NABARD Agriculture & Rural Development Mock Test - 1 - Banking Exams MCQ

Wet Agriculture in Kerala
- Kerala is a state in India where wet agriculture is practiced extensively due to its unique geographical features and climate conditions.
- The state receives heavy rainfall during the monsoon season, which makes it suitable for wet agriculture practices.
- Wet agriculture in Kerala includes the cultivation of crops such as rice, bananas, tapioca, and spices like pepper and cardamom.
- The state is known for its extensive network of backwaters, rivers, and paddy fields, which are used for wet agriculture.
- Farmers in Kerala use traditional methods of cultivation such as paddy fields and wetlands for growing crops.
- The state also has a rich tradition of organic farming practices, which are well-suited for wet agriculture.
Therefore, wet agriculture is predominantly practiced in Kerala due to its favorable climatic conditions, abundant water resources, and traditional farming practices.

Explanation:

• Cowpea: Cowpea is used as a pulse, providing a good source of protein in the diet.


• Green gram: Green gram is also used as a pulse, being a rich source of nutrients.


• Pigeon pea: Pigeon pea is used as a pulse, providing essential nutrients to the diet.


• Fodder: Cowpea and green gram are used as fodder for livestock, providing essential nutrients for their growth and health.


• Green manure: Cowpea and green gram are also used as green manure, enriching the soil with nitrogen and other nutrients, improving soil fertility for future crops.

Therefore, all three crops - Cowpea, Green gram, and Pigeon pea - are used as pulses, while Cowpea and Green gram are also used as fodder and green manure, making option D the correct answer.

The correct answer is East Godavari.
East Godavari district is known as the rice bowl of Andhra Pradesh.
The fertile area with lush paddy fields and coconut groves between the Godavari and Krishna rivers is known as the rice bowl of Andhra Pradesh.

Establishment of NABARD

• Year: NABARD was established in 1982.


• Plan: NABARD was established during the Sixth Five Year Plan.

Role of NABARD

• Rural Development: NABARD plays a crucial role in promoting rural development by providing financial assistance to various rural development projects.


• Agricultural Credit: NABARD focuses on providing credit to farmers and agricultural activities to boost agricultural productivity.


• Microfinance: NABARD also supports microfinance institutions to provide financial services to the rural poor.


• Infrastructure Development: NABARD funds infrastructure projects in rural areas to improve connectivity and accessibility.

Functions of NABARD

• Refinancing: NABARD provides refinance facilities to institutions engaged in agricultural and rural development activities.


• Capacity Building: NABARD conducts training programs and workshops to enhance the skills of rural development professionals.


• Research and Development: NABARD undertakes research and development activities to improve agricultural practices and rural livelihoods.

By establishing NABARD during the Sixth Five Year Plan, the government aimed to strengthen the agricultural and rural development sector in India. NABARD has since played a significant role in boosting rural economy and promoting sustainable development in the country.

Reasons why Krishna-Godavari delta is known as the 'Rice Bowl of India'

• Rich fertile soil: The Krishna-Godavari delta has rich alluvial soil which is ideal for rice cultivation.


• Abundant water supply: The delta is fed by the Krishna and Godavari rivers, providing ample water for irrigation.


• Large cultivable area: The region has a vast expanse of land suitable for growing rice, leading to high rice production.


• Varied rice varieties: Farmers in the Krishna-Godavari delta grow a variety of rice types, contributing to the region's reputation as the 'Rice Bowl of India'.


• Significant rice production: The delta region produces a large quantity of rice, making it a key contributor to India's overall rice production.

Food Strategy in India Dominated by Monsoon:

• India's food strategy is heavily influenced by the monsoon season, which plays a crucial role in agricultural production.


• The timely arrival and distribution of monsoon rains are essential for crop growth and overall food production in the country.


• Erratic monsoon patterns can lead to droughts or floods, affecting crop yields and food availability.

Impact of Monsoon on Food Security:

• Monsoon failures can result in food shortages, inflation, and food price volatility.


• Farmers heavily rely on monsoon rains for irrigation, making them vulnerable to climate change and variability.


• Government policies and interventions are often aimed at mitigating the impact of monsoon variability on food security.

