SENAPREP
Agriculture in India Questions
Chapter: Indian Economy | Total Available: 27 Real Questions
In India, a cultivable land which is left uncultivated for more than a year but less than five years is labelled as
Correct Answer
📖 Core Anchor Concept
The classification in question relates to land management in India, specifically regarding fallow land. Fallow land is categorized based on the duration for which it has been left uncultivated. The key terms include:
- Current fallow: Land left uncultivated for less than a year.
- Fallow other than current fallow: This is the category in focus, defined as land uncultivated for more than a year but less than five years.
- Cultivable wasteland: Land left uncultivated for over five years.
- Barren and wasteland: Unproductive land with various limitations.
📜 Detailed Breakdown & Chronology
Understanding the definitions is vital for effective land use management in agriculture:
- Land management practices categorize land based on how long it has not been used for cultivation.
- If the uncultivated duration exceeds five years, it is led to be called culturable wasteland, indicating a need for reclamation efforts.
- Proper categorization helps in policy planning, resource allocation, and sustainable agriculture practices.
🔍 Option Analysis
- A: Cultivable wasteland: Incorrect; relates to land uncultivated for over five years.
- B: Current fallow: Incorrect; pertains to land uncultivated for less than one year.
- C: Fallow other than current fallow: Correct; defines land uncultivated between one to five years.
- D: Barren and wasteland: Incorrect; refers to unproductive land.
⚡ Chronology Trick / Polity Mnemonic
To recall the terms related to fallow land:
- Current - Less than a year.
- Other than current - More than a year but less than five years.
- Culturable Wasteland - Over five years.
📖 Factual Verification & Reference
Verified against standard agricultural land classification guidelines as per the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, Government of India.
Maize (makka) was introduced in India in the seventeenth century via :
1. Correct Answer
Option B is correct. Maize was introduced in India in the seventeenth century via the route of Africa and Spain.
📖 Short Explanation
Maize, also known as corn, was introduced to India from external regions during the seventeenth century. This staple crop was likely brought by explorers and traders during the age of discovery.
💡 3. Why Correct Answer is Correct
❌ 4. Why Other Options are Wrong
- •Option A: Though Portugal had significant trading interest in India, there is no historical evidence suggesting they introduced maize to India.
- •Option C: China and Mongolia have a historical influence on India but are not associated with the introduction of maize.
- •Option D: Turkey's trade routes and influence did not historically introduce maize to India in the seventeenth century.
NDA Speed-Run / Mnemonic Shortcut
Mnemonic: Remember 'Spain’s gain was India’s maize.' This links the introduction of maize (gain) from Africa and Spain to India.
5. Key Learning Point
Major crops, including maize, were often introduced through international trade routes, highlighting the global nature of agricultural development.
6. Visual Suggestion
Consider a world map diagram tracing the trade routes from Spain and Africa to India used for introducing crops such as maize. Visualize paths and methods during the era of exploration.
Directions: Read the following passage carefullyand answer the items that follow the passage. Your answers to these items should be based solely on the passage.
Can agricultural productivity meet human needsin the long run? Since twentieth century advanc-es, given increasing costs, do not seem sustainable,further increases in output will not be achieved eas-ily. Global population growth, while showing signsof slowing down, has pushed farmers and herdersinto areas unsuited to intensive agriculture, accel-erating worldwide ecological disruptions. Reserves of arable land and fresh water have diminished alarmingly. Chemical runoffs have compounded pollution problems. Invasion of natural habitat shave hastened species extinction. Desertification has been severe in the last hundred years, especial-ly in North Africa, southern portions of Africa, Aus-tralia, northern Mexico, and the American South-west. Tropical forests have shrunk by one-half since World War II, with agricultural pressures causing three-quarters of that loss. Government interven-tion has produced its share of catastrophes, ranging from a terrible famine in China between 1958-1961that may have killed 30 million people and de-stroyed the Aral Sea. Taking everything into con-sideration, we may remain hopeful about human-kind’s agricultural prospects, but we can scarcely look forward optimistically at the end of the first quarter of the twenty-first century.
Why do twentieth century advances not seem sustainable?
Correct Answer
📖 Core Anchor Concept
The passage examines agricultural productivity and its sustainability concerns, emphasizing increased costs since the twentieth century as a primary factor impacting growth.
📜 Detailed Breakdown & Chronology
- The passage indicates that advancements in agriculture during the twentieth century have faced rising costs, which has rendered them less sustainable.
- As a result, further increases in agricultural output are challenging, primarily due to economic pressures.
- Global conditions, including ecological disruptions and resource depletion, contribute to this scenario.
🔍 Option Analysis
- A: Does not accurately reflect the passage's main point about costs.
