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

The Correct answer is Localised Irrigation.

Key Points

• Localised Irrigation, also referred to as micro-irrigation, involves delivering water directly to the root zone of plants through a network of pipes under low pressure.
• This method is highly efficient as it reduces water wastage and ensures that plants receive the required amount of water directly at their roots.
• It is commonly used in arid and semi-arid regions where water scarcity is a significant concern.
• There are different forms of localised irrigation, including drip irrigation and sprinkler irrigation.
• Drip irrigation is particularly effective for crops like fruits, vegetables, and cash crops, ensuring uniform water distribution.
• Localised irrigation reduces water loss due to evaporation, runoff, and deep percolation.
• It promotes water conservation and enhances crop productivity, making it a sustainable irrigation method.
• The Government of India promotes this method under initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) to encourage farmers to adopt efficient irrigation techniques.

 Additional Information

• Furrow Irrigation
  • Furrow irrigation involves creating small parallel channels along the field through which water flows to irrigate crops.
  • It is a traditional irrigation method and is commonly used for crops like maize, sugarcane, and cotton.
  • This method is less efficient as it can lead to water wastage due to evaporation and runoff.
• Tubewell Irrigation
  • Tubewell irrigation involves extracting groundwater using tubewells and pumps.
  • It is widely used in regions with ample groundwater availability, such as Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
  • Though effective, it can lead to the depletion of groundwater resources if not managed sustainably.
• Canal Irrigation
  • Canal irrigation is a method where water is transported from reservoirs or rivers through canals to agricultural fields.
  • This method is extensively used in regions like the Indo-Gangetic plains.
  • It requires large-scale infrastructure and is suitable for areas with abundant surface water.

The correct answer is Terrace farming.

Key Points

• Terrace farming is an agricultural method where sloped lands are cut into a series of steps or terraces to create flat surfaces for cultivation.
• This method is widely practised in hilly or mountainous regions to prevent soil erosion and water runoff.
• It allows farmers to maximize arable land in regions with steep gradients and helps in water conservation by reducing surface runoff.
• Terrace farming is commonly found in areas like the Himalayan region, Southeast Asia, and the Andes.
• It is particularly suited for crops such as rice, wheat, and maize, which require level surfaces and controlled water flow.

Additional Information

• Soil Erosion Prevention: Terrace farming reduces the speed of water flow on slopes, minimizing soil erosion and preserving fertile topsoil.
• Water Management: The terraces act as water catchment areas, enabling better water retention and distribution for crops.
• Challenges: The construction and maintenance of terraces can be labor-intensive and expensive.
• Regions Practicing Terrace Farming: Notable examples include the rice terraces of the Philippines (e.g., Banaue Rice Terraces) and the Andes Mountains in South America.
• Climate Adaptation: This technique is also a sustainable farming method that supports agriculture in challenging terrains and climates.

The correct answer is Plateau regions.

Key Points

• Plateau regions in India, such as the Deccan Plateau, are characterized by hard rock formations and non-alluvial soil, making them unsuitable for tube-well irrigation.
• Tube-well irrigation requires soft, porous, and permeable alluvial soil to facilitate water extraction, which is not present in plateau regions.
• These regions often lack sufficient groundwater recharge due to rocky terrain and limited aquifer systems.
• In contrast, regions like Punjab, Western Uttar Pradesh, and Coastal Plains have fertile alluvial soil and abundant groundwater, making them ideal for tube-well irrigation.
• Farmers in plateau regions primarily depend on rainfall or surface water sources such as tanks, reservoirs, and rivers for irrigation.

Additional Information

• Alluvial Soil and Irrigation:
  • Alluvial soil is formed by river deposits and is rich in nutrients, making it fertile and ideal for agriculture.
  • Its porous structure allows easy water percolation, which facilitates the use of tube-well irrigation.
• Groundwater and Aquifers:
  • Groundwater is stored in aquifers, which are layers of permeable rock or sediment that can hold and transmit water.
  • Plateau regions typically have fractured or impermeable rocks that hinder groundwater storage and extraction.
• Deccan Plateau Characteristics:
  • It is composed of igneous and metamorphic rocks, which are hard and non-porous.
  • These features limit the region’s ability to support groundwater-based irrigation systems like tube-wells.
• Alternative Irrigation in Plateau Regions:
  • Farmers rely on surface irrigation methods such as canals, tanks, and rainwater harvesting to meet their agricultural water needs.
  • Government initiatives promote micro-irrigation techniques like drip and sprinkler systems to optimize water use in these areas.
• Indian Irrigation Practices:
  • Approximately 48% of India’s net sown area relies on irrigation, with tube-wells being a major source in alluvial regions.
  • Regions unsuitable for tube-well irrigation often implement watershed development projects to improve water availability.

The correct answer is Tube wells and canals.

Key Points

• Tube wells and canals account for the largest share of irrigation in India, contributing significantly to agricultural productivity.
• Canals are prominent irrigation sources in areas like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh due to their extensive network and water availability.
• Tube wells rely on groundwater extraction, making them widely used in regions with low surface water availability, such as Rajasthan and parts of Maharashtra.
• The Green Revolution further promoted the use of tube wells and canals, especially in northern India, to ensure reliable water supply for high-yield crops.
• Together, tube wells and canals irrigate a significant portion of India's agricultural land, ensuring food security for the growing population.

Additional Information

• Canal Irrigation:
  • Canals are artificial waterways that distribute water from rivers or reservoirs to agricultural fields.
  • They are particularly effective in regions with flat terrain and abundant surface water sources.
  • India has an extensive canal network, with major projects like the Indira Gandhi Canal in Rajasthan.
• Tube Wells:
  • Tube wells are deep bore wells equipped with pumps to extract groundwater for irrigation.
  • They are widely used in areas where surface water sources are scarce or unreliable.
  • Excessive use of tube wells has led to groundwater depletion in certain regions, necessitating sustainable practices.
• Rainwater Harvesting:
  • Rainwater harvesting involves collecting and storing rainwater for irrigation and other purposes.
  • Though beneficial, it is a secondary source of irrigation compared to tube wells and canals in India.
• Tank Irrigation:
  • Tanks are small water reservoirs used primarily in southern states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
  • They provide water for irrigation during dry seasons but have limited coverage compared to tube wells and canals.

The correct answer is Use of high-end machinery.

Key Points

• Subsistence farming is characterized by small-scale farming aimed at meeting the basic needs of the farmer's family rather than producing surplus for trade.
• It typically relies on family labour, where members of the household work together to cultivate crops and rear livestock.
• Manual agricultural practices such as the use of simple tools and traditional methods are prevalent in subsistence farming.
• Farmers often use traditional seed varieties that are locally adapted and passed down through generations.
• The use of high-end machinery is not a feature of subsistence farming, as it is often financially inaccessible and unnecessary for small-scale operations.

Additional Information

• Subsistence Farming:
  • It is practiced primarily in developing countries, where farmers grow food mainly for their own consumption.
  • Subsistence farming is often rain-fed and depends heavily on natural soil fertility.
  • Crops grown include staple foods such as rice, wheat, maize, and root crops like cassava.
• Commercial Farming:
  • In contrast to subsistence farming, commercial farming involves large-scale production for trade and profit.
  • High-end machinery, advanced irrigation systems, and genetically modified seeds are commonly used in commercial farming.
  • It is heavily reliant on market demand and economic factors.
• Traditional Seed Varieties:
  • These are seeds that have been cultivated, saved, and passed down through generations by farmers.
  • They are often more resistant to local pests and diseases compared to hybrid or genetically modified seeds.
  • Traditional seeds are essential for preserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable agriculture.
• Mechanization in Agriculture:
  • Mechanization refers to the use of advanced machinery and technology to enhance agricultural productivity.
  • It is typically more prominent in large-scale commercial farming.
  • Examples include tractors, harvesters, and irrigation systems.

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 Localised Irrigation.

Key Points

• Localised Irrigation, also referred to as micro-irrigation, involves delivering water directly to the root zone of plants through a network of pipes under low pressure.
• This method is highly efficient as it reduces water wastage and ensures that plants receive the required amount of water directly at their roots.
• It is commonly used in arid and semi-arid regions where water scarcity is a significant concern.
• There are different forms of localised irrigation, including drip irrigation and sprinkler irrigation.
• Drip irrigation is particularly effective for crops like fruits, vegetables, and cash crops, ensuring uniform water distribution.
• Localised irrigation reduces water loss due to evaporation, runoff, and deep percolation.
• It promotes water conservation and enhances crop productivity, making it a sustainable irrigation method.
• The Government of India promotes this method under initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) to encourage farmers to adopt efficient irrigation techniques.

 Additional Information

• Furrow Irrigation
  • Furrow irrigation involves creating small parallel channels along the field through which water flows to irrigate crops.
  • It is a traditional irrigation method and is commonly used for crops like maize, sugarcane, and cotton.
  • This method is less efficient as it can lead to water wastage due to evaporation and runoff.
• Tubewell Irrigation
  • Tubewell irrigation involves extracting groundwater using tubewells and pumps.
  • It is widely used in regions with ample groundwater availability, such as Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
  • Though effective, it can lead to the depletion of groundwater resources if not managed sustainably.
• Canal Irrigation
  • Canal irrigation is a method where water is transported from reservoirs or rivers through canals to agricultural fields.
  • This method is extensively used in regions like the Indo-Gangetic plains.
  • It requires large-scale infrastructure and is suitable for areas with abundant surface water.

The correct answer is Open-well.

Key Points

• Open-wells are one of the most common sources of groundwater-based irrigation in India, particularly in rural areas.
• These wells are manually or mechanically dug to access groundwater, which is then used for irrigation purposes.
• Open-wells do not require advanced drilling technology, making them cost-effective and accessible for small and marginal farmers.
• This irrigation method relies on natural recharge processes, such as rainfall, to replenish the groundwater.
• Open-wells are widely used in regions where groundwater is available at shallow depths, such as parts of peninsular India.

Additional Information

• Groundwater Irrigation in India:
  • Groundwater irrigation accounts for nearly 63% of the total irrigated area in India, making it the largest source of irrigation.
  • It is primarily extracted using open-wells, tube wells, and bore wells.
  • States like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar are major users of groundwater for irrigation.
• Comparison with Surface Water Irrigation:
  • Surface water irrigation uses sources like rivers, canals, ponds, and tanks, while groundwater irrigation depends on aquifers and underground reserves.
  • Groundwater irrigation is independent of surface water flow, making it more reliable during dry seasons.
• Challenges of Groundwater Irrigation:
  • Over-extraction of groundwater can lead to depletion of aquifers and falling water tables.
  • Regions like Punjab and Haryana are facing critical groundwater stress due to excessive irrigation for water-intensive crops like paddy.
• Government Initiatives for Sustainable Irrigation:
  • Programs like Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) aim to promote efficient water use and reduce dependence on groundwater.
  • Micro-irrigation techniques like drip and sprinkler irrigation are being encouraged to save water and ensure sustainable farming.