Challenges and Opportunities:

• Climate change poses a significant threat to India's food security, emphasizing the need for sustainable agricultural practices.


• Investments in water management, irrigation infrastructure, and crop diversification can help reduce dependency on monsoon rains.


• Efforts to improve food storage facilities, supply chains, and market linkages can enhance food security in the face of monsoon uncertainties.

1. India's share in sugar production:

- India's share in sugar production is over 15 per cent in the world.
- India is one of the largest producers of sugar globally.

2. Sugar industry in India:

- Sugar industry is the second largest agro-based industry in India.
- The sugar industry plays a significant role in the country's economy and employment generation.

3. India as the largest consumer of sugar:

- India is the largest consumer of sugar in the world.
- The high consumption of sugar in India is driven by various factors including population size, cultural practices, and food habits.

4. India as the largest producer of sugar:

- India is not the largest producer of sugar, but it is one of the top producers globally.
- Countries like Brazil and Thailand are also major producers of sugar along with India.

Establishment of NABARD

• Year: 1982

Overview

• NABARD was established on July 12, 1982, by an Act of Parliament.


• It was set up to promote sustainable and equitable agriculture and rural development.


• The main focus of NABARD is to provide credit facilities to support various agricultural and rural development activities.


• It acts as a refinancing agency for institutions providing investment and production credit for promoting the various developmental activities in rural areas.

Functions of NABARD

• Providing refinance to lending institutions in rural areas.


• Promoting research in the field of rural development.


• Monitoring and evaluating projects in the rural areas.


• Promoting sustainable agriculture and rural development practices.

Contributions to Rural Development

• NABARD has played a crucial role in the development of rural infrastructure, including irrigation, rural roads, and warehouses.


• It has also supported various agricultural and rural development programs to improve the livelihoods of farmers and rural communities.


• NABARD's initiatives have helped in enhancing agricultural productivity, increasing rural employment, and reducing poverty in rural areas.

Similipal is a Biosphere Reserve

• Definition: Similipal is designated as a Biosphere Reserve, which is a specific type of protected area that aims to conserve biodiversity while promoting sustainable development.



• Location: Similipal Biosphere Reserve is located in Odisha, India, and covers an area of approximately 5,569 square kilometers.



• Importance: The reserve is known for its rich biodiversity, including endangered species such as tigers, elephants, and leopards. It also serves as a vital habitat for numerous plant and animal species.



• Conservation: The primary goal of a Biosphere Reserve like Similipal is to conserve ecosystems and promote research, education, and sustainable development practices within the protected area.



• Management: The management of Similipal Biosphere Reserve involves a combination of government authorities, local communities, and conservation organizations working together to ensure the protection of the area's natural resources.

Species listed in Red Data Book

• Vulnearable: Species that are facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.


• Threatened: Species that are likely to become endangered in the near future.


• Endangered: Species that are at risk of extinction if conservation measures are not taken.


• All the above: Refers to the fact that species listed in the Red Data Book can fall under any of the above categories.

By listing species in the Red Data Book, conservationists and policymakers can prioritize their efforts to protect and conserve these vulnerable populations. It serves as a crucial tool in identifying species that require urgent conservation action to prevent their extinction.

Why is Kanha National Park famous for Tigers?

• Abundance of Tigers: Kanha National Park is renowned for its high population of tigers, making it one of the best places in India to spot these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.



• Conservation Efforts: The park has been actively involved in tiger conservation efforts, leading to a steady increase in the tiger population over the years.



• Diverse Ecosystem: Kanha National Park's diverse ecosystem provides a suitable habitat for tigers, with ample prey species such as deer, bison, and monkeys.



• Tiger Safari: The park offers tiger safaris where visitors can embark on guided tours to increase their chances of spotting these elusive big cats.



• Research and Monitoring: Kanha National Park also conducts research and monitoring programs to study the behavior and population dynamics of tigers, contributing valuable insights to tiger conservation efforts.

Reasons for decrease in species diversity in tropical countries:

• Deforestation: One of the main reasons for the decrease in species diversity in tropical countries is deforestation. The clearing of forests for agriculture, urbanization, and logging results in the loss of habitat for many species.


• Loss of biodiversity: Deforestation leads to a loss of biodiversity as many species are unable to survive in the altered habitat. This can lead to a decrease in the overall species diversity in the region.


• Fragmentation of habitat: Deforestation also results in the fragmentation of habitat, where remaining patches of forests are isolated from each other. This can limit the movement of species and lead to a decrease in genetic diversity.


• Impact on ecosystem services: Deforestation can also have a negative impact on ecosystem services such as water purification, carbon sequestration, and soil fertility. This can further impact the survival of species in the region.

Explanation:

• Fifth Plan: The Fifth Five-Year Plan, also known as the Garibi Hatao (Eradicate Poverty) Plan, was introduced in 1974 with the main focus on poverty alleviation. This was the first time that a plan in India gave significant emphasis on the removal of poverty.


• Poverty Alleviation: The Fifth Plan aimed to reduce poverty and improve the standard of living for the poor by implementing various social welfare programs and initiatives.


• Employment Generation: The plan also focused on generating employment opportunities, especially in rural areas, to uplift the economically weaker sections of society.


• Agricultural Development: Another key aspect of the Fifth Plan was to promote agricultural development and increase productivity to enhance the income of farmers and reduce rural poverty.


• Infrastructure Development: The plan also emphasized the development of infrastructure, such as roads, irrigation facilities, and healthcare services, to improve the overall quality of life for the poor.

Procurement Prices

• Definition: Procurement prices are the prices at which the government purchases foodgrains from farmers for maintaining the Public Distribution System (PDS) and for building up buffer-stock.


• Purpose: The government sets procurement prices to ensure a fair price for farmers and to maintain stable food prices for consumers.


• Minimum Support Prices (MSP): Procurement prices are often linked to Minimum Support Prices (MSP), which are announced by the government before the sowing season to provide a guaranteed floor price for farmers.


• Buffer-Stock: The foodgrains procured by the government at procurement prices are used to build up buffer-stock to meet any shortage in supply and stabilize prices in the market.


• Public Distribution System (PDS): The foodgrains procured at procurement prices are distributed through the PDS to ensure food security for the vulnerable sections of society at affordable prices.

Details about the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM):

• Launch Year: The National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) was launched in 2005.


• Purpose: NRHM was launched to address the health needs of rural areas in India.


• Objectives: The main objectives of NRHM were to reduce infant mortality rate, maternal mortality rate, and improve access to healthcare services in rural areas.


• Focus Areas: NRHM focused on providing essential healthcare services like maternal and child health, water, sanitation and hygiene, immunization, and nutrition.


• Implementation: The mission was implemented at the national, state, and district levels with the involvement of various stakeholders including government agencies, NGOs, and community organizations.


• Achievements: NRHM led to significant improvements in healthcare infrastructure, service delivery, and health outcomes in rural areas across India.


• Subsequent Programs: NRHM was later subsumed under the National Health Mission (NHM) in 2013 to further strengthen healthcare services in both rural and urban areas.

By addressing the healthcare needs of rural communities, NRHM played a crucial role in improving the health indicators and overall well-being of the population in India.

Explanation:

• Fifth Five Year Plan: The main objective of the Fifth Five Year Plan, which covered the period from 1974 to 1979, was the eradication of poverty.


• Focus on poverty alleviation: The plan aimed to reduce poverty and improve the standard of living for the people of India.


• Employment generation: One of the key strategies of the Fifth Five Year Plan was to generate employment opportunities to uplift the poor and marginalized sections of society.


• Rural development: The plan also focused on rural development to address the issue of poverty in the rural areas of the country.


• Social welfare programs: Various social welfare programs were introduced during this plan period to provide assistance to the poor and vulnerable sections of society.

Eligibility for Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)

• Adult members of only the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe households: This statement is incorrect as MGNREGA is not limited to only Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe households. The Act aims to provide employment to all rural households.



• Adult members of Below Poverty Line (BPL) households: This statement is partially correct. While BPL households are eligible for MGNREGA benefits, the Act is not limited to only BPL households. Any rural household can benefit from MGNREGA.



• Adult members of households of all Backward Communities: This statement is also incorrect. MGNREGA is not limited to only households of Backward Communities. It is open to all rural households, irrespective of their community.



