UPSC Agriculture Optional Syllabus
Paper-I: Agriculture
1. Agro-climatic zones of India:
- Classification and characteristics of agro-climatic zones in India.
- Impact of agro-climatic zones on agricultural practices and crop selection.
2. Cropping patterns and cropping systems:
- Types of cropping patterns in India.
- Traditional and modern cropping systems.
- Factors affecting cropping patterns and systems.
3. Agriculture production and productivity:
- Trends in agricultural production and productivity in India.
- Factors affecting agricultural production and ways to enhance productivity.
- Role of technology in agricultural production.
4. Soil and water management:
- Soil types, formation, and classification.
- Soil fertility and nutrient management.
- Soil erosion, conservation, and reclamation techniques.
- Water resources and their management in agriculture.
5. Plant breeding and genetics:
- Principles of plant breeding.
- Types of plant breeding methods.
- Application of biotechnology in plant breeding.
- Seed production and certification.
6. Crop physiology:
- Plant growth and development.
- Photosynthesis, respiration, and transpiration.
- Nutrient uptake and assimilation.
- Environmental factors affecting crop physiology.
7. Plant protection:
- Pests, diseases, and weeds in agriculture.
- Integrated pest management.
- Plant quarantine and biosecurity measures.
- Pesticides and their safe use.
Paper-II: Agriculture
1. Farm management and agricultural marketing:
- Farm management principles and practices.
- Farm planning, budgeting, and financial management.
- Agricultural marketing channels and institutions.
- Marketing strategies and price determination.
2. Agricultural extension and rural development:
- Role and importance of agricultural extension.
- Methods and approaches in agricultural extension.
- Role of ICT in agricultural extension.
- Rural development programs and policies.
3. Agricultural economics:
- Basic concepts in agricultural economics.
- Farm and non-farm activities in rural areas.
- Agricultural finance and credit.
- Agricultural subsidies and their impact.
4. Agro-based industries and rural entrepreneurship:
- Agro-processing industries.
- Value addition and post-harvest management.
- Role of rural entrepreneurship in agribusiness.
- Government initiatives for promoting rural entrepreneurship.
5. Current issues in agriculture:
- Climate change and its impact on agriculture.
- Genetically modified crops and their controversies.
- Organic farming and sustainable agriculture.
- Food security and food safety issues.
UPSC Previous Year Questions with Essays: Agriculture Optional
1. Analyze the role of technology in enhancing agricultural productivity in India.
2. Discuss the challenges and opportunities in organic farming for sustainable agriculture.
3. Examine the impact of climate change on crop production and suggest adaptation strategies.
4. Evaluate the role of agricultural subsidies in promoting rural development.
5. Critically analyze the controversies surrounding genetically modified crops in India.
Note: This syllabus is intended to give an overview of the topics covered in the UPSC Agriculture Optional exam. It is advisable to refer to the official UPSC website for the most updated and detailed syllabus.
This course is helpful for the following exams: UPSC