Agriculture in India MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Agriculture in India - Download Free PDF

The correct answer is Major Projects.

Key Points

• Irrigation projects in India are categorized based on their Cultivable Command Area (CCA), which refers to the area that can be irrigated by the project.
• Projects with a CCA of more than 10,000 hectares are classified as Major Projects.
• Major irrigation projects are usually large-scale initiatives involving substantial investment and resources for construction and maintenance.
• These projects often include dams, canals, and reservoirs designed to provide water for irrigation, drinking, hydropower generation, and flood control.
• Examples of major irrigation projects in India include the Bhakra-Nangal Project, Hirakud Dam, and Nagarjuna Sagar Dam.

Additional Information

• Cultivable Command Area (CCA):
  • Refers to the total area that can be irrigated using the water resources available from an irrigation project.
  • It is a key criterion for classifying irrigation projects in India as Minor, Medium, or Major.
• Minor Irrigation Projects:
  • These projects have a CCA of up to 2,000 hectares.
  • They are typically managed at the local or community level and involve small-scale infrastructure like tanks or wells.
• Medium Irrigation Projects:
  • Projects with a CCA between 2,000 and 10,000 hectares fall under this category.
  • They are more extensive than minor projects but smaller than major ones, involving moderate infrastructure development.
• Examples of Major Projects in India:
  • Bhakra-Nangal Project: A major multipurpose project on the Sutlej River.
  • Nagarjuna Sagar Dam: One of the largest masonry dams in the world, located on the Krishna River.
  • Hirakud Dam: Built on the Mahanadi River, it is one of the longest earthen dams globally.
• Importance of Major Irrigation Projects:
  • They play a crucial role in improving agricultural productivity and ensuring water availability in arid and semi-arid regions.
  • These projects also support hydropower generation, flood management, and drinking water supply.

The correct answer is Low water availability.

Key Points

• Dryland farming refers to agricultural practices in regions where rainfall is insufficient, typically less than 750 mm annually, making water availability a critical constraint.
• The primary challenge in dryland farming is low soil moisture due to minimal rainfall, which limits crop growth and productivity.
• Crops grown in such areas are primarily drought-resistant varieties, such as millets, sorghum, and pulses, as they can survive with limited water.
• Dryland farming areas are also prone to soil erosion, which further reduces the land's capacity to retain water.
• Efficient water management techniques, such as rainwater harvesting and mulching, are critical to overcoming water scarcity in these regions.

Additional Information

• Dryland Farming:
  • It is a type of farming practiced in arid and semi-arid regions with low rainfall.
  • Relies on moisture conservation techniques like deep plowing, contour farming, and minimal tillage to retain soil moisture.
  • Crops such as pearl millet, chickpeas, and groundnuts are commonly grown in dryland farming systems.
• Soil Moisture Management:
  • Techniques like mulching (covering soil with organic matter) help conserve moisture and prevent evaporation.
  • Use of micro-irrigation systems, such as drip irrigation, ensures precise water delivery to crops.
• Rainwater Harvesting:
  • Collecting and storing rainwater for agricultural use is a common practice in dryland regions.
  • Helps supplement water availability during dry spells.
• Drought-Resistant Crops:
  • These crops have evolved to survive with minimal water, making them ideal for dryland farming.
  • Examples include millets, sorghum, pigeon peas, and certain oilseeds like sesame.

The correct answer is Shifting agriculture.

Key Points

• Shifting agriculture, also known as Jhum cultivation, is a traditional farming method practiced in Northeast India, particularly in states like Assam, Nagaland, and Mizoram.
• Farmers clear forested land by cutting and burning vegetation (slash-and-burn method) and use the ash as fertilizer for crops.
• This practice leads to severe soil erosion due to the removal of vegetation cover, exposing the soil to heavy rainfall and wind.
• Shifting agriculture results in the loss of soil nutrients over time, leading to the degradation of land and reduced agricultural productivity.
• After a few years, the land is abandoned, and farmers move to another area, repeating the cycle, which further contributes to deforestation and environmental concerns.

Additional Information

• Soil Erosion:
  • It refers to the removal of the topsoil layer due to natural forces like wind and water or human activities such as deforestation and farming.
  • Soil erosion reduces fertility, destroys agricultural land, and affects water quality in nearby rivers and streams.
• Terrace Farming:
  • This is a sustainable agricultural practice where crops are grown on stepped terraces built into hillsides to prevent soil erosion and water runoff.
  • It is widely practiced in hilly regions, such as in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, but is not the main method used in Northeast India.
• Mixed Farming:
  • Involves growing crops and raising livestock simultaneously on the same farm.
  • It does not involve practices that lead to significant soil erosion.
• Deforestation:
  • Shifting agriculture contributes to deforestation as large areas of forests are cleared for farming.
  • Deforestation leads to loss of biodiversity, disruption of ecosystems, and increased carbon emissions.

The correct answer is Paddy.

Key Points

• Paddy is a tropical monsoon crop, cultivated during the kharif season, which requires high temperatures (above 25°C) and abundant rainfall (100-200 cm annually).
• It is one of the most important staple food crops of India and is extensively grown in states like West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu.
• Paddy cultivation is heavily dependent on the monsoon rains, and it thrives in regions with flooded fields and clayey soil for better water retention.
• India is the second-largest producer of rice globally, contributing significantly to global rice production and exports.
• The crop plays a vital role in India's agricultural economy and food security, feeding millions of people.

Additional Information

• Kharif Crops: These crops are sown during the monsoon season (June-July) and harvested in the autumn (September-October). Examples include paddy, maize, cotton, and groundnut.
• Monsoon Dependency: Tropical monsoon crops like paddy rely on the southwest monsoon for irrigation, as artificial irrigation methods are less prevalent in many rural farming areas.
• Rice Varieties: India grows different varieties of rice, including basmati and non-basmati, catering to both domestic consumption and export markets.
• Soil Requirements: Paddy is ideally grown in clayey and loamy soils with good water retention capacity, which ensures consistent water supply during its growth cycle.
• Challenges in Paddy Cultivation: Issues such as water scarcity, pest attacks, and dependency on erratic monsoon rains pose significant challenges to paddy farmers in India.

The correct answer is Mold growth and foul odor.

Key Points

• Mold growth is a visible sign of grain spoilage and can result from high moisture content or poor storage conditions.
• A foul odor often accompanies mold growth, indicating microbial activity or decay within the grains.
• Infestation by pests, such as insects or rodents, can exacerbate spoilage and produce similar odors.
• Contaminated grains can lead to the production of harmful mycotoxins, posing health risks if consumed.
• Early detection and proper storage methods are essential to minimize spoilage and prevent losses.

Additional Information

• Mycotoxins: Toxic substances produced by certain molds, such as Aspergillus and Fusarium, which grow on grains under humid conditions.
• Moisture Content: Grains stored with moisture levels above 12-14% are prone to spoilage due to microbial growth and mold formation.
• Storage Practices: Proper storage methods, including airtight containers and temperature control, can prevent spoilage and pest infestation.
• Pest Infestation: Common pests include grain weevils, moths, and rodents, which can damage grains and worsen spoilage.
• Preventive Measures: Regular inspection, fumigation, and maintaining low humidity levels are crucial in avoiding grain spoilage.

The correct answer is use of more labour and capital inputs on the given land under cultivation.

Key Points

• Intensive agriculture, also known as intensive farming, maximizes agricultural production from a given area of land using higher inputs of labour, machinery, and other farming resources.
• This method represents a stark contrast to extensive farming, where the land is used more broadly with less management or fewer inputs per unit area.
• Intensive agriculture uses practices like irrigation, advanced fertilizers, and other technological inputs to generate a high output per unit of land, making it well-suited for regions with high population density where land is in short supply.
• The aim of this agricultural practice is to grow plentiful crops and raise large numbers of animals cheaply and rapidly, which often leads to higher environmental impact compared to less intensive farming systems.