• Adult members of any households: This statement is correct. Any adult member of a rural household, regardless of their caste, tribe, economic status, or community, is eligible to benefit from MGNREGA. The Act ensures that employment opportunities are provided to all those in need in rural areas.

Therefore, option D - "Adult members of any households" is the correct choice when it comes to eligibility for Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

Per Capita Availability of Forest Land in Assam

- Assam has the highest per capita availability of forest land in India.
- The state has a rich biodiversity with a vast expanse of forest cover.
- The availability of forest land per person is significantly higher in Assam compared to other states.
- This abundance of forest land plays a crucial role in the state's ecology and environment.
- The government of Assam has taken several measures to conserve and protect its forest cover for sustainable development.
- The high per capita availability of forest land in Assam makes it an important state in terms of environmental preservation and conservation efforts.

Types of Unemployment in Indian Agriculture:

• Seasonal Unemployment: This type of unemployment is common in Indian agriculture due to the seasonal nature of farming activities. Farmers may not have work during certain seasons, leading to unemployment during those periods.


• Disguised Unemployment: In Indian agriculture, disguised unemployment is also prevalent. This occurs when there are more workers employed in a task than required. It may seem like everyone is working, but in reality, some workers are not contributing significantly to the output.


• Frictional Unemployment: This type of unemployment occurs when workers are temporarily between jobs. In Indian agriculture, farmers may face frictional unemployment when transitioning between different crops or activities.


• Structural Unemployment: While not as common in Indian agriculture as in other sectors, structural unemployment can still be observed in certain cases. This occurs when there is a mismatch between the skills of the workforce and the requirements of the industry.

Overall, seasonal unemployment is the most common type of unemployment in Indian agriculture due to the seasonal nature of farming activities and the dependency on weather conditions for crop cultivation.

The question asks to arrange the given Indian states in the descending order based on the length of surface roads per 100 km2 of their area.

 

Option 1: This is the correct answer which shows the sequence as Tamil Nadu (IV), Maharashtra (II), Punjab (III), and Haryana (I). Tamil Nadu has the highest length of surface roads per 100 km² followed by Maharashtra, Punjab, and Haryana.

 

Option 2: This sequence is incorrect because it ranks Punjab (III) higher than Maharashtra (II) and Haryana (I).

 

Option 3: This option is also incorrect as it suggests Punjab (III) has the highest length of surface roads per 100 km², which is inaccurate.

 

Option 4: This sequence incorrectly places Punjab (III) as the state with the highest length of surface roads per 100 km² and ranks Haryana (I) lower than it should be.

 

It is important to know the state`s area and the total length of surface roads in those states to arrange them in the correct order.

 

Correct option is D. The Palghat Gap serves inland communications from Chennai to Kochi.

Satara is well known for Wind Energy Plant

• Renewable Energy: Satara is well known for its wind energy plant which harnesses the power of wind to generate electricity.



• Abundance of Wind: Satara has favorable wind conditions, making it an ideal location for setting up wind energy plants.



• Contribution to Clean Energy: The wind energy plant in Satara plays a significant role in generating clean and sustainable energy, reducing the dependence on fossil fuels.



• Economic Benefits: The presence of wind energy plants in Satara not only contributes to environmental sustainability but also provides economic benefits to the region through job creation and revenue generation.



• Recognition: Satara has gained recognition in the field of renewable energy due to its wind energy plant, showcasing its commitment towards a greener future.

Correct option is A. 

Correct option is B. Nava Sheva

Pyramid of Number
- The pyramid of number is a graphical representation of the number of organisms present at each trophic level in an ecosystem.
- It shows the relative number of organisms at each trophic level, with producers at the bottom and top-level consumers at the top.
- The shape of the pyramid of number is generally pyramid-shaped, with a large number of producers at the base and a smaller number of consumers at the top.
- It helps in understanding the flow of energy through the ecosystem and the relationship between different trophic levels.
Relationship with Trophic Levels
- Producers, such as plants, form the base of the pyramid as they are the primary source of energy in an ecosystem.
- Herbivores feed on producers, leading to a higher number of herbivores than producers.
- Carnivores that feed on herbivores have an even smaller population, resulting in a decreasing number of organisms at higher trophic levels.
- The pyramid of number illustrates the energy transfer between trophic levels, with energy decreasing as it moves up the pyramid.
Significance
- The pyramid of number helps in understanding the structure and dynamics of an ecosystem.
- It shows the interdependence of different organisms in an ecosystem and how energy flows through the food chain.
- Changes in the pyramid of number can indicate disruptions in the ecosystem, such as the introduction of invasive species or environmental disturbances.
- By studying the pyramid of number, ecologists can make informed decisions about conservation and management practices to maintain the balance of ecosystems.