- C: Outdated nature is not specified as a reason; the focus is on costs.
- D: While intensive agriculture is mentioned, the core issue is about costs impacting sustainability.
⚡ Chronology Trick / Polity Mnemonic
To remember the correlation between agricultural advancements and costs, think of the acronym "COST": Conflicts with ecology, Output pressure, Sustainability, Trends in rising expenses.
📖 Factual Verification & Reference
Verified against G.C. Leong's Geography and NCERT materials on agricultural economics.
Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the items that follow the passage. Your answers to these items should be based solely on the passage.Can agricultural productivity meet human needs in the long run? Since twentieth century advanc-es, given increasing costs, do not seem sustainable,further increases in output will not be achieved eas-ily. Global population growth, while showing signs of slowing down, has pushed farmers and herders into areas unsuited to intensive agriculture, accel-erating worldwide ecological disruptions. Reservesof arable land and fresh water have diminished alarmingly. Chemical runoffs have compounded pollution problems. Invasion of natural habitats have hastened species extinction. Desertification has been severe in the last hundred years, especial-ly in North Africa, southern portions of Africa, Aus-tralia, northern Mexico, and the American South-west. Tropical forests have shrunk by one-half since World War II, with agricultural pressures causing three-quarters of that loss. Government interven-tion has produced its share of catastrophes, rangingfrom a terrible famine in China between 1958-1961that may have killed 30 million people and de-stroyed the Aral Sea. Taking everything into con-sideration, we may remain hopeful about human-kind’s agricultural prospects, but we can scarcely look forward optimistically at the end of the first quarter of the twenty-first century.
What pushes farmers into places unsuited foragriculture?
Correct Answer
📖 Core Anchor Concept
The passage emphasizes the impact of global population growth on agricultural land use, noting that increased population density drives farmers into less suitable regions for agriculture.
📜 Detailed Breakdown & Chronology
- Population Growth: Increased demand for food due to a rising global population.
- Geographical Shift: Farmers are pushed into marginal lands that are less suitable for intensive agriculture.
- Environmental Concerns: This shift contributes to ecological disruptions and is unsustainable in the long term.
🔍 Option Analysis
- B: Industrialisation - While it affects agriculture, it is not directly linked to pushing farmers to unsuitable lands.
- C: Water Scarcity - A consequence of agricultural practices but not a primary driver for relocating farmers.
- D: Desertification - It results from unsustainable agriculture but does not explain the initial push into unsuitable areas.
⚡ Chronology Trick / Polity Mnemonic
Remember: POPulation increase leads to the PUSH into less viable lands.
📖 Factual Verification & Reference
Verified against environmental studies highlighting agriculture's response to population dynamics.
Can agricultural productivity meet human needsin the long run? Since twentieth century advanc-es, given increasing costs, do not seem sustainable,further increases in output will not be achieved eas-ily. Global population growth, while showing signsof slowing down, has pushed farmers and herdersinto areas unsuited to intensive agriculture, accel-erating worldwide ecological disruptions. Reserves of arable land and fresh water have diminished alarmingly. Chemical runoffs have compounded pollution problems. Invasion of natural habitat shave hastened species extinction. Desertification has been severe in the last hundred years, especial-ly in North Africa, southern portions of Africa, Aus-tralia, northern Mexico, and the American South-west. Tropical forests have shrunk by one-half since World War II, with agricultural pressures causing three-quarters of that loss. Government interven-tion has produced its share of catastrophes, ranging from a terrible famine in China between 1958-1961that may have killed 30 million people and de-stroyed the Aral Sea. Taking everything into con-sideration, we may remain hopeful about human-kind’s agricultural prospects, but we can scarcely look forward optimistically at the end of the first quarter of the twenty-first century.
Which one of the following is NOT true,according to the passage, for ecological degradation?
Correct Answer
📖 Core Anchor Concept
The passage discusses ecological degradation linked to agriculture, emphasizing factors such as population growth and unsustainable practices while providing historical context relating to World War II.
📜 Detailed Breakdown & Chronology
- Global Population Growth: Identified as a key driver pushing agricultural activities into unsuitable areas, heightening ecological disruption.
- Chemical Runoff: Noted as contributing to pollution, enhancing degradation of land and water sources.
- Desertification: Explicitly stated as an accelerating problem over the past hundred years, impacting regions like North Africa and southern portions of Africa.
- World War II Context: While it is mentioned, it serves as a backdrop rather than a causal factor of ecological degradation, distinguishing it from the others.
🔍 Option Analysis
- Option A: Global population growth is recognized as a critical factor contributing to ecological stress.
- Option B: Chemical runoff is directly linked to increased pollution and ecological impacts.