Additional Information

•  Extensive Farming:
  • Extensive farming is characterized by low inputs of labour and capital per unit area of land.
  • This farming method is traditionally used in regions with low agricultural productivity, such as remote, mountainous, or dry regions, where arable land is abundant.
  • It has less of an impact on the environment per unit of area compared to intensive farming, as it tends not to employ large amounts of harmful fertilizers or pesticides.
  • However, it usually generates less production per unit of land, which can be a potential downside in areas where the population is growing and food demand is high.
• Mechanized Farming:
  • Mechanized farming is characterized by the use of machinery for various farming operations, replacing traditional manual and animal labour.
  • This type of farming is usually employed in developed countries and in places where the cost of labour is high or labour is scarce.
  • Mechanized farming significantly increases the efficiency and productivity of the land, making large-scale farming feasible.
  • On the downside, it requires significant investment in machinery, which can be a barrier for small-scale farmers.
• Diversified Farming:
  • Diversified farming involves growing a variety of crops or raising various types of livestock on the same farm to maximize output and reduce risk.
  • This type of agriculture provides a variety of products, promoting food security, and can help to safeguard against the failure of a single crop or livestock.
  • Diversified farming can be beneficial to the environment, promoting biodiversity and reducing the need for chemical inputs as different plants and livestock can help to control pests and replenish soil nutrients.
  • However, it can require more labour, knowledge, and management compared to monocultures due to the complexity of farming multiple crops or livestock types.

The correct answer is Culturable waste land.

Key Points

• Culturable waste land refers to land that is available for cultivation but has not been cultivated for more than five years.
• This type of land includes both fallow lands and other wastelands that could be brought under cultivation with some efforts.
• The term is used in land use statistics to categorize and manage land resources more effectively.
• Such lands are important in the context of land management and agricultural planning.

Additional Information

• Current fallow land: Agricultural land that has been left uncultivated for less than a year.
• Fallow other than current fallow: Land that has been left uncultivated for a period of 1 to 5 years.
• Barren and waste land: Land that is not suitable for any cultivation due to poor soil quality, rocky terrain, or other inhospitable conditions.
• Land use statistics: These are vital for understanding the distribution and utilization of different types of land in a region, aiding in effective resource management.
• Importance of land classification: Accurate land classification helps in making informed decisions for agricultural development, urban planning, and environmental conservation.

The correct answer is Only ii and iii.

Key Points

• Agricultural Exports: During the Financial Year 2021-22, India's agricultural exports reached approximately USD 50.2 billion, reflecting a significant growth in the sector.
• Rice Procurement: During the Kharif Marketing Season 2021-22, India procured around 581.7 lakh metric tons of rice, indicating robust procurement policies.
• Growth Rate: The projected growth rate of the Indian agriculture sector for FY 2022-23 was not 5.5%; hence, statement i is incorrect.

Additional Information

• Agricultural Sector in India: The agriculture sector plays a crucial role in India's economy, contributing significantly to employment and GDP.
• Kharif Marketing Season: This season pertains to the agricultural cycle during which crops like rice are harvested, running from June to October.
• Export Growth: India's agricultural export growth is driven by factors like improved logistics, market access, and government support for farmers.
• Procurement Policies: Government procurement ensures stable prices for farmers and adequate food supply for public distribution systems.

The Correct answer is Bajra.

Key Points

• Bajra, also known as pearl millet, is a widely cultivated grain in India, especially in dry and arid regions.
• It is a drought-resistant crop that requires minimal water for cultivation, making it ideal for semi-arid and arid climates.
• Bajra is primarily grown in states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, and Maharashtra.
• It is a hardy crop with the ability to grow in poor-quality soils and under extreme temperatures.
• Bajra is a rich source of essential nutrients such as iron, magnesium, and protein and is often used as a staple food in regions with limited water availability.
• It has a short growth cycle and can be harvested in 2-3 months, making it a reliable crop for farmers in water-scarce regions.
• In addition to human consumption, Bajra is also used as fodder for livestock, contributing to the agricultural economy.

