UPSC Previous Year Questions (Prelims): Agriculture - 1 | Geography for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Q.1. How is permaculture farming different from conventional chemical farming?     (2021) 

1. Permaculture farming discourages monocultural practical but in conventional chemical farming, monoculture practices are pre-dominant.
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 semi-arid regions but permaculture farming is not so 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.
(a) 1 and 3
(b) 1, 2 and 4
(c) 4 only
(d) 2 and 3

Correct Answer is Option (b)

• Statement 1 is correct: Permaculture is a totally integrated design system that’s modelled on nature. Permaculture farming promotes multicropping and integrated farming systems. Agroforestry is its example.  
• Chemical farming is more suitable for monoculture cropping due to use of crop specific inputs like irrigation, chemical fertiliser and harvesting methods.  
• Statement 2 is correct: Chemical fertilizers will make the soil less fertile over time, which can lead to serious problems like soil salinisation. But such problems are not seen in permaculture farming as it relies on organic fertilizers.  
• Statement 3 is incorrect: Chemical farming is based on intense use of inputs like Chemical fertilizers and irrigation that make the soil less fertile over time, thus restricting its practise in semi-arid region. Thus, conventional farming is not suitable for semi-arid regions.  
• The concept of permaculture involves well-designed systems don’t produce waste and permaculture tries to mimic well-designed systems. Thus, permaculture tries to take into account the local conditions like arid climate. This helps in developing a suitable system to ensure sustainable production. 
• Statement 4 is correct: Mulching is an important component of Permaculture systems for promoting maximum efficiency.  
• Chemical farming does not consider it as essential, so farmers in general do not use mulching. 

Q.2. 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?       (2021)
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer is Option (b)

• Statement 1 is incorrect: More than 80 percent of palm oil is grown in Southeast Asia, with Indonesia and Malaysia leading the world in production of the commodity. Oil palms were introduced to Malaysia and Indonesia in the mid-20th century from Africa, and large scale production followed. The growth has been rapid and widespread, and the natural forest and all that live in it face a dire future.
• Statement 2 is correct: Palm oil and its derivatives are present in at least 70% of cosmetic products, according to Croda, a global specialty ingredients supplier to the beauty and personal care industry.
• This goes to show that palm-derived ingredients are preferred by the manufacturers for their functional benefits.
• Statement 3 is correct: Generally, RBD palm oil is used to produce biodiesel due to the low FFA content (0.1-0.5%) and thus minimize the impact of saponification reaction. Darnoko and Cheryan (2000) studied the transesterification of RBD palm oil with methanol catalyzed by KOH.

Q.3. Among the following which one is the least water-efficient crop?         (2021)
(a) Sugarcane
(b) Sunflower
(c) Pearl millet
(d) Red gram

Correct Answer is Option (a)

• Option a is correct: Sugarcane is the least water efficient crop. Among the given options, its water requirement is 1800-2200 mm/season which is highest.  
• Option b is incorrect: Sunflower’s water requirement was estimated at 672.4 mm/season. 
• Option c is incorrect: Pearl millet is a drought tolerant crop.
• Water requirement: 350 mm/season. 
• Option d is incorrect: Red gram uses about 250-400 mm/season of water.  

Q.4. In the context of India’s preparation for Climate-Smart Agriculture, consider the following statements:       (2021)

1. The ‘Climate-Smart Village’ approach in India is a part of a project led by the Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS), an international research programme.
2. The project of CCAFS is carried out under Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) headquartered in France.
3. The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in India is one of the CGIAR’s research centres. 

Which of the statements given above are correct?   
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer is Option (d)

• Statement 1 is correct: Rajapakar is a Climate-Smart Village (CSV), a part of a project led by the CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS). Built on the principles of CSA, this program provides technological, organizational and systemic support to farmers in association with institutions to help them cope with climate change, in 36 sites across 20 countries.
• Statement 2 is correct: The governance and management of the CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS) are based on lessons learned by CGIAR headquartered in France.
• Statement 3 is correct: ICRISAT is headquartered in Patancheru near Hyderabad, Telangana, India, with two regional hubs and six country offices in sub-Saharan Africa. It is a member of the CGIAR Consortium. CGIAR is a global research partnership for a food secure future.

