Sustainable agriculture and soil health — UPSC Prelims PYQs

Which among the following is/are the objective(s) of the Rainfed Area Development (RAD) initiative under the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)? 1. Encouraging monoculture in rainfed areas 2. Increasing rice cultivation in irrigated regions 3. Enhancing productivity and minimising climatic risks through Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) Select the answer using the code given below:

Which one of the following is the correct description of "100 Million Farmers"?

Consider the following statements: 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?

Consider the following statements: Statement-I: According to the United Nations’ World Water Development Report, 2022’, India extracts more than a quarter of the world’s groundwater withdrawal each year. Statement-II: India needs to extract more than a quarter of the world’s groundwater each year to satisfy the drinking water and sanitation needs of almost 18% of the world’s population living in its Territory. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

With reference to the role of biofilters in Recirculating Aquaculture System, consider the following statements: 1. Biofilters provide waste treatment by removing uneaten fish feed. 2. Biofilters convert ammonia present in fish waste to nitrate. 3. Biofilters increase phosphorus as a nutrient for fish in water. How many of the statements given above are correct?

“System of rice Intensification” of cultivation, in which alternate wetting and drying of rice fields is practised, results in: 1. Reduced seed requirement 2. Reduced methane production 3. Reduced electricity consumption Select the correct answer using the code given below

Which of the following are nitrogen-fixing plants? 1. Alfalfa 2. Amaranth 3. Chickpea 4. Clover 5. Purslane (Kulfa) 6. Spinach Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Consider the following statements: 1. Biofilms can form on medical implants within human tissues 2. Biofilms can form on food and food processing surfaces. 3. Biofilms can exhibit antibiotic resistance. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Among the following, which one is the least water-efficient crop?

Which one of the following is used in preparing a natural mosquito repellent?

What is blue carbon?

In which one of the following biogeochemical cycles, the weathering of rocks is the main source of release of nutrients to enter the cycle?

How is permaculture farming different from conventional chemical farming? 1. Permaculture farming discourages monocultural practices but in conventional chemical farming, monoculture practices are predominant. 2. Conventional chemical farming can cause an increase in soil salinity but the occurrence of such a phenomenon is not observed in permaculture farming. 3. Conventional chemical farming is easily possible in semi-arid regions but permaculture farming is not so easily possible in such regions. 4. Practice of mulching is very important in permaculture farming but not necessarily so in conventional chemical farming. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

In the context of India’s preparation for Climate-Smart Agriculture, consider the following statements: 1. The ‘Climate-Smart Village’ approach in India is a part of a project led by the Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS), an international research programme. 2. The project of CCAFS is carried out under the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) headquartered in France. 3. The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi- Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in India is one of the CGIAR’s research centres. Which of the statements given above are correct?

In rural road construction, the use of which of the following is preferred for ensuring environmental sustainability or to reduce carbon footprint? 1. Copper slag 2. Cold mix asphalt technology 3. Geotextiles 4. Hot mix asphalt technology 5. Portland cement Select the correct answer using the code given below:

What are the advantages of fertigation in agriculture? 1. Controlling the alkalinity of irrigation water is possible. 2. Efficient application of Rock Phosphate and all other phosphatic fertilizers is possible. 3. Increased availability of nutrients to plants is possible. 4. Reduction in the leaching of chemical nutrients is possible. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

What is/are the advantage/ advantages of zero tillage in agriculture? 1. Sowing of wheat is possible without burning the residue of the previous crop. 2. Without the need for a nursery of rice saplings, direct planting of paddy seeds in the wet soil is possible. 3. Carbon sequestration in the soil is possible. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

What is the use of biochar in farming? 1. Biochar can be used as a part of the growing medium in vertical farming. 2. When biochar is a part of the growing medium, it promotes the growth of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms. 3. When biochar is a part of the growing medium, it enables the growing medium to retain water for longer time. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

With reference to chemical fertilisers in India, consider the following statements: 1. At present, the retail price of chemical fertilisers is market-driven and not administered by the Government. 2. Ammonia, which is an input of urea, is produced from natural gas. 3. Sulphur, which is a raw material for phosphoric acid fertilizer, is a by-product of oil refineries. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

In India, which of the following can be considered as public investment in agriculture? 1. Fixing Minimum Support Price for agricultural produce of all crops. 2. Computerization of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies. 3. Social Capital development. 4. Free electricity supply to farmers. 5. Waiver of agricultural loans by the banking system 6. Setting up cold storage facilities by the governments. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

In the context of India, which of the following is/are considered to be practice(s) of eco-friendly agriculture? 1. Crop diversification 2. Legume intensification 3. Tensiometer use 4. Vertical farming Select the correct answer using the code given below:

In India, the use of carbofuran, methyl parathion, phorate and triazophos is viewed with apprehension.These chemicals are used as

With reference to the circumstances in Indian agriculture, the concept of “Conservation Agriculture” assumes significance. Which of the following fall under the Conservation Agriculture? 1. Avoiding the monoculture practices 2. Adopting minimum tillage 3. Avoiding the cultivation of plantation crops 4. Using crop residues to cover soil surface 5. Adopting spatial and temporal crop sequencing/crop rotations Select the correct answer using the code given below:

With reference to agricultural soils, consider the following statements: 1. A high content of organic matter in soil drastically reduces its water holding capacity. 2. Soil does not play any role in the sulphur cycle. 3. Irrigation over a period of time can contribute to the salinization of some agricultural lands. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Which of the following statements best describes “carbon fertilization”?