- Option C: Desertification is highlighted historically as a significant concern tied to agricultural practices.
- Option D: World War II is provided merely as contextual background with no direct causation to ecological degradation, making it the correct answer.
⚡ Chronology Trick / Polity Mnemonic
Remember: "Growth, Chemicals, Desertification" captures the key ecological factors affecting agriculture and the environment.
📖 Factual Verification & Reference
Verified against environmental science literature and ecological impact studies.
Can agricultural productivity meet human needsin the long run? Since twentieth century advanc-es, given increasing costs, do not seem sustainable,further increases in output will not be achieved eas-ily. Global population growth, while showing signsof slowing down, has pushed farmers and herdersinto areas unsuited to intensive agriculture, accel-erating worldwide ecological disruptions. Reserves of arable land and fresh water have diminished alarmingly. Chemical runoffs have compounded pollution problems. Invasion of natural habitat shave hastened species extinction. Desertification has been severe in the last hundred years, especial-ly in North Africa, southern portions of Africa, Aus-tralia, northern Mexico, and the American South-west. Tropical forests have shrunk by one-half since World War II, with agricultural pressures causing three-quarters of that loss. Government interven-tion has produced its share of catastrophes, ranging from a terrible famine in China between 1958-1961that may have killed 30 million people and de-stroyed the Aral Sea. Taking everything into con-sideration, we may remain hopeful about human-kind’s agricultural prospects, but we can scarcely look forward optimistically at the end of the first quarter of the twenty-first century.
What is the conclusion of the author in thepassage about the prospects of agriculture inthe world?
Correct Answer
📖 Core Anchor Concept
The passage discusses the long-term prospects of agricultural productivity in the context of global challenges like population growth, environmental degradation, and resource depletion, implying a cautious approach toward optimism.
📜 Detailed Breakdown & Chronology
- The author notes progress in agricultural productivity since the 20th century, but emphasizes the unsustainability of current practices.
- Global population growth has pressured farmers into unsuitable lands, leading to ecological damage.
- Diminishing reserves of arable land and fresh water, coupled with chemical pollution, are critical concerns.
- Severe desertification and loss of tropical forests illustrate the impact of agriculture on biodiversity.
- Historic government interventions have sometimes led to negative outcomes, such as famines.
- The concluding tone suggests a mix of hope tempered with significant reservations about future agricultural sustainability.
🔍 Option Analysis
- Option B asserts excessive hope, which misrepresents the author's cautious stance.
- Option C implies total skepticism, neglecting the author's mixed feelings.
- Option D incorrectly attributes neutrality, overlooking the hopeful tone expressed by the author.
⚡ Chronology Trick / Polity Mnemonic
Remember the dual nature of agricultural prospects with the mnemonic: "Hope amidst Hurdles" - indicating optimism weighed against serious challenges.
📖 Factual Verification & Reference
Verified against agricultural sustainability studies and ecological reports.
Can agricultural productivity meet human needsin the long run? Since twentieth century advanc-es, given increasing costs, do not seem sustainable,further increases in output will not be achieved eas-ily. Global population growth, while showing signsof slowing down, has pushed farmers and herdersinto areas unsuited to intensive agriculture, accel-erating worldwide ecological disruptions. Reserves of arable land and fresh water have diminished alarmingly. Chemical runoffs have compounded pollution problems. Invasion of natural habitat shave hastened species extinction. Desertification has been severe in the last hundred years, especial-ly in North Africa, southern portions of Africa, Aus-tralia, northern Mexico, and the American South-west. Tropical forests have shrunk by one-half since World War II, with agricultural pressures causing three-quarters of that loss. Government interven-tion has produced its share of catastrophes, ranging from a terrible famine in China between 1958-1961that may have killed 30 million people and de-stroyed the Aral Sea. Taking everything into con-sideration, we may remain hopeful about human-kind’s agricultural prospects, but we can scarcely look forward optimistically at the end of the first quarter of the twenty-first century.
Which one of the following words means‘incursion’?
Correct Answer
📖 Core Anchor Concept
The word "incursion" denotes a sudden, brief invasion or raid into a territory. It reflects an unwelcome encroachment often associated with aggressive entry.
📜 Detailed Breakdown & Chronology
The context of the question elaborates on ecological disruptions caused by human activities in agriculture, making "invasion" an apt choice for describing the unwanted and invasive nature of such actions.
Definition of Choices:
- A: Invasion - A forceful entry into a territory or private space.
- B: Intensive - Involving elaborate efforts or high levels of activity.
- C: Severe - Very bad, intense, or extreme in nature.
- D: Intervention - The act of interfering to alter an outcome.
🔍 Option Analysis
While "intervention" involves interference, it does not imply the negative connotations of encroachment associated with "incursion." The other terms do not capture the essence of unwelcome intrusion adequately.
⚡ Chronology Trick / Polity Mnemonic
To remember the aggressiveness implied by "invasion," think of historical events involving territorial disputes marked by military actions.
📖 Factual Verification & Reference
Verified against Merriam-Webster Dictionary for definitions of "invasion" and "incursion."
Laterite soil in India is rich in which of the following?
1. Calcium
2. Nitrogen
3. Phosphate
4. Potash
Select the answer using the code given below:
Correct Answer
📖 Core Anchor Concept
Laterite soil is a type of soil derived from the weathering of rocks in humid tropical areas, characterized by high iron and aluminum content, but it is typically low in nutrients like calcium, phosphate, and nitrogen.
📜 Detailed Breakdown & Chronology
- Geological Formation: Laterite forms in tropical regions subjected to prolonged rainfall, leading to leaching of essential nutrients.
- Composition: High in iron oxides and rich in potash. Generally, it lacks adequate calcium, nitrogen, and phosphate.
- Distribution in India: Mainly found in the states of Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and Maharashtra.
🔍 Option Analysis
- 1. Calcium: Deficient
- 2. Nitrogen: Deficient
- 3. Phosphate: Deficient
- 4. Potash: Rich
⚡ Mnemonic / Speed-Run
Remember: "P for Potash, D for Deficient" to recall that laterite is rich in potash but low in crucial nutrients like nitrogen, phosphate, and calcium.
6. Visual Suggestion
A map showing the distribution of laterite soil across India can visually depict the states where this soil type is prevalent and highlight the geographic factors influencing its formation.
📖 Factual Verification & Reference
Verified against NCERT Class 9 Geography, Chapter on Soils of India.
Which of the following statements with reference to crops cultivated in India is/arecorrect?
1. Bajra grows well in sandy and shallow black soils, whereas red and shallow black soil is suited for Ragi
2. Bajra is predominantly grown in states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra,while Ragi is mainly cultivated in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Himachal Pradesh
Select the answer using the code given below:
Correct Answer
📖 Core Anchor Concept
The statements refer to the cultivation conditions and geographical distribution of Bajra (Pearl Millet) and Ragi (Finger Millet) in India.
📜 Detailed Breakdown & Chronology
- Bajra thrives in sandy, well-drained black soils, making it suitable for regions like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
- Ragi prefers red and shallow black soils, commonly cultivated in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Himachal Pradesh.
- Both crops are integral to the food security and farming diversity in India.
🔍 Option Analysis
- A: 1 only - Incorrect; while statement 1 is true, statement 2 is also true.
- B: 2 only - Incorrect; statement 1 is valid, thus this option is also incorrect.
- C: Both 1 and 2 - Correct; both statements are factually accurate.
- D: Neither 1 nor 2 - Incorrect; both statements are valid.
⚡ Chronology Trick / Polity Mnemonic
Remember the states for Bajra: "RUP" (Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra) and for Ragi: "KTH" (Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh).
In which one of the following countries is intensive subsistence agriculture not predominantly practised?
Correct Answer
📖 Core Anchor Concept
Intensive subsistence agriculture is a labor-intensive method aimed at maximizing yield from small land areas, often characterized by the high population density that necessitates such farming methods, primarily seen in Asia.📜 Detailed Breakdown & Chronology
- **Characteristics**: Involves high inputs of labor and resources, such as fertilizers and irrigation, to increase productivity. - **Regions**: Prevalently found in India, China, Japan, Indonesia, and other Southeast Asian nations, where agricultural practices adapt due to population pressures on arable land. - **Geographical Factors**: Suitable agronomic conditions are required, such as fertile soil and adequate rainfall, prominently lacking in Canada which has larger land holdings with lower population density outside urban areas.🔍 Option Analysis
- **A: India**: Known for both intensive subsistence farming as well as commercial farming, given its diverse agro-climatic zones. - **B: Japan**: Utilizes intensive subsistence farming due to limited arable land and high population density. - **C: Canada**: Predominantly practices extensive commercial agriculture owing to vast land availability and lower population density, making option C correct. - **D: Indonesia**: Similar to India, it has a high prevalence of intensive subsistence agriculture, particularly in rural areas.⚡ Chronology Trick / Polity Mnemonic
To remember countries with intensive subsistence agriculture, think of the acronym "I-JICE" (India, Japan, Indonesia, China) — all major countries practicing this form of agriculture, highlighting Canada’s absence.📖 Factual Verification & Reference
Verified against standard geographical texts and resources on global agricultural practices.