Test: Agriculture - 2 - UPSC MCQ

• Wheat is a cereal crop that requires moderate amounts of water for optimal growth.
• The ideal annual rainfall range for wheat cultivation is between 50 and 75 cm (approximately 20 to 30 inches).
• This amount of rainfall is sufficient to support wheat growth and development without causing waterlogging or drought stress.

Therefore, option A, 50 and 75 cm, represents the suitable annual rainfall range for wheat cultivation.

• The Ganga-Sutlej plains in northern India and the Deccan Trap in central and southern India are the two main wheat-growing regions in India.
• These regions have favorable agro-climatic conditions for wheat cultivation, including suitable soil types, adequate water availability, and appropriate temperature regimes.
• The Ganga-Sutlej plains, which include parts of Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh, are known for their fertile alluvial soils and irrigation facilities, making them ideal for wheat farming.
• The Deccan Trap, covering parts of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka, also supports significant wheat cultivation due to its black soil and moderate climate.

Therefore, option A correctly identifies the two main wheat-growing regions in India.

• Rajasthan is the largest producer of bajra (pearl millet) in India.
• Bajra is well-suited to Rajasthan's arid and semi-arid climate and is grown extensively in the state.
• The sandy soils and low rainfall conditions of Rajasthan are favorable for bajra cultivation.
• Apart from Rajasthan, other states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Haryana also cultivate bajra, but Rajasthan leads in production.

Therefore, option A correctly identifies Rajasthan as the largest producer of bajra.

• Jowar, also known as sorghum, is the third most important food crop in India.
• It is widely cultivated across various states, particularly in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Madhya Pradesh.
• Jowar is valued for its drought resistance and ability to grow well in semi-arid conditions.
• It is used for human consumption as well as for animal feed.
• Rice and wheat are the first and second most important food crops in India, respectively.

Therefore, option C correctly identifies Jowar as the third most important food crop of India.

Pulses, such as lentils, beans, and chickpeas, are a significant source of protein in vegetarian diets.

Maize grows best in temperatures between 21°C to 27°C and requires well-drained fertile soil.

Sugarcane thrives in tropical climates with temperatures between 21°C to 27°C and moderate rainfall.

Pulses do not typically require intensive irrigation facilities and are often grown in rotation with other crops to improve soil fertility.

Clayey soil with high water-holding capacity can lead to waterlogging, which can spoil tea crop growth.

Approximately 12% of India's cropped area is dedicated to oilseed cultivation.

Rubber is an important raw material for the automobile industry, used in the manufacturing of tires and various automotive components.

Coffee cultivation was first introduced in India by Baba Budan in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka, in the Baba Budan Hills.

Jute is known as the golden fiber due to its golden color and economic importance in various industries.

• Sericulture refers to the rearing of silkworms (Bombyx mori) for the production of silk fiber.
• It involves the cultivation of mulberry plants, which are the primary food source for silkworms.
• The process includes various stages such as rearing silkworms, feeding them mulberry leaves, harvesting cocoons, and extracting silk fibers from the cocoons.
• Sericulture is an important agricultural practice in countries like China, India, Japan, and several European nations.

Therefore, option A correctly identifies sericulture as the term used for the rearing of silkworms for silk production.

Gram (chickpea) is a rabi crop, sown in winter and harvested in summer.

Plantation agriculture involves the cultivation of a single crop on a large-scale plantation.

The government announces the Minimum Support Price (MSP) to support farmers by ensuring a minimum price for their crops.

Pulses are leguminous crops, which fix nitrogen in the soil and are rich sources of protein.

Plantation agriculture is a type of commercial farming focused on cultivating cash crops on large estates for profit.

Primitive subsistence farming is commonly known as slash and burn agriculture, where farmers clear land by slashing vegetation and burning the debris.