Test: Crop Production and Management- 2 - UPSC MCQ

The process of cutting the mature crop manually or by machine is called harvesting. The crops are pulled out or cut close to the ground.

Winnowing is an agricultural method developed by ancient cultures for separating grain from the chaff.
It is also used to remove hay and chaff or other pests from stored grain.

• Monsoon or rainy season, lasting from June to September.
• The season is dominated by the humid southwest summer monsoon, which slowly sweeps across the country beginning in late May or early June.
• Monsoon rains begin to recede from North India at the beginning of October. South India typically receives more rainfall.

When plants of the same kind are grown and cultivated in one place on large scale, it is called a crop.
Example: Crop of wheat, crop of rice, etc.

• A hoe is a traditional tool used by farmers primarily for removing weeds and loosening the soil.

• An axe is used for cutting wood.

• A plough is used for turning and breaking up soil before sowing.

So, Hoe is the best fit for both purposes mentioned in the question.

The sprinkler system is ideal for uneven land due to its ability to distribute water evenly across various terrains using rotating nozzles, mimicking natural rainfall. While drip irrigation is more water-efficient, sprinklers are better adapted for handling uneven landscapes, making them the most suitable choice in this scenario.

Drip irrigation is an efficient method that conserves water by:

• Delivering water drop by drop directly to the roots of plants.
• Minimising evaporation and runoff, ensuring that more water reaches the plants.
• Reducing the need for frequent watering, as the soil remains moist for longer.
• Promoting healthy root growth by providing consistent moisture levels.

This system is particularly beneficial in areas with limited water resources.

Manual removal of weeds is an essential practice in agriculture to ensure healthy crop growth. One effective tool for this task is the khurpi, which is specifically designed for uprooting weeds. Here are some key points about the khurpi and its use:

• The khurpi is a simple hand tool with a sharp, curved blade.
• It allows farmers to remove weeds by cutting them close to the ground.
• Using a khurpi helps in reducing competition for water, nutrients, and light between crops and weeds.
• This method is particularly effective before weeds flower and produce seeds.

In addition to manual methods, farmers may also use chemical weedicides to control weed growth, but manual removal remains a vital technique.