Treeless Biomes

• Tundra: The tundra is a treeless biome characterized by low temperatures, short growing seasons, and permafrost. It is located in the Arctic and alpine regions of the world.



• Grassland: Grasslands are vast areas dominated by grasses and other herbaceous plants. They are typically treeless biomes that receive low to moderate amounts of precipitation.



• Desert: Deserts are arid regions with little to no vegetation. While some deserts may have scattered trees or shrubs, they are generally considered treeless biomes due to the lack of significant tree cover.



• All the above: All of the above biomes (tundra, grassland, and desert) are considered treeless biomes due to the minimal presence of trees in their ecosystems.

By understanding the characteristics of each of these biomes, we can see that they are indeed treeless and support a variety of vegetation adapted to their unique environmental conditions.

Correct Sequence in a Food Chain
Explanation:

• Grass→Insects→Birds→Snake: This is the correct sequence in a food chain as it follows the flow of energy from one organism to another.


• Grass→Snake→Insects→Deer: This sequence is incorrect as snakes typically feed on insects and birds, not grass.


• Grass→Wolf→Deer→Buffalo: This sequence is incorrect as wolves generally feed on deer, not grass.


• Bacteria→Grass→Rabbit→Wolf: This sequence is also incorrect as bacteria break down organic matter, grass is typically eaten by herbivores like rabbits, and then wolves are higher up in the food chain as predators.

Therefore, the correct sequence in a food chain is Grass→Insects→Birds→Snake. This shows the flow of energy from producers (grass) to primary consumers (insects) to secondary consumers (birds) and finally to tertiary consumers (snake).

The Kishenganga Power Project Location:

• Location: The Kishenganga Power Project is located in Jammu & Kashmir.

About the Kishenganga Power Project:

• Project Type: The Kishenganga Power Project is a run-of-the-river hydroelectric power station.


• Capacity: The project has a capacity of 330 MW.


• River: The power project is built on the Kishenganga River, also known as the Neelum River.


• Construction: The project was constructed by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC).


• Impact: The project has faced controversies due to its impact on the environment and the Indus Water Treaty between India and Pakistan.

Significance of the Kishenganga Power Project:

• Electricity Generation: The project contributes to the electricity generation in the region and helps in meeting the power requirements.


• Employment: The project has provided employment opportunities to the local population during construction and operation phases.


• Water Resource Management: The project helps in the management of water resources in the region through the utilization of the river for power generation.

By following the above points, we can understand the significance of the Kishenganga Power Project located in Jammu & Kashmir.

Longest Dam in India: Hirakud Dam

• Bhakra Dam: Although Bhakra Dam is one of the largest dams in India, it is not the longest.


• Nagarjuna Sagar Dam: Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is the tallest masonry dam in the world, but it is not the longest.


• Hirakud Dam: Hirakud Dam is the longest dam in India, spanning the Mahanadi River in Odisha.


• Kosi Dam: Kosi Dam is not the longest dam in India.

Therefore, the correct answer is option C: Hirakud Dam.

Renewable Resource Explanation:

• Fossil fuel: Fossil fuels are non-renewable resources, meaning they are finite and will eventually be depleted.


• Metals: Metals are also non-renewable resources, as they are mined from the earth and cannot be replenished at the same rate they are consumed.


• Sunlight: Sunlight is a renewable resource because it is constantly being produced by the sun and will not run out. We can harness sunlight through solar panels to generate electricity or heat water.


• Both A and B: Fossil fuels and metals are not renewable resources, so this option is incorrect.

By understanding the difference between renewable and non-renewable resources, we can make more sustainable choices in our energy consumption and reduce our impact on the environment. It is important to prioritize the use of renewable resources like sunlight to help combat climate change and ensure a more sustainable future for generations to come.