Important Questions Test: Crop Production And Management - UPSC MCQ

Watering the crops is called irrigation.
Irrigation is the process of applying controlled amounts of water to plants or crops to promote their growth. It is an essential agricultural practice in areas where rainfall is insufficient or irregular. Here is a detailed explanation of why irrigation is important:
1. Definition and Purpose
- Irrigation refers to the artificial application of water to the soil for agricultural purposes.
- The main purpose of irrigation is to provide water to plants when natural rainfall is inadequate to meet their water requirements.
2. Water Conservation
- Irrigation helps conserve water by ensuring that plants receive the right amount of water at the right time.
- It allows for efficient water distribution, reducing wastage and preventing water scarcity.
3. Crop Yield and Quality
- Adequate irrigation ensures optimal crop yield and quality.
- Water is vital for plant growth, photosynthesis, nutrient absorption, and overall plant health.
- Irrigation helps maintain soil moisture levels, preventing drought stress and improving crop productivity.
4. Drought Mitigation
- Irrigation can help mitigate the effects of drought by providing water to crops during dry periods.
- It reduces the risk of crop failure and helps farmers sustain their livelihoods in areas prone to drought.
5. Types of Irrigation
- There are various methods of irrigation, including surface irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, drip irrigation, and sub-irrigation.
- Each method has its advantages and is selected based on factors such as crop type, soil characteristics, and water availability.
6. Environmental Considerations
- Proper irrigation management is crucial to prevent waterlogging, soil erosion, and nutrient leaching.
- It is important to monitor water usage and apply irrigation techniques that minimize negative environmental impacts.
In conclusion, irrigation plays a vital role in agriculture by providing water to crops, ensuring their growth, and maximizing yields. It helps conserve water, mitigate drought effects, and improve overall crop quality. By understanding the importance of irrigation, farmers can make informed decisions to optimize their agricultural practices.

The definition of weed :- in a field many other unwanted plant grow naturally along with the crops this unwanted plant are called weed....the removal of weeds is called weeding..... weed can control by many way like manual weeding ,mechanical weeding, chemical weedings, biological weeding ...

Combine, is a machine designed to efficiently harvest a variety of grain crops. The name derives from combining reaping, threshing, and winnowing into a single process.

The process of separating grains from chaff is called as winnowing

Weedicides are used to destroy:
- Insects
- Weeds
- Pests
- None of these
Explanation:
Weedicides, as the name suggests, are specifically designed to eliminate or control the growth of weeds. Weeds are unwanted plants that compete with crops or desired vegetation for nutrients, water, and sunlight. Weedicides are herbicides that are formulated to target and kill weeds, without adversely affecting the desired plants or crops.
Here's why the other options are not correct:
- Insects: Insects are typically controlled using insecticides, which are different from weedicides or weedicides. Insecticides are formulated to target and kill insects, including pests that damage crops.
- Pests: While some pests can be controlled using weedicides, the primary purpose of weedicides is to target and control the growth of weeds. Pests, such as insects, rodents, and other organisms that damage crops, are typically controlled using specific pest control methods and pesticides.
- None of these: This option is incorrect because weedicides are indeed used to destroy weeds. They are specifically designed and formulated to target and eliminate unwanted weed growth.
In conclusion, weedicides are used to destroy weeds and are not intended for controlling insects, pests, or any other organisms.

Rabi crops are sown in winter from October to December and harvested in summer from April to June. Some of the important rabi crops are wheat, barley, peas, gram and mustard.

The answer is A: Rabi crops.
Rabi crops are crops that are sown in winter and harvested in spring. Wheat and gram are two examples of Rabi crops.
Here is a detailed explanation:
Rabi crops:
- Rabi crops are grown during the winter season, which starts from October and lasts until March or April.
- These crops require cool weather for germination and warm weather for growth.
- They are sown at the beginning of the winter season and harvested at the end of the spring season.
- Rabi crops are mainly grown in regions with a temperate climate.
Wheat:
- Wheat is one of the most important Rabi crops.
- It is a cereal grain that is widely cultivated for its edible seeds.
- Wheat is a staple food crop and is used to make various food products such as bread, pasta, and noodles.
- The major wheat-growing regions in India are Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.
Gram:
- Gram, also known as chickpea or Bengal gram, is another Rabi crop.
- It is a legume crop that is grown for its nutritious seeds.
- Gram is a rich source of protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals.
- It is used in various dishes, such as curries, salads, and snacks.
- The major gram-growing regions in India are Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
Therefore, both wheat and gram belong to the category of Rabi crops.