Q.5. 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?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer is Option (d)

• Biochar is a stable, carbon-rich form of charcoal that is applied to the soil. 
• biochars from manures and food wastes recorded higher nitrogen and phosphorus levels. So #2 is right. 
• Some biochars can increase soil fertility, water holding capacity, and crop productivity. So #3 is right 
• There is only one option where #2 and #3 are together so the answer is “d”.

Q.6. “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) 
(a) Cotton 
(b) Jute 
(c) Sugarcane
(d) Tea

Correct Answer is Option (a)

• Sugarcane requires an annual rainfall of between 75cm. and 100cm. Irrigation is required in regions of low rainfall. So, #C was eliminated. 
• Cotton requires high temperature, light rainfall or irrigation, 210 frost-free days. 
• Jute: require es high temperature, heavy rainfall, and humid climate 
• Tea: requires a cool climate and well-distributed high rainfall throughout the year 
• Cotton: Cotton requires high temperature, light rainfall, 210 frost-free days. 
• Considering these descriptions, cotton seems to be the better choice among the given options.

Q.7. 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: 

(a) 1 and 2 only 
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only 
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer is Option (d)

• Open burning of crop residues in the agricultural fields has become an environmental concern in India, particularly during the paddy harvesting season. ....The Union government is providing subsidies for Happy Seeders, Zero Till Seed Drill, etc. which can help to plant the seeds for the next crop without burning the previous crop. So, #1 is correct. Ref: Economic Survey 2019-20 Volume 2 page 186-189. 
• In the zero tillage, We are not disturbing the soil and we are not burning the previous crop Residue so that way, it could help in Carbon sequestration. So, #3 should be correct.

Q.8. 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:
(a) 1, 2, and 3 only
(b) 1, 2, and 4 only
(c) 1, 3, and 4 only
(d) 2, 3, and 4 only

Correct Answer is Option (c)

NCERT vocational class 11 floriculture ist book page 84:  When an element forms precipitate with another substance commonly found in the irrigation water, it is not advisable to use this method. Phosphorus and anhydrous ammonia may form a precipitate in water with high calcium and magnesium content. So they are not used in fertigation. So 2nd statement is wrong by elimination we arrived at the answer “c”.

Q.9. 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:
(a) 1, 3 and 4
(b) 2, 3, 4 and 5
(c) 2, 4 and 5 
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 5

Correct Answer is Option (c)

Kurukshetra February 2018 Issue on Agriculture, page 43 has given three key features of conservation agriculture viz: i. minimum soil disturbance by adopting no-tillage or minimum tillage and reduced traffic for agricultural operations. So, #2 is right. This eliminates Option (a) ii. maximum soil cover by leaving crop residues on the soil surface. So, #4 is right. This eliminates Option (d) iii. adopt spatial and temporal crop sequencing/crop rotation. So, #5 is verbatim right. Hence final answer (c)

Q.10. 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:
(a) 1 only 
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer is Option (d)
Since UPSC has combined the preliminary exam of civil services and forest services, so few such odd questions are expected. There is no need to lose sleep if you can't solve it. But let's do it: NCERT Class 12 Biology Chapter 6: "Molecular Basis of Inheritance". It explains the benefits of human genome sequencing that- "It is the sequence of bases in DNA that determines the genetic information of a given organism. So, learning about the DNA sequences can lead to an understanding of their natural capabilities that can be applied toward solving challenges in health care, agriculture, energy production, environmental remediation." So on that logic, statements 1 and 3 should be possible, and if 1 and 3 are possible then statement 2 ought to be possible as well! So answer (d) all three statements are correct. Searching academic papers on Google Scholar engineer confirms that (d) is the answer.

Q.11. Which of the following practices can help in water conservation in agriculture?  (2017-I)

1. Reduced or zero tillage of the land
2. Applying gypsum before irrigating the field
3. Allowing crop residue to remain in the field

Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only    
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only    
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer is Option (c)
According to the Kurukshetra Magazine, November 2017 special issue on irrigation: Tillage exposes the soil to drying, conversely, reductions in tillage help conserve soil water. So #1 is right. The retention of crop residues helps in reducing water loss from the soil to the air and cools the soil. So, #3 is right. According to some random research papers & Google books, even gypsum application helps in water conservation so experts were divided between Option (c) or (d). But in the official answer key, UPSC has kept (c) as the correct answer.

Q.12. 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:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only 
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer is Option (c)
Both statements are correct as per Government notification.

Q.13. 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?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only 
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer is Option (b)
A soil health card provides information about 12 soil parameters, so farmer can use appropriate fertilizers. hence only 3 is the correct statement. Statement 1 and 2 are irrelevant.

Q.14. 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.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only 
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer is Option (c)
(i) This initiative aims to demonstrate the improved production and post-harvest technologies in an integrated manner to catalyze increased production of millets in the country. The scheme, through processing and value addition techniques, is expected to generate consumer demand for millet-based food products. Poor, small, marginal, and tribal farmers have a larger stake in this scheme.
(ii) 1st and 2nd statements are right. The policy aims to give free kits but “wanting to shift commercial crop farmers to millet” doesn’t fit logic. There is no such mention in the scheme, nor any talk about giving micro-irrigation equipment. Hence 3rd statement is wrong.

Q.15. 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) 

1. 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 
2. To identify and safeguard eco-friendly traditional farm practices and their associated landscapes, agricultural biodiversity, and knowledge systems of the local communities 
3. 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.
(a) 1 and 3 only 
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer is Option (b)
(i) In order to safeguard and support the world’s agricultural heritage systems, in 2002 FAO started an initiative for the dynamic conservation of Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS). The GIAHS Initiative promotes public understanding, awareness, national and international recognition of Agricultural Heritage systems. It aims to identify and ensure global recognition of the importance of unique traditional agricultural systems for food security and sustainable development. The GIAHS initiative explicitly recognizes that change in “traditional” political, social, and economic processes is inevitable; they cannot be frozen or re-created.
(ii) There is no provision to give Geographical indication to “ALL” varieties. Hence statement 3 is wrong. By elimination method, we are left with answer (b) only 2.

Q.16. The terms 'Agreement on Agriculture', 'Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures' and 'Peace Clause' appear in the news frequently in the context of the affairs of the   (2015-I)
(a) Food and Agriculture Organization
(b) United Nations Framework Conference on Climate Change
(c) World Trade Organisation
(d) United Nations Environment Programme

Correct Answer is Option (c)
'Agreement on Agriculture', 'Agr eement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures' and 'Peace Clause' are related to World Trade Organisation.

Q.17. In India, markets in agricultural products are regulated under the      (2015-I)
(a) Essential Commodities Act, 1955 
(b) Agricultural Produce Market Committee Act enacted by States 
(c) Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marking) Act, 1937
(d) Food Products Order, 1 956 and Meat and Food Products Order, 1973

Correct Answer is Option (b)
Agricultural Produce Market Committee Acts of respective states are responsible for markets in agricultural products.

Q.18.  What can be the impact of excessive/inappropriate use of nitrogenous fertilizers in agriculture?   (2015-I) 

1. The proliferation of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms in soil can occur. 
2. Increase in the acidity of soil can take place. 
3. Leaching of nitrate to the ground-water can occur. 

Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer is Option (c)
Excessive/inappropriate use of nitrogenous fertilizers increases the acidity of soil and the Leaching of nitrate into the ground water.

Q.19. Which one of the following best describes the main objective of the 'Seed Village Concept'? (2015-I)
(a) Encouraging the farmers to use their own farm seeds and discouraging them to buy the seeds from others
(b) Involving the farmers for training in quality seed production and thereby to make available quality seeds to others at the appropriate time and affordable cost
(c) Earmarking  some villages exclusively for the production of certified seeds
(d) Identifying the entrepreneurs in the village and providing them technology and finance to set up seed companies

Correct Answer is Option (b)
The seed village concept is to promote the quality seed production of foundation and certified seed classes. The area which is suitable for raising a particular crop will be selected and raised with a single variety of a kind. A suitable area for seed production will be identified by the Scientists. The foundation/ certified seeds or University labeled seeds will be supplied by the University through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and Research Stations at 50% subsidy cost to the identified farmers in the area. The farmers will use these quality seeds and take up their own seed production in a small area (1 acre) for their own use. The crops are Rice, Pulses, and Oilseeds.

Q.20. The substitution of steel for wooden ploughs in agricultural production is an example of    (2015-I) 
(a) labor-augmenting technological progress 
(b) capital-augmenting technological progress 
(c) capital-reducing technological progress 
(d) None of the above

Correct Answer is Option (b)
Capital-augmenting technological progress results in the more productive use of existing capital goods; for example, the substitution of steel from wooden ploughs in agricultural production.

Q.21.  Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding vegetative propagation of plants?   (2014 - I) 

1. Vegetative propagation produces a clonal population. 
2. Vegetative propagation helps in eliminating the virus. 
3. Vegetative propagation can be practiced most of the year. 

Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only 
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer is Option (c)
Vegetative reproduction is a form of asexual reproduction in plants. It is a process by which new organisms arise without the production of seeds. It helps in the development of clones. Vegetative propagation involves only mitosis, this ensures that the genetic information in the DNA of vegetative progeny (child) is the same as in the mother plant and can be practiced throughout the year. However, it does not helps in the elimination of viruses. A plant once systematically infected with a virus usually remains infected for its lifetime. Thus any vegetative parts taken for propagation remain infected.

Q.22. 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?   (2014 - I)
(a) The oil extracted from seeds is used in the manufacture of biodegradable plastics 
(b) The gum made from its seeds is used in the extraction of shale gas
(c) The leaf extract of this plant has the properties of antihistamines
(d) It is a source of high-quality biodiesel

Correct Answer is Option (b)
Guar gum is used in hydraulic fracturing technology during shale gas extraction.

Q.23. What are the benefits of implementing the ‘Integrated Watershed Development Programme’?   (2014 - I) 

1. Prevention of soil runoff 
2. Linking the country’s perennial rivers with seasonal rivers
3. Rainwater harvesting and recharge of groundwater table 
4. Regeneration of natural vegetation 

Selects the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only 
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Correct Answer is Option (c)
Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) was launched during 2009-10. It aims at Prevention of soil runoff, Rainwater harvesting, and recharge of groundwater table, and Regeneration of natural vegetation.

Q.24. Consider the following pairs: (2014 - I)
Which of the above pairs is/ are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2 only 
(b) 3 only 
(c) 1, 2 and 3 
(d)  None

Correct Answer is Option (d)
The draught-prone area program is by the ministry of Rural development to minimize the adverse effects of drought on the production of crops and livestock and productivity of land, water, and human resources. The desert development program is also by the ministry of Rural development to minimize the adverse effect of drought and control desertification. National Watershed Development Project for Rainfed Areas is by the ministry of agriculture.

Q.25. What are the significances of a practical approach to sugarcane production known as the 'Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative'?      (2014-I)

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.
(a) 1 and 3 only    
(b) 1, 2 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only    
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Correct Answer is Option (b)
NPK (fertilizers) can be applied at the rate of 112 kg, 25 kg, and 48 kg per acre, respectively through inorganic or organic methods. Hence statement #3 is wrong, this eliminates (a), (c), and (d). therefore, answer (b) 1,2,4 only.

Q.26. Consider the following statements :      (2014 - I) 

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?
(a) 1 only 
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer is Option (d)
All three statements are correct as Maize can be used for the production of starch. Oil extracted from maize can be a feedstock for biodiesel. Alcoholic beverages can be produced by using maize.

Q.26. Consider the phenomena of the following techniques:    (2014 - I)

1. Budding and grafting in fruit plants  
2. Cytoplasmic male sterility 
3. Gene silencing 

Which of the above is/are used to create transgenic crops?
(a) 1 only 
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3 
(d) None

Correct Answer is Option (d)
Cytoplasmic male sterility and gene silencing are used for the creation of transgenic crops. Grafting and budding in fruit plants are not used for transgenic crop production but used during regular horticulture practices.

Q.28. Consider the following pairs:  (2014 - I)

Which of the above pairs is/ are correctly matched? 
(a) 1 and 2 only 
(b) 3 only 
(c) 1, 2 and 3 
(d) None

Correct Answer is Option (d)
Kinnaur (Himachal) is famous for apples. Areca nut is mostly confined to Karnataka, Kerala, and Assam. Mewat in Haryana is not famous for mango. UP is famous for mango. Similarly, the coromandel coast is not famous for soya beans. The top two producers of soya are Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra which are outside the coromandel coast. Therefore, (d) is the correct option.

Q.29. With reference to the Neem tree, consider the following statements : (2014 - I) 

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? 
(a) 1 and 2 only 
(b) 3 only 
(c) 1 and 3 only 
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer is Option (c)
Neem oil can be used as a pesticide to control the proliferation of some species of insects and mites and also has applications in the pharmaceutical industry as neem oil has various medicinal properties.