 Additional Information

• Rice
  • Rice is a water-intensive crop that requires a significant amount of water for cultivation.
  • It is primarily grown in regions with high rainfall or where irrigation systems are well-developed.
  • Major rice-growing states in India include West Bengal, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh.
• Jute
  • Jute is a fiber crop that thrives in warm and humid climates with plenty of water.
  • It is mainly grown in the Ganges delta regions of West Bengal, Assam, and Bihar.
  • Jute is used to make products like gunny bags, ropes, and mats.
• Wheat
  • Wheat is a major rabi crop grown in cooler climates, typically during the winter season.
  • It requires moderate water and is cultivated in states like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.
  • Wheat is a staple food crop and is used to produce flour, bread, and other food products.

The Correct answer is Urad and Cotton.

Key Points

• Kharif crops are typically sown at the onset of the monsoon season in India, which begins in June, and harvested in the months of September and October.
• Urad (black gram) and Cotton are important crops grown during the Kharif season due to their suitability for the climatic conditions associated with monsoons.
• Cotton thrives in regions with high temperatures and moderate rainfall, which are typical during the Kharif season.
• Urad is a leguminous crop that grows well in the warm and humid conditions during Kharif, particularly in states like Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan.
• Kharif crops require abundant water and are often dependent on rain-fed agriculture in India.
• Other major crops grown in the Kharif season include rice, maize, jowar, bajra, tur (arhar), moong, soybeans, and groundnut.
• The sowing of Kharif crops aligns with the arrival of the Southwest Monsoon, ensuring adequate water supply for their growth.

 Additional Information

• Groundnut and Barley
  • Groundnut is grown during both Kharif and Rabi seasons, but it is predominantly a Kharif crop due to its dependence on monsoon rainfall.
  • Barley, on the other hand, is a Rabi crop and is sown in winter (October-November) and harvested in summer (March-April).
• Gram and Mustard
  • Gram (Chickpea) and Mustard are both Rabi crops, which are grown in the winter season and harvested before summer.
  • These crops require cool weather and relatively less water compared to Kharif crops.
• Jute and Wheat
  • Jute is a major Kharif crop grown in regions like West Bengal, Bihar, and Assam due to high rainfall and warm climatic conditions.
  • Wheat, however, is a Rabi crop and is cultivated during the winter season.

The correct answer is option 3.

Key Points

• Statement 1 – Correct – India has the largest irrigated area in the world (~70 million hectares), ahead of China and the USA.
• Statement 2 – Correct – China and the USA have a higher percentage of their cultivated land under irrigation (~50-60% for China vs. ~40% for India).
• Statement 3 –  Correct – Well and tube well irrigation account for over 60% of total irrigated land in India.
  • Correct Answer: (c) All three

The correct answer is Terrace cultivation.

Key Points

• Terrace cultivation involves carving flat areas out of a hilly or mountainous landscape to create step-like structures, which help reduce soil erosion by slowing down water runoff.
• This method is particularly effective on steep slopes where the erosion potential is high, as it helps in retaining soil and water.
• Terraces reduce the velocity of water runoff, thereby minimizing the soil erosion and loss of nutrients.
• It also helps in increasing the arable land area on slopes, thus supporting agricultural activities in hilly regions.

Additional Information

• Shifting cultivation
  • An agricultural system in which plots of land are cultivated temporarily, then abandoned.
  • It is not effective in preventing soil erosion and can lead to deforestation and soil degradation.
• Shelter belts
  • Rows of trees or shrubs planted to protect an area from wind and erosion.
  • Effective in flat and slightly undulating areas but not as effective as terrace cultivation on steep slopes.
• Mulching
  • The practice of covering the soil with organic or inorganic materials to conserve moisture and reduce erosion.
  • Useful in gardens and flat lands but less practical on steep slopes compared to terraces.
• Soil erosion
  • The process by which the topsoil is worn away by natural physical forces such as water and wind or through farming activities.
  • Soil erosion can lead to loss of soil fertility, reduced agricultural productivity, and environmental degradation.

The Correct answer is Podu.

Key Points

• Podu is a traditional form of shifting cultivation practiced by tribal communities in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.
• This method involves clearing a patch of forest through slash-and-burn techniques, cultivating the land for a few years, and then allowing it to regenerate.
• The term Podu is derived from the local dialects and is common among tribes like the Koya, Chenchu, and other indigenous groups.
• This practice is particularly followed in the Eastern Ghats region of Andhra Pradesh, where the terrain and soil conditions are suitable for such cultivation.
• Although traditional, this method has been criticized for its impact on deforestation, soil erosion, and biodiversity loss.
• Efforts are being made by the government to promote sustainable agricultural practices and reduce dependency on shifting cultivation.

 Additional Information

• Dahiya
  • Dahiya refers to a form of shifting cultivation practiced in some parts of Madhya Pradesh and adjoining states.
  • This method is similar to Podu but is identified by a different local term in those regions.
• Bringa
  • The term Bringa is not specifically associated with any known form of shifting cultivation in India. It may be a distractor in this context.
• Valre
  • Valre is not recognized as a term related to any traditional agricultural practices in India.

The correct answer is Ensures better irrigation, storage and transportation facilities.

Key Points

• Infrastructure in agriculture enhances productivity by providing adequate irrigation facilities, ensuring consistent water supply for crops.
• Efficient storage facilities prevent post-harvest losses, safeguarding farmers’ produce and improving their incomes.
• Improved transportation systems enable timely movement of agricultural products to markets, fostering better price realization for farmers.
• Infrastructure development promotes access to modern technology, mechanization, and inputs, leading to sustainable agricultural practices.
• It facilitates export opportunities by ensuring quality preservation and compliance with global standards, boosting the agricultural economy.

Additional Information

• Irrigation Infrastructure: Involves canals, dams, tube wells, and drip irrigation systems to ensure optimal water usage and increase crop yield.
• Storage Facilities: Includes warehouses, cold storage units, and silos to reduce spoilage and maintain the quality of produce post-harvest.
• Transportation Networks: Roads, railways, and ports play a vital role in connecting rural farms to urban markets, reducing time and costs.
• Mechanization: Access to tractors, harvesters, and other machinery improves efficiency and reduces labor dependency in agriculture.
• Supply Chain Management: Effective supply chain systems ensure seamless integration from production to consumption, benefiting both farmers and consumers.

The correct answer is Jhumming cultivation.

Key Points

• Valre' is a term associated with a traditional farming practice in Rajasthan, which is categorized under Jhumming cultivation.
• Jhumming cultivation, also known as shifting cultivation, involves clearing forests by burning and cultivating crops on the cleared land temporarily.
• This form of farming is typically practiced in hilly regions or areas with poor soil fertility, and after a few years, the land is left fallow to recover.
• In Rajasthan, Valre' represents a localized adaptation of Jhumming cultivation suited to arid and semi-arid regions.
• Such practices are often sustainable for small-scale farming but can lead to deforestation if not managed properly.

Additional Information

• Jhumming cultivation
  • It is a form of agriculture practiced in various parts of India, including the northeastern states, Odisha, and Rajasthan.
  • The process includes cutting down vegetation, drying it, and burning it to clear the land for crops.
  • Common crops grown in Jhumming include millets, maize, and pulses.
  • After a few years of cultivation, farmers move to a new plot, allowing the old plot to regenerate naturally.
• Farming in Rajasthan
  • Rajasthan’s agriculture is predominantly rain-fed and adapted to arid conditions.
  • Major crops include bajra (pearl millet), wheat, pulses, mustard, and barley.
  • Traditional practices like Valre' and innovative irrigation techniques help cope with water scarcity.
• Sustainability Concerns
  • Shifting cultivation can contribute to soil erosion, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity.
  • Efforts are being made to promote sustainable farming practices to balance agricultural needs and environmental conservation.
• Alternate Farming Techniques in Rajasthan
  • Drip irrigation, sprinkler systems, and rainwater harvesting are widely promoted to address water scarcity.
  • Integrated farming systems combining agriculture, horticulture, and livestock are becoming popular.