Agriculture in The National Economic

Total Questions: 35

31. Consider the following statements: [2020-1]

1. In terms of short-term credit delivery to the agriculture sector, District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs) deliver more credit in comparison to Scheduled Commercial Banks and Regional Rural Banks

2. One of the most important functions of DCCBs is to provide funds to the Primary Agricultural Credit Societies.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) I only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 & 2
(d) Neither It nor 2

Correct Answer: (b) 2 only

Solution:Compared to DCCB, scheduled commercial banks command larger quantities of deposits, more number of Bank branches, have an obligation to give 18% of their loans to agriculture under the priority sector lending (PSL).

Therefore statement#1 is unpalatable (gte djuk eqf'dy gS) and wrong. Statement#2 is correct. DCCBs give funds downwards to PACS.

32. Which one of the following best describes the concept of 'Small Farmer Large Field". [2023-1]

(a) Resettlement of a large number of people, uprooted from their countries due to war, by giving them a large cultivable land which they cultivate collectively and share the produce.
(b) Many marginal farmers in an area organize themselves into groups and synchronize and harmonize selected agricultural operations.
(c) Many marginal farmers in an area together make a contract with a corporate body and surrender their land to the corporate body for a fixed term for which the corporate body makes a payment of agreed amount to the farmers.
(d) A company extends loans, technical knowledge and material inputs to a number of small farmers in an area so that they produce the agricultural commodity required by the company for its manufacturing process and commercial production.

Correct Answer: (b) Many marginal farmers in an area organize themselves into groups and synchronize and harmonize selected agricultural operations.

Solution:The correct answer is (b). The concept of 'Small Farmer Large Field' model allows small farmers to benefit from economies of scale by working together to perform certain agricultural operations, such as planting, harvesting, and marketing.

By working together, the farmers can reduce costs and increase output. This can lead to improved profitability and increased incomes for the farmers.

33. Consider the following statements: [2023-1]

1. The Government of India provides Minimum Support Price for niger (Guizotia abyssinica) seeds.

2. Niger is cultivated as a Kharif crop.

3. Some tribal people in India use niger seed oil for cooking.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

Correct Answer: (c) All three

Solution:Government announces the minimum support prices for kharif crops such as Paddy, Jowar, Bajra, Maize, Ragi, Tur (Arhar). Moong, Urad, Cotton, Groundnut, Sunflower, Seed, Soyabean, Sesamum, Nigerseed. So, St 1 And St 2 are Right. St 3 is correct as some tribal people in India do use niger seed oil for cooking. Therefore the answer is [c].

34. Consider the following statements: [2023-1]

1. India has more arable area than China.

2. The proportion of irrigated area is more in India as compared to China.

3. The average productivity per hectare in Indian agriculture is higher than that in China.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

Correct Answer: (a) Only one

Solution:Statement 1 is correct: India has the largest cropland (or arable land) of any country at 179.8 million hectares, compared with 167.8 million in the US and 165.2 million in China.

Russia ranks fourth, while South Asia and Europe are labelled "agricultural capitals of the world," as cropland accounts for more than 80% of some countries in those regions.

In comparison, only about a fifth of land in US and China is dedicated to growing food.

Statement 2 is correct: China's irrigation cover is 41% of cultivated area, and India's is 48%. Hence, India has high proportion of irrigated area.

Statement 3 is incorrect: As a result of this irrigation, China's total sown area is 166 m ha compared to India's gross cropped area of 198 m ha. Even with much lesser land under cultivation.

China produces agricultural output valued at $1,367 billion-more than three times that of India's $407 billion. China's productivity in most crops is 50 to 100% higher than India's.

But UPSC has given the answer as (a) in its official answer key declared.

35. Consider the following plants: [2024-1]

1. Groundnut

2. Horse-gram

3. Soybean

How many of the above belong to the pea family?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

Correct Answer: (c) All three

Solution:The Fabaceae, also known as the Leguminosae, is a significant family of flowering plants commonly referred to as legumes, peas, or beans. Groundnuts, which are legumes, are part of this family and are unique in that they develop underground.

Horse gram, another member of the Fabaceae family, is a promising grain legume known for its high nutritional value, medicinal properties, and ability to thrive in challenging environmental conditions.

Soybeans, classified as dicotyledonous flowering plants (eudicots), also belong to the Fabaceae family. Thus all three belong to the pea family.

« Previous 1 2 34