Which of the following statements can help in water conservation in agriculture? 1. Reduced or zero tillage of the land 2. Applying gypsum before irrigating the field 3. Allowing crop residue to remain in the field Select the correct answer using the code given below:

The FAO accords the status of ‘Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS)’ to traditional agricultural systems. What is the overall goal of this initiative? 1. To provide modern technology, training in modern farming methods and financial support to local communities of identified GIAHS so as to greatly enhance their agricultural productivity. 2. To identify and safeguard eco-friendly traditional farm practices and their associated landscapes, agricultural biodiversity and knowledge systems of the local communities. 3. To provide Geographical Indication status to all the varieties of agricultural produce in such identifies GIAHS. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Which of the following best describe/ describes the aim of the ‘Green India Mission’ of the Government of India? 1. Incorporating environmental benefits and costs into the Union and State Budgets thereby implementing the ‘green accounting’ 2. Launching the second green revolution to enhance agricultural output so as to ensure food security to one and all in the future 3. Restoring and enhancing forest cover and responding to climate change by a combination of adaptation and mitigation measures Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Which of the following is/are the advantage/advantages of practicing drip irrigation? 1. Reduction in weed 2. Reduction in soil salinity 3. Reduction in-soil erosion Select the correct answer using the code given below.

What can be the impact of excessive/inappropriate use of nitrogenous fertilizers in agriculture? 1. Proliferation of nitrogen fixing microorganisms in soil can occur. 2. Increase in the acidity of soil can take place. 3. Leaching of nitrate to the groundwater can occur. Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

Which one of the following best describes the main objective of ‘Seed Village Concept’?

With reference to Neem tree, consider the following statements: 1. Neem oil can be used as a pesticide to control the proliferation of some species of insects and mites. 2. Neem seeds are used in the manufacture of biofuels and hospital detergents. 3. Neem oil has applications in the pharmaceutical industry. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

What are the significances of a practical approach to sugarcane production known as ‘Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative’? 1. Seed cost is very low in this compared to the conventional method of cultivation. 2. Drip irrigation can be practised very effectively in this. 3. There is no application of chemical/inorganic fertilizers at all in this. 4. The scope for intercropping is more in this compared to the conventional method of cultivation. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Consider the following statements: 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?

Many transplanted seedlings do not grow because

Fruits stored in a cold chamber exhibit longer storage life because

Consider the following organisms: 1. Agaricus 2. Nostoc 3. Spirogyra Which of the above is/are used as biofertilizer/biofertilizers?

With reference to the usefulness of the by products of the sugar industry, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Bagasse can be used as biomass fuel for the generation of energy. 2. Molasses can be used as one of the feedstocks for the production of synthetic chemical fertilizers. 3. Molasses can be used for the production of ethanol. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

The Government of India encourages the cultivation of ‘sea buckthorn’. What is the importance of this plant: 1. It helps in controlling soil erosion and in preventing desertification. 2. It is a rich source of biodiesel. 3. It has nutritional value and is well-adapted to live in cold areas of high altitudes. 4. Its timber is of great commercial value. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Consider the following kinds of organisms: 1. Bacteria 2. Fungi 3. Flowering plants Some species of which of the above kinds of organisms are employed biopesticides?

Which of the following is the chief characteristic of ‘mixed farming’?

How does the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) help in protecting Indian Agriculture? 1. NBA checks the biopiracy and protects the indigenous and traditional genetic resources. 2. NBA directly monitors and supervises the scientific research on genetic modification of crop plants. 3. Application for Intellectual Property Rights related to genetic/biological resources cannot be made without the approval of NBA. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Consider the following crops of India: 1. Groundnut 2. Sesamum 3. Pearl millet Which of the above is/are predominantly rainfed crop/ crops?

Consider the following crops of India: 1. Cowpea 2. Green gram 3. Pigeon pea Which of the above is/are used as pulse, fodder and green manure?

When the bark of a tree is removed in a circular fashion all around near its base, it gradually dries up and dies because

If a tropical rainforest is removed, it does not regenerate quickly as compared to a tropical deciduous forest. This is because

Recently, “oilzapper” was in the news. What is it?

With what purpose is the Government of India promoting the concept of “Mega Food Parks”? 1. To provide good infrastructure facilities for the food processing industry. 2. To increase the processing of perishable items and reduce wastage. 3. To provide emerging and eco-friendly food processing technologies to entrepreneurs. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

With reference to micro-irrigation, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Fertilizer/nutrient loss can be reduced. 2. It is the only means of irrigation in dryland farming. 3. In some areas of farming, the receding of groundwater tables can be checked. Select the correct answer using the codes given below: