Agriculture Miscellaneous (Part-2)

Total Questions: 52

11. Consider the following statements: [I.A.S. (PRE) 2014]

  1. Maize can be used for the production of starch.
  2. Oil extracted from maize can be a feedstock for biodiesel.
  3. Alcoholic beverages can be produced by using maize.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Answer: (d) 1, 2, and 3
Solution:Maize is used for the production of starch powder and starch products like dextrin and cyatex. Oil extracted from maize can also be used for biodiesel. By using maize, various types of alcoholic beverages like corn whisky (American wine) and choweime (Brazilian beer) are produced.

12. Maturity period of the Maize crop is: [R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1999]

Correct Answer: (d) 110 days
Solution:Maize is the largest produced and consumed crop after rice and wheat in India. It is grown throughout the year in almost all States of the country. The maturity period of maize in different climatic zones is usually 90 to 150 days. Varieties grown in winter take longer compared to those grown in summer and spring.

13. Which of the following is a C4 plant? [U.P. P.C.S. (Mains) 2014]

Correct Answer: (c) Maize
Solution:Maize is an example of a C4 plant. Rice, wheat, barley, rye, soybean, cotton, tobacco, and potato are examples of C3 plants In India, it is the third most important food crop after rice and wheat.

Maize serves multiple purposes: it is used as both food and fodder. Besides being a staple food for humans and a quality feed for animals, maize is a crucial raw material and ingredient in various industrial products, including starch, oil, protein, alcoholic beverages, food sweeteners, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, film, textiles, gum, packaging, and paper industries.

Maize is cultivated throughout the year in all states of the country for various purposes, including grain, fodder, green cobs, sweet corn, baby corn, and popcorn in peri-urban areas. The predominant maize-growing states are Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh.

Maize has emerged as an important crop in non-traditional regions, such as peninsular Indian states like Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, which have recorded some of the highest production and productivity in the country.

14. Arrange the following states of India in descending order of their maize production and select the correct answer from the code given below: [U.P. P.C.S. (Mains) 2010]

  1. Andhra Pradesh
  2. Bihar
  3. Karnataka
  4. Rajasthan

Code:

Correct Answer: (d) 1, 3, 4, 2
Solution:The correct sequence of States in descending order of their maize production, when this question was asked, was — Andhra Pradesh > Karnataka > Rajasthan > Bihar. As per 2021-22 (4th A.E.) data, the leading maize producers are Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra.

15. Which of the following is not a cash crop? [Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2023]

Correct Answer: (e) Both Millet & Peanut
Solution:A Cash crop, also called crop is an agricultural crop which is grown to sell for profit. In regions with a tropical climate, coffee, cocoa, sugarcane, bananas, orange, cotton and jute are common cash crop.

16. Which of the following statements are true? [Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2023]

I. Bajra is sown in hot and dry climatic conditions of western and central parts of India.

II. It is a hardy crop which can resist frequent dry spells.

III. Being a rainfed crop, the yield of this crop is low in Rajasthan.

IV. Rajasthan leads in its production.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct Answer: (e) I, II, III and IV
Solution:Bajra is sown in hot and dry climatic conditions of western and central parts of India. Significantly, Bajra is a hardly crop known for its ability to resist frequent dry spells. No- tably the yield of Bajra can be relatively low in Rajasthan. Significantly, Rajasthan leads in its production.

17. The dryland farming in India is largely confined to the regions having annual rainfall of: [Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2023]

Correct Answer: (c) less than 75 cm
Solution:Dryland farming, also known as dry farming or rainfed agriculture, refers to agricultural practices carried out in re. gions characterized by limited water availability, particularly areas with low and erratic rainfall. Significantly, dryland farming in India is practiced in regions with annual rainfall below 750 milimeters.

18. Mahi Kanchan and RCB 911 are hybrid variety of: [Raj. P.C.S. (Pre) 2023]

Correct Answer: (c) Maize and Bajra respectively
Solution:Mahi Kanchan and RCB 911 are hybrid variety of Maize and Bajara respectively. Significantly the major maize producing districts in the state of Rajasthan are Bhilwara, Chhittorgarh, Udaipur, Banswara etc. While Western Rajasthan, Jaipur, Dausa, Karauli, Bharatpur etc. are major Bajra producing regions of Rajasthan.

19. Color of the tag used on certified seed bags is : [U.P. R.O./A.R.O. (Pre) (Re-Exam) 2016]

Correct Answer: (a) blue
Solution:Seeds are classified as follows:

1. Breeder seeds These are the basic source of seed production are developed at research center lahs and agricultural universities. A golden colour tag is placed on this bag.

2. Foundation seeds: Foundation seeds are developed from breeding seed under the supervision of the certifying body. It has a tagged with white color.

3. Certified seeds: These are produced from foundation seeds. The certifying body issues it when it conforms to prescribed standards. A blue tag is placed on its bag.

20. Which of the following crops in India was losing area under cultivation since 1980-81 to 2011-12? [Chhattisgarh P.C.S (Pre) 2013]

Correct Answer: (e) None of these
Solution:According to agricultural statistics data, the area under cultivation of none of the crops given in the options has continually decreased from 1980-81 to 2011-12.