Pulses
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.
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Answer C (official UPSC key)A true, R false: Andhra Pradesh has a lower share of net sown area than West Bengal, but most of Andhra Pradesh is not laterite
Consider the following statements: 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?
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Answer A (official UPSC key)Correct: India is the only country producing all five commercial silks (Mulberry, Tropical Tasar, Oak Tasar, Eri, Muga) | NOT: India is not the largest sugar producer (key A)
Consider the following crops: 1. Cotton 2. Groundnut 3. Maize 4. Mustard Which of the above are Kharif crops?
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Answer B (official UPSC key)Cotton, groundnut and maize are Kharif crops | NOT: mustard (Rabi)
Consider the following statements : 1. In India, intensity of cropping is high in the States of the peninsular plateau. 2. In India, the States of Punjab and Haryana have the highest proportion of the net sown area to total geographical area. 3. South-west Monsoon season is termed as the Kharif season of crops. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Answer A (official UPSC key)Correct: Punjab and Haryana have the highest share of net sown area; the south-west monsoon season is the Kharif season | NOT: cropping intensity is not high in peninsular plateau states
Match List-I (Produce) with List-II (Major Producer State) and select the correct answer using the codes given below: List-I (Produce) List-II (Major Producer State) A. Rubber 1. Andhra Pradesh B. Soyabean 2. Tamil Nadu C. Groundnut 3. Madhya Pradesh D. Wheat 4. Kerala 5. Uttar Pradesh Codes:
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Answer C (official UPSC key)Rubber - Kerala; Soyabean - Madhya Pradesh; Groundnut - Andhra Pradesh; Wheat - Uttar Pradesh
Consider the following statements: 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?
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Answer B (official UPSC key)Correct (key B): India ranks second in tobacco exports | NOT: India is not first in fruit production (China is; India is second)
Consider the following statements: 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?
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Answer C (official UPSC key)Both correct: India is the original home of cotton and the first country to develop a hybrid cotton variety
Assertion (A): Eastern coast of India produces more rice than the western coast. Reason (R): Eastern coast receives more rainfall than the western coast.
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Answer C (official UPSC key)A true, R false: the east coast produces more rice than the west coast, but it does not receive more rainfall
Consider the following high-yielding varieties of crops in India: 1. Arjun 2. Jaya 3. Padma 4. Sonalika Which of these is of wheat?
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Answer C (official UPSC key)Arjun and Sonalika are high-yielding wheat varieties (Jaya and Padma are rice)
Consider the following statements : 1. Alluvial soil is rich in chemical properties and is capable of yielding Rabi and Kharif crops. 2. Black soil is suitable for cotton, groundnut. 3. Rabi crops are reaped in autumn after sowing in June. Which of these statements are correct ?
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Answer B (official UPSC key)Correct: alluvial soil is rich and yields both Rabi and Kharif crops; black soil suits cotton and groundnut | NOT: Rabi crops are sown in winter, not June
Which one of the following agricultural practices is eco-friendly?
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Answer A (official UPSC key)Organic farming is the eco-friendly practice (no synthetic fertilizers or pesticides)
Which one of the following is the correct sequence of the states (labeled 1, 2, 3, and 4) of India shown on the map in descending order in terms of available groundwater resources for irrigation? [1998]
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Answer D (official UPSC key)Map item (key D): descending groundwater available for irrigation is states 4, 3, 2, 1
The discovery of Oak flora in 1966 added a new chapter to the history of Indian Sericulture. Which one of the following states is the leading producer of Oak Tasar silk?
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Answer A (official UPSC key)Assam is the leading producer of Oak Tasar silk (key A)
Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: [1998] List-I (Agricultural products) List-II (Foremost producer) A. Cotton 1. Madhya Pradesh B. Gram 2. Gujarat C. Black pepper 3. West Bengal D. Pineapple 4. Kerala
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Answer A (official UPSC key)Cotton - Gujarat; Gram - Madhya Pradesh; Black pepper - Kerala; Pineapple - West Bengal
Related topics
India: Location, States, Boundaries & Neighbours · 42Physiography: Himalayas, Plains, Plateau, Coasts & Islands · 83Drainage: Rivers, Lakes, Dams & River Projects · 153Indian Climate & Monsoon · 35Indian Soils · 51Natural Vegetation & Forests of India · 40Minerals & Energy Resources · 71Industries & Industrial Regions · 22Transport, Ports & Communication · 71Population, Settlements, Urbanisation & Tribes · 77