Lakhmir Singh & Manjit Kaur: Crop Production and Management- 3

Long Answer Type Questions

Question 66 (a) What is meant by kharif crops ? Give two examples of kharif crops.
(b) What is meant by rabi crops ? Give two examples of rabi crops.

(a) Kharif crops are crops that are sown at the beginning of the rainy season and harvested at the end of the monsoon. In India the main rainy season is generally from June to September. Kharif crops require relatively large quantities of water and warm weather for germination and growth. Examples: paddy (rice), maize.

(b) Rabi crops are crops that are sown in the winter season and harvested in spring. In India the rabi season generally runs from October to March. Rabi crops require cooler temperatures and less water than kharif crops and often depend on irrigation. Examples: wheat, gram (chickpea).

Q.67. (a) What is meant by 'sowing'? What are the various methods of sowing the seeds?
(b) What precautions should be taken in sowing the seeds?

(a) Sowing is the process of placing seeds in the soil so they can germinate and grow into seedlings. Common methods of sowing are given below.

• Broadcasting (sowing by hand): Seeds are scattered evenly by hand over the prepared soil surface. This method is simple and quick but seed distribution and depth control are poor.
• Sowing with a seed drill: Seeds are placed in furrows at a uniform depth and spacing using a seed drill. This gives better germination, uniform plant spacing and higher yields compared to broadcasting.

Sowing tree seeds

(b) Precautions to be taken while sowing seeds:

• Sow seeds at the right depth suitable for that crop so that seeds receive moisture but can still emerge easily.
• Sow seeds at the proper spacing so plants get adequate light, water and nutrients and do not compete excessively.
• Avoid sowing in excessively wet soil because waterlogged conditions prevent proper germination and cause rotting.
• Do not sow in very dry soil because seeds need moisture to germinate; provide irrigation if soil is dry.
• Use healthy, viable seeds and follow recommended sowing time for the crop to suit season and climate.

Q.68. What are good quality seeds? You are given a sample of wheat seeds. How will you select good, healthy seeds for sowing ?

Good quality seeds are seeds that are genetically true to type, free from diseases, pests and inert matter, have high germination percentage, vigour and uniform size and shape. Such seeds are likely to produce healthy seedlings and give good yield.

Good Quality Seeds 

To select good healthy wheat seeds from a sample:

• Choose seeds that look healthy: uniform in size and shape, free from discoloration, spots, shrivelling, mould or insect damage.
• Perform a simple germination test: place 100 seeds on a moist paper and keep them at suitable temperature; count how many germinate after a few days. A high germination percentage indicates good quality seed.
• Check for pests, stones or other impurities and remove them.
• If available, prefer certified seeds from a reliable source because they are tested for germination, purity and freedom from diseases.

Q.69. (a) What is the process of 'transplantation' in agriculture? Give examples of two crops which are usually grown by this process.
(b) State two advantages of the process of transplantation in growing crops.

(a) Transplantation is the process of first raising seedlings in a nursery and then transferring the young seedlings from the nursery to the main field at the appropriate age and spacing. This method is used when direct sowing in the field is not suitable.

Examples: paddy (rice), many vegetables such as tomatoes and chillies are commonly raised by transplantation.

(b) Advantages of transplantation:

• Allows selection of healthy and uniform seedlings for planting, improving the stand and productivity.
• Permits proper spacing of plants in the main field so each plant gets adequate water, nutrients and sunlight, reducing competition and increasing yield.

Q.70. (a) What is irrigation? Why is irrigation necessary?
(b) Name the various sources of irrigation in our country.

(a) Irrigation is the artificial supply of water to crops at required times to supplement rainfall and ensure proper crop growth. Irrigation is necessary because:

• Water is essential for germination of seeds and for normal growth and development of plants.
• Water helps in absorption and transport of dissolved nutrients from soil to all parts of the plant, supporting vegetative growth and fruit formation.
• Irrigation protects crops from temporary droughts, frost and dry hot winds, and supports stable yields when rainfall is insufficient or erratic.
• Regular water supply increases overall crop productivity and quality.

(b) Common sources of irrigation are wells, tubewells, ponds, lakes, rivers, dams and canals.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Q.71. Which of the following crops would enrich the soil with nitrogen?
(a) Apple
(b) Pea
(c) Paddy
(d) Potato

Correct Answer is option (b)

Leguminous plants such as pea host Rhizobium bacteria in their root nodules that fix atmospheric nitrogen and convert it into forms usable by plants. Growing legumes therefore helps enrich soil nitrogen and improves fertility.

Q.72. Which of the following is not a kharif crop?
(a) Paddy
(b) Mustard
(c) Maize
(d) Groundnut

Correct Answer is option (b)

Mustard is a rabi crop grown in the winter season. Kharif crops are those sown during the rainy season (June-September), for example paddy and maize.

Q.73. In agriculture, broadcasting is used for:
(a) Ploughing the fields
(b) Rotating the crops
(c) Removing the weeds
(d) Sowing the seeds
Correct Answer is option (d)

Broadcasting is the method of sowing seeds by hand by scattering them evenly over the field surface.

Q.74. Fish liver oil is rich in :
(i) Vitamin A
(ii) Vitamin B
(iii) Vitamin C
(iv) Vitamin D
(a) (i) and (ii)
(b) (ii) and (iii)
(c) (i) and (iv)
(d) only (iv)

Correct Answer is option (c)

Fish liver oil is a good source of both Vitamin A and Vitamin D.

Note: If a single vitamin is to be chosen (as in some MCQs), Vitamin D is often the preferred single answer because fish liver oil is especially noted for its vitamin D content.

Q.75. Which of the following is not grown by transplantation?
(a) Chillies
(b) Tomatoes
(c) Peas
(d) Paddy

Correct Answer is option (c)

Peas are usually sown directly in the field. Crops such as paddy, tomatoes and chillies are commonly raised in nurseries and transplanted into the main field.

Q.76. Which of the following is not a rabi crop?
(a) Soyabean
(b) Peas
(c) Wheat
(d) Linseed

Correct Answer is option (a)

Soyabean is classified as a kharif crop because it is sown at the beginning of the rainy season (June-July) and harvested in autumn (September-October). It requires a warm climate and moderate to high rainfall for proper growth.

Q.77. One of the following crop is not cultivated by sowing its seeds directly into soil. This one is:
(a) Wheat
(b) Gram (chana)
(c) Paddy
(d) Maize (makka)

Correct Answer is option (c)

Paddy is commonly grown by transplantation-young seedlings are raised in a nursery and then transplanted into flooded fields.

Q.78. Tomatoes are cultivated by the practice called:
(a) Transpiration
(b) Translocation
(c) Transportation
(d) Transplantation

Correct Answer is option (d)

Tomatoes are raised in nurseries and planted out in the main field by transplantation.

Q.79. Which of the following cannot be provided to the soil by a chemical fertilizer?
(a) Nitrogen
(b) Humus
(c) Potassium
(d) Phosphorus

Correct Answer is option (b)

Chemical fertilizers can supply nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Humus (organic matter) cannot be provided by chemical fertilisers; it is supplied by adding manure or compost which improves soil structure and microbial activity.

Q.80. Which of the following is not grown by transplantation?
(a) Chillies
(b) Tomatoes
(c) Paddy
(d) Papaya

Correct Answer is option (d)

Papaya is usually grown from seeds or nursery-raised seedlings and is not commonly transplanted in the same way as crops like paddy, tomatoes and chillies grown in large fields.

Q.81. The Rhizobium bacteria present in the root nodules of pea plants can fix one of the following from the atmosphere. This one is:
(a) Hydrogen
(b) Oxygen
(c) Nitrogen
(d) Halogen

Correct Answer is option (c)

Rhizobium bacteria fix atmospheric nitrogen into forms that plants can use, thereby enriching soil nitrogen.

Q.82. The process of beating out grains from the harvested wheat crop is called:
(a) Beating
(b) Crushing
(c) Threshing
(d) Weeding

Correct Answer is option (c)

The process of beating out grains from the harvested stalks is called threshing. Threshing can be done manually or by machines such as a combine harvester.

Q.83. The food obtained from animals is very rich in:
(a) Fats
(b) Carbohydrates
(c) Minerals
(d) Proteins

Correct Answer is option (d)

Animal foods such as meat, milk and eggs are especially rich in proteins as well as certain minerals and vitamins.

Q.84. The Government Agency responsible for purchasing grains from the farmers, safe storage and distribution is
(a) CBI
(b) FBI
(c) FCI
(d) FDI

Correct Answer is option (c)

The Food Corporation of India (FCI) is a government agency that procures, stores and distributes food grains to ensure food security and price stability.

Q.85. The process of removing unwanted plants from a crop field is called?
(a) Breeding
(b) Weeding
(c) Transplanting
(d) Harvesting

Correct Answer is option (b)

Removal of unwanted plants (weeds) from a crop field is called weeding. Weeds compete with crop plants for water, nutrients, light and space.

Q.86. Poultry gives us:
(a) Eggs
(b) Meat
(c) Meat as well as eggs
(d) Honey

Correct Answer is option (c)

Poultry farming provides both meat (chicken) and eggs.

Q.87. Which of following is not a correct statement for sowing seeds?
(a) Seeds should be sown at right intervals
(b) Seeds should be sown at right depth
(c) Seeds should be sown in dry soil
(d) Seeds should not be sown in highly wet Soil

Correct Answer is option (c)

Seeds should not be sown in dry soil because water is necessary for germination; seeds need moisture to swell and start growth.

Q.88. Which of the following system of irrigation is preferred for the uneven land?
(a) Chain pump irrigation system
(b) Drip irrigation system
(c) Sprinkler irrigation system
(d) River irrigation system

Correct Answer is option (c)

The sprinkler irrigation system is suitable for uneven land where water is limited; it distributes water like rainfall over the field and does not require levelled land.

Q.89. The two crops which are not grown by sowing their seeds directly into the soil in large fields are:
(i) Peas
(ii) Tomatoes
(iii) Chillies
(iv) Maize
(a) (i) and (ii)
(b) (ii) and (iii)
(c) (i) and (iii)
(d) only (iv)

Correct Answer is option (b)

Tomatoes and chillies are usually raised in nurseries and then transplanted into main fields rather than being directly sown in large fields.

Q.90. The best Technique of Watering the fruit plants and Tree is:
(a) Chain pump system
(b) Sprinkler system
(c) Moat (pulley system)
(d) Drip system

Correct Answer is option (d)

Drip irrigation delivers water drop by drop at the root zone through a network of narrow pipes with small emitters. It minimises water loss, reduces weed growth and is ideal for fruit trees, gardens and orchards.

High Order Thinking Skills (HOTS)

Q.91. Arrange the following practices in the correct order as they appear in the sugarcane crop production:
Sending crop to sugar factory; Irrigation; Harvesting; Sowing; Preparation of soil; Ploughing the field; Manuring.

The correct order is: Ploughing the field; Preparation of soil; Sowing; Manuring; Irrigation; Harvesting; Sending crop to sugar factory.

Q.92. Match items in column A with those in column B:

Q.93. Name two crops which are cultivated:
(a) by sowing seeds directly into fields.
(b) by transplanting.

(a) Wheat and gram (chickpea) can be cultivated by sowing seeds directly into the field.

(b) Paddy (rice) and tomatoes are commonly cultivated by transplanting.

Q.94. Farmers in Northern India grow legumes as fodder in one season and wheat in the next season.
(a) What is this practice known as ?
(b) How does this practice help in the replenishment of soil?

(a) This practice is known as crop rotation.

(b) Leguminous crops host Rhizobium bacteria in their root nodules which fix atmospheric nitrogen into soil-available forms. Rotating legumes with non-leguminous crops (for example, legumes followed by wheat) restores nitrogen to the soil naturally and increases soil fertility, reducing the need for chemical nitrogen fertilisers.

Q.95. A student lists the following agricultural practices for crop production:
Irrigation; Removal of weeds; Preparation of soil; Storage of food grains; Sowing; Adding manure and fertilizers
Which agricultural practice is missing from the above list?

Harvesting is missing from the list. After crops mature, harvesting is the process of cutting and gathering the crop for further processing, storage and sale.