The crops that are sown in the rainy season are called Kharif crops in India. Kharif crops are usually sown with the beginning of the first rains in July. The example of kharif crops are:- 
Paddy and maize. 

Weedicides are commonly called herbicides. They are chemicals that control weeds to enter the field and compete with the crops andhence cause a direct effect on the crop. Some common herbicides are Metachlor, Nitofen, Round-  up and  2,4-D.

The correct answer is A as Seed drill is a device that sows the seeds for crops by positioning them in the soil and burying them to a specific depth.

Explanation:
Organic matter refers to any material that is derived from living organisms or their byproducts. Manures are a type of organic matter that is commonly used as fertilizers in agriculture. Here's a detailed explanation:
Definition of Manures:
- Manures are organic materials that are used to improve the fertility and structure of soil.
- They are typically derived from animal waste, such as cow dung, horse manure, or poultry litter.
- Manures can also be obtained from decomposed plant matter, such as compost.
Characteristics of Manures:
- Manures are rich in organic nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are essential for plant growth.
- They also contain other beneficial elements like calcium, magnesium, sulfur, and trace minerals.
- Manures improve soil structure by increasing its ability to retain water and nutrients.
- They enhance microbial activity in the soil, promoting the breakdown of organic matter and nutrient availability to plants.
Benefits of Using Manures:
- Manures are a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilizers.
- They provide a slow-release of nutrients, reducing the risk of nutrient leaching and runoff.
- Manures improve soil fertility over time, allowing for long-term sustainability in agriculture.
- They contribute to the development of a healthy soil ecosystem, supporting beneficial soil organisms and biodiversity.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, manures are indeed organic matter. They are derived from animal waste or decomposed plant matter and are used to improve soil fertility and structure. The use of manures in agriculture promotes sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.

Yes, Manure and fertilisers are used to add nutrients in the soil. Farmers turn to fertilizers because these substances contain plant nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilizers are simply plant nutrients applied to agricultural fields to supplement required elements found naturally in the soil.

Combine is machine used in harvesting crops. Combine harvest all crop easily. We don't have to work Mannualy for harvesting crops.
So, the statement that combine is used for sowing of seeds is false.
 

False because first agricultural task is preparation of soil.

Drip irrigation is water economical method because in this irrigation system water falls drop by drop on the position of roots of the plant, thereby reducing both the consumption and loss of water.

Seed drill is for drilling the seeds or actually sowing seeds not removing seeds.

Winowing is used for this process.

 

Kharif crops, which are also known as monsoon crops, are the crops which are grown during the monsoon or rainy season (June to October). ... The main Kharif crops grown in India include paddy, maize, jowar, bajra, cotton, sugarcane, groundnut, pulses etc.

Fertilizers enhance the natural fertility of the soil or replace the chemical elements taken from the soil by previous crops. Modern chemical fertilizers includes one or more of the three elements that are most important in plant nutrition:- nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

Explanation:
Rahat is the device which is used to plough fields.
The given statement is false. The device used to plough fields is called a plough and not Rahat.
Reason:
- Rahat is not a term or device commonly used for ploughing fields.
- Ploughs are agricultural tools or implements used to break up and turn over the soil in order to prepare it for planting.
- Ploughs can be manual or mechanized, with different designs and features depending on the type of soil and the farming practices of the region.
- Rahat is not a recognized term or device in the field of agriculture or farming.
- It is important to use the correct terminology when referring to agricultural tools and equipment to avoid confusion or misunderstanding.

The Thanjavur district is famously known as the "Granary of South India", since the rule of Chola dynasty. This district lies at the Kaveri delta region, the most fertile region in the Tamil Nadu state. The district is the main rice producing region in the state and therefore known as "Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu".