Agriculture - Solved Questions (1995-2013) | UPSC Topic Wise Previous Year Questions PDF Download

Question 1:
Consider the following crops: [2013 - I] 
1. Cotton 
2. Groundnut 
3. Rice 
4. Wheat 
Which of these are Kharif crops? 
(a) 1 and 4 
(b) 2 and 3 only 
(c) 1, 2 and 3 
(d) 2, 3 and 4

Correct Answer is Option (c)
Rice is the main Kharif crop and groundnut and cotton are also the Kharif crops wheat is a raki.

Question 2:
Contour bunding is a method of soil conservation used in [2013 - I] 
(a) desert margins, liable to strong wind action 
(b) low flat plains, close to stream courses, liable to flooding 
(c) scrublands, liable to spread of weed growth 
(d) None of the above

Correct Answer is Option (d)
Contour Bunding is one of the simple methods of soil and water conservation. This technique is used at places where the land is sloppy. Due to slope, soil and nutrients erode fast which makes agriculture on this land very uneconomical. To adopt this technique the agriculture field's contours are marked and then the bunds are taken along the contours.

Question 3:
Consider the following crops of India : [2012 - I] 
1. Groundnut 
2. Sesamum 
3. Pearl millet 
Which of the above is/are predominantly rained crop/crops? 
(a) 1 and 2 only 
(b) 2 and 3 only 
(c) 3 only 
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer is Option (d)
All of them are predominantly rain-fed crops

Question 4:
Consider the following crops of India : [2012 - I] 
1. Cowpea 
2. Green gram 
3. Pigeon pea 
Which of the above is/are used as pulse, fodder, and green manure? 
(a) 1 and 2 only 
(b) 2 only 
(c) 1 and 3 only 
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer is Option (d)
All these crops are leguminous crops (Pulses crops) and have the capacity to fix atmospheric nitrogen through symbiotic nitrogen fixation.

Question 5:
Which of the following is the chief characteristic of ‘mixed farming? [2012 - I] 
(a) Cultivation of both cash crops and food crops 
(b) Cultivation of two or more crops in the same field 
(c) Rearing of animals and cultivation of crops together 
(d) None of the above

Correct Answer is Option (c)
Mixed farming refers to the rearing of animals and the cultivation of crops together.

Question 6:
Salinization occurs when the irrigation water accumulated in the soil evaporates, leaving behind salts and minerals. What are the effects of salinization on the irrigated land? [2011 - I]
(a) It greatly increases the crop production
(b) It makes some soils impermeable
(c) It raises the water table
(d) It fills the air spaces in the soil with water

Correct Answer is Option (b)
Salinization for a long time on the irrigated land led to soil impermeability.

Question 7:
Given below are the names of four energy crops. Which one of them can be cultivated for ethanol?   [2010] 
(a) Jatropha 
(b) Maize 
(c) Pongamia 
(d) Sunflower

Correct Answer is Option (b)
Maize is one of the carbohydrate-rich crops; hence it is more suited for ethanol-production among the given crops.

Question 8:
Tamil Nadu is a leading producer of mill-made cotton yarn in the country. What could be the reason? [2010] 
1. Black cotton soil is the predominant type of soil in the State. 
2. Rich pool of skilled labor is available. 
Which of the above is/are the correct reasons? 
(a) 1 only 
(b) 2 only 
(c) Both 1 and 2 
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer is Option (b)
The predominant soil in Tamil Nadu is red which supports cotton cultivation and a rich pool of skilled labor is available in Tamil Nadu.

Question 9:
Due to their extensive rice cultivation, some regions may be contributing to global warming. To what possible reason/ reasons are this is attributable? [ 2010] 
1. The anaerobic conditions associated with rice cultivation cause the emission of methane. 
2. When nitrogen-based fertilizers are used, nitrous oxide is emitted from the cultivated soil. 
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 
(a) 1 only 
(b) 2 only 
(c) Both 1 and 2 
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer is Option (c)
As per scientific estimations, it has been suggested that more than 2 percent of human-induced climate warming can be attributed to rice farming. It is predominantly due to methane, a potent greenhouse gas emitted from flooded rice fields. Methanogen bacteria in the waterlogged soil produce it in large quantities. Nitrous oxide is also released from cultivated fields due to the transformation of nitrogen-based fertilizers that can have a harmful climate effect.

Question 10:
An objective of the National Food Security Mission is to increase the production of certain crops through area expansion and productivity enhancement in a sustainable manner in the identified districts of the country. What are those crops? [2010] 
(a) Rice and wheat only 
(b) Rice, wheat, and pulses only 
(c) Rice, wheat, pulses, and oilseeds only 
(d) Rice, wheat, pulses, oilseeds, and vegetables

Correct Answer is Option (b)
National Food Security Mission was launched by the government of India to increase the food production of rice, wheat, and pulses and commercial gaps like sugarcane jute. The target is to increase the production of rice by 10 million tonnes, wheat by 8 million tonnes and pulses, by 2 million tonnes by the end of the Eleventh Plan.

Question 11:
With reference to soil conservation, consider the following practices: [2010] 
1. Crop rotation 
2. Sand fences 
3. Terracing 
4. Windbreaks 
Which of the above are considered appropriate methods for soil conservation in India? 
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only 
(b) 2 and 4 only 
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only 
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Correct Answer is Option (c)
The different types of soil erosion in India are Normal or Geologic Erosion, Accelerated soil Erosion, Wind Erosion, Water Erosion, sheet Erosion, Gully Erosion, Landslides or slip Erosion, and stream-bank Erosion.

Question 12:
Though coffee and tea both are cultivated on hill slopes, there is some difference between them regarding their cultivation. In this context, consider the following statements: [2010] 
1. The coffee plant requires a hot and humid climate in tropical areas whereas tea can be cultivated in both tropical and subtropical areas. 
2. Coffee is propagated by seeds but tea is propagated by stem cuttings only. 
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct? 
(a) 1 only 
(b) 2 only 
(c) Both 1 and 2 
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer is Option (c)
Not only the tea plants but also the coffee plants can be propagated by seeds and stem cutting.

Question 13:
Consider the following statements:  [2008] 
1. Chikmagalur is well-known for sugar production. 
2. Mandya is well-known as a coffee-producing region. 
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only 
(c) Both 1 and 2 
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer is Option (d)
Chikmagalur is famous for coffee. Mandya is famous for sugar and paper production.

Question 14:
Which one amongst the following has the largest livestock population in the world? [2008] 
(a) Brazil 
(b) China 
(c) India 
(d) USA

Correct Answer is Option (c)
India has the largest livestock population in the world, having 57% of the world’s buffalo population and 14% of the cattle population. According to 17th India’s Livestock Census, 2003, the country has about 18.5 crore cattle and 9.8 crore buffalo with total livestock of 48-50 crore and total poultry of 48.90 crores.

Question 15:
Which one of the following places was associated with Acharya Vinoba Bhave’s Bhoodan Movement at the beginning of the movement? [2007] 
(a) Udaygiri 
(b) Rapur 
(c) Pochampalli 
(d) Venkatagiri

Correct Answer is Option (c)
Bhoodan Movement was a voluntary land reform movement in India started by Acharya Vinoba Bhave on April 18, 1951, started at Pochampalli village, in Telangana (Andhra Pardesh).

Question 16:
Dalbergia species is associated with which one of the following? [2007] 
(a) Cashewnut 
(b) Coffee 
(c) Tea 
(d) Rosewood

Correct Answer is Option (d)
Rosewood is associated with the Dalbergia species. Dalbergia species are used as food plants and fragrant wood in aromatic oils.

Question 17:
Assertion (A): There are no tea plantations in any African country. [2007] 
Reason (R): Tea plants need fertile soil with high humus. 
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A 
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A 
(c) A is true but R is false 
(d) A is false but R is true

Correct Answer is Option (d)
In the 20th century, tea was being grown in 3 African countries like Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda. So, the assertion is wrong. But the reason is correct because tea plants need highly organic or loamy soils.

Question 18:
Which one of the following is the correct sequence in the decreasing order of production (in million tones) of the given foodgrains in India? [2007] 
(a) Wheat - Rice - Pulses - Coarse Cereals 
(b) Rice - Wheat - Pulses - Coarse Cereals 
(c) Wheat - Rice - Coarse Cereals - Pulses 
(d) Rice - Wheat - Coarse Cereals - Pulses

Correct Answer is Option (d)
Production of rice is 96.43 MT, wheat is 78.4 MT, pulses are 15.11 MT and coarse cereals are 40.73 MT in India. So, the correct sequence in decreasing order is Rice – Wheat – Coarse cereals – Pulses.

Question 19:
Assertion (A): The percentage of net sown area in the total area of Andhra Pradesh is less as compared to that of West Bengal. 
Reason (R): The soil of most of Andhra Pradesh is laterite. [2006] 
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A 
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A 
(c) A is true but R is false 
(d) A is false but R is true

Correct Answer is Option (c)
Laterite soil is mostly found in areas of high rainfall and temperature with alternate dry and wet Periods it is suitable for growing rice, ragi, and sugarcane.

Question 20:
Which one of the following statements is correct? [2005] 
(a) The first meeting of the Parties (MOP) to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety was held in Phillippines in the year 2004. 
(b) In dia is not a signatory to the Biosafety protocol/ convention on Biological Diversity. 
(c) The Biosafety protoco1 deals with genetically modified organisms. 
(d) The United State of America is a member of the Biosafety protocol/convention on Biological diversity.

Correct Answer is Option (c)
Biosafety protocol is an agreement designed to regulate the international trade, handling, and use of any genetically engineered organism that may have adverse effects on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, taking also into account risks to human health. The first meeting was held in 2004 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. India is a signatory member to it the Biosafety protocol deals with genetically modified organisms but they do not name them so. The USA has sign it put not yet ratified this treaty.

Question 21:
Consider the following statements: [2005] 
1. India is the only country in the world producing all the five known commercial varieties of silk. 
2. India is the largest producer of sugar in the world. 
Which of the statements given above less is/are correct? 
(a) 1 only 
(b) 2 only 
(c) Both 1 and 2 
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer is Option (a)
Five varieties of silkworms are reared in India for producing five varieties of silk. Mulberry silk, Muga silk, Tasar silk, Oak tasar silk and Eri silk. India is the 2nd largest producer of sugar in the world.

Question 22:
Consider the following crops: [2004] 
1. Cotton 
2. Groundnut 
3. Maize 
4. Mustard 
Which of the above are Kharif crops? 
(a) 1 and 2 
(b) 1, 2 and 3 
(c) 3 and 4 
(d) 1, 2 , 3 and 4

Correct Answer is Option (b)
Cotton, Groundnut, and Maize are Kharif crops whereas Mustard is a rabi crop.

Question 23:
Consider the following statements: [2003] 
1. India ranks first in the world in fruit production 
2. India ranks second in the world in the export of tobacco 
Which of these statements is/are correct? 
(a) Only 1 
(b) Only 2 
(c) Both 1 and 2 
(d) Neither I nor 2

Correct Answer is Option (d)
India ranked 2nd in fruit production in the world and ranked 6th in the production of tobacco.

Question 24:
The Genetic Engineering Approval Committee, whose permission is required for the cultivation of any genetically modified crop such as Bt Cotton in India, is under the Union Ministry of:  [2003] 
(a) Agriculture 
(b) Environment and Forests 
(c) Commerce and Industry 
(d) Rural-Development

Correct Answer is Option (a)
The genetic engineering approval committee comes under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate change.

Question 25:
Consider the following statements: [2003] 
1. India is the original home of the cotton plant 
2. India is the first country in the world to develop a hybrid cotton variety leading to increased production 
Which of these statements is/are correct? 
(a) Only 1 
(b) Only 2 
(c) Both 1 and 2 
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer is Option (c)
India is the original home of the cotton plants, and India ranks number one in the world accounting for 20% of the total area planted under cotton. The cotton hybrid variety H–4 developed first and Raj–16, Dhanalaxmi, and Fateh are the variety that was developed in India.

Question 26:
Assertion (A): Eastern coast of India produces more rice than the western coast. 
Reason (R): Eastern coast receives more rainfall than the western coast. [2003] 
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A 
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is not the correct explanation of A 
(c) A is true but R is false 
(d) A is false but R is true

Correct Answer is Option (c)
The assertion is true, but the reason is false. The western coast receives more rainfall than the eastern coast, but the temperature between 20-27ºC, heavy clayed soil quality, and rainfall is more suitable for rice cultivation.

Question 27:
Consider the following high-yielding varieties of crops in India: [2002] 
1. Arjun 
2. Jaya 
3. Padma 
4. Sonalika 
Which of these is of wheat? 
(a) 1 and 2 
(b) 2 and 3 
(c) 1 and 4 
(d) 3 and 4

Correct Answer is Option (c)
Arjun and Sonalika are a hybrid variety of wheat produced by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.

Question 28:
With reference to Indian agriculture, which one of the following statements is correct? [2002] 
(a) About 90 percent of the area under pulses in India is rainfed 
(b) Share of pulses in the gross cropped area at the national level has doubled in the last two decades. 
(c) India accounts for about 15 percent of the total area under rice in the world 
(d) Rice occupies about 34 percent of the gross cropped area in India

Correct Answer is Option (a)
In Indian agriculture about 90% of the area under pulse is rainfed, but pulses need less water for cultivation so, the production of pulse hampers.

Question 29:
The high density of population in Nile valley and Islands of Java is primarily due to [2001] 
(a) intensive agriculture 
(b) industrialization 
(c) urbanization 
(d) topographic limitations

Correct Answer is Option (a)
Due to the availability of fertile alluvial soil in tensive agricultural practices was possible in the Nile river and islands of Java. So, in these regions, a high density of population is found.

Question 30:
Assertion (A): In Australia, cattle rearing is done more for meat than for milk. 
Reason (R): Australians are traditionally nonvegetarians [2000] 
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A 
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A 
(c) A is true but R is false 
(d) A is false but R is true

Correct Answer is Option (b)
The assertion is correct, but the reason is not the correct explanation of assertion but the statement is true. In Australia, farmers rear cattle for meat export, and most of the Australian people are non-vegetarian.

Question 31:
Assertion (A): Insect-resistant transgenic cotton has been produced by inserting the Bt gene. 
Reason (R): The Bt gene is derived from a bacterium.  [1999] 
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of  A 
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A 
(c) A is true but R is false 
(d) A is false but R is true

Correct Answer is Option (a)
Assertion and Reason are true and the reason is the correct explanation of assertion. Bacillus thuringiensis is the bacterium that is used in the Bt gene of cotton. Bt cotton is insect resistant.

Question 32:
Which one of the following agricultural practices is eco-friendly? [1999] 
(a) Organic farming 
(b) Shifting cultivation 
(c) Cultivation of high yielding varieties 
(d) Growing plants in glass-houses

Correct Answer is Option (a)
Organic farming is a production system of crops that avoids the use of synthetic and chemical inputs like fertilizers, pesticides, growth regulators, and livestock feed additives.

Question 33:
Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:   [1998]

(a) A-2; B-1; C- 4; D-3 
(b) A-2; B-1; C- 3; D-4 
(c) A-1; B-2; C- 4; D-3 
(d) A-1; B-2; C- 3; D-4

Correct Answer is Option (a)
Gujarat is the foremost producer of cotton. Gram is produced in Madhya Pradesh, Black pepper is produced in Kerala, and Pineapple is produced highest in West Bengal.

Question 34:
The following are the major oilseeds produced in India: 
1. Sesamum 
2. Mustard 3. Groundnut 
4. Soybean 
Which one of the following is the correct sequence of the descending order of the quantity of their production?  [1997] 
(a) 1, 2, 3, 4 
(b) 3, 2, 4, 1 
(c) 2, 4, 3, 1 
(d) 3, 4, 2, 1

Correct Answer is Option (d)
The descending order of the quantities of oilseed production is, Groundnut > Soyabean > Mustard  > Sesamum

Question 35:
Coffee cultivation in Sri Lanka was abandoned because of the disease : [1995] 
(a) leaf blight 
(b) leaf spot 
(c) leaf rust 
(d) rut

Correct Answer is Option (c)
Coffee cultivation in Sri Lanka was abandoned because of the leaf rust disease which affects the fruit and leaf of coffee. The causative fungus is Hemileia Vastarix.