Q101. Identify the odd one out among the flora of the desert ecosystem.
Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry and Animal Husbandry in Rajasthan: RAS Prelims MCQs
164 RAS Prelims MCQs on agriculture, horticulture, forestry and animal husbandry in Rajasthan deal with farming in an arid and semi-arid State. Moisture conservation, agro-climatic zones, dry farming, drought-resistant crops, early maturing varieties and the causes of desertification are asked as facts, matches and statements, and the explanations show why each practice suits the desert environment.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 101–110 of 164 questions
Q102. The historic Khejarli movement in Rajasthan, a precursor to modern community forest management, was led by:
Explanation
The historic Khejarli movement was led by Amrita Devi Bishnoi in 1730 to protect Khejri trees from being cut by the king’s men. She and three hundred and sixty-three others sacrificed their lives to defend the trees, reflecting a deep-rooted commitment to environmental conservation. This movement is a legendary precursor to modern community-led forest management. Amrita Devi is iconic.
Q103. The Bishnoi community of Rajasthan is globally renowned for its fundamental religious tenets that mandate:
Explanation
The Bishnoi community of Rajasthan follows twenty-nine religious tenets established by Guru Jambheshwar, which place a fundamental emphasis on environmental ethics. These rules strictly mandate the protection of all trees and wildlife, prohibiting hunting and the felling of green trees. The community’s unwavering dedication to these principles has made them global leaders in grassroots conservation. Their settlements are sanctuaries.
Q104. Under Community Forest Management (CFM) and Joint Forest Management (JFM) in Rajasthan, Village Forest Protection and Management Committees (VFPMCs) are formed. Their primary objective is:
Explanation
Village Forest Protection and Management Committees are the institutional backbone of Joint Forest Management in Rajasthan. Their primary objective is to involve local villagers in the protection and restoration of nearby degraded forest lands. In return for their conservation efforts, the community members share in the benefits, such as collecting minor forest produce. This approach balances environmental and livelihood goals.
Q105. Consider the following statements about Van Mahotsav and Community Forestry in Rajasthan:
I. Van Mahotsav aims to encourage citizen participation in planting and protecting trees.
II. ‘Orans’ are sacred groves managed by local communities where cutting trees is traditionally prohibited.
III. The State Government offers the ‘Amrita Devi Bishnoi Smriti Award’ for outstanding contribution to wildlife and forest protection.
IV. Joint Forest Management operates solely on a penalty-based approach without any benefit-sharing mechanism.
V. Community forestry helps in meeting the local demand for minor forest produce, reducing pressure on reserved forests.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. Van Mahotsav aims to encourage citizen participation in planting and protecting trees.
II. ‘Orans’ are sacred groves managed by local communities where cutting trees is traditionally prohibited.
III. The State Government offers the ‘Amrita Devi Bishnoi Smriti Award’ for outstanding contribution to wildlife and forest protection.
IV. Joint Forest Management operates solely on a penalty-based approach without any benefit-sharing mechanism.
V. Community forestry helps in meeting the local demand for minor forest produce, reducing pressure on reserved forests.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Community forestry in Rajasthan is characterized by initiatives like Van Mahotsav and the protection of sacred groves known as Orans. The state also honors conservationists through the Amrita Devi Bishnoi Smriti Award. While Joint Forest Management relies on benefit-sharing, community forestry is vital for meeting local needs and reducing pressure on reserved areas. These four statements are correct.
Q106. What does the term ‘Oran’ signify in the context of Rajasthan’s environment?
Explanation
An ‘Oran’ is a traditional sacred grove found in Rajasthan, typically dedicated to a local deity or saint. These areas are conserved by the local community through strict traditional rules that prohibit the felling of trees. Orans serve as vital refuges for local biodiversity and help in recharging groundwater. They are excellent examples of indigenous conservation intertwined with religious beliefs.
Q107. Community forest management essentially relies on which of the following approaches?
Explanation
Community forest management is based on a decentralized and participatory approach that empowers local stakeholders to manage their own natural resources. Instead of a top-down policing model, it relies on the active involvement of villagers in decision-making and forest protection. This model recognizes that local communities have a direct stake and valuable knowledge. Participation ensures long-term sustainability and social acceptance.
Q108. During Van Mahotsav in Rajasthan, priority is given to planting:
Explanation
During Van Mahotsav in Rajasthan, the forest department and local bodies prioritize the planting of indigenous species. Trees like Neem, Khejri, Rohida, and Peepal are preferred because they are naturally adapted to the local climate and soil conditions. These native species have higher survival rates and provide better ecological services. Promoting indigenous flora is essential for maintaining the state’s natural balance.
Q109. The integration of community knowledge and modern silviculture under JFM results in:
Explanation
The integration of traditional community knowledge with modern silvicultural practices under Joint Forest Management leads to sustainable forest management. This collaborative approach helps in the effective restoration of degraded forests while simultaneously supporting local livelihoods through the provision of fodder and minor forest produce. By reducing conflicts between officials and villagers, JFM ensures an ecologically healthy environment. It is successful.
Q110. Match the items in List I with those in List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below:
| Cattle Breed | Characteristics/Origin Region |
|---|---|
| A. Rathi | i. Excellent draft breed, origin Nagaur |
| B. Tharparkar | ii. High milk yielder, native to Ajmer-Bhilwara tract |
| C. Nagori | iii. White/light grey, origin near Indo-Pak border, dual purpose |
| D. Gir (Renda/Ajmera) | iv. Good milk yielder, brown with white spots, Bikaner-Ganganagar region |
Explanation
Rajasthan’s diverse cattle breeds are specialized for different uses and regions. The Rathi is a high milk yielder from the Bikaner-Ganganagar belt. Tharparkar is a dual-purpose breed native to the border regions, known for heat resilience. The Nagori is an exceptional draft breed from Nagaur, while the Gir is a prominent milch breed from the Ajmer-Bhilwara tract.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 101 | (a) Mangrove |
| 102 | (a) Amrita Devi Bishnoi |
| 103 | (d) The protection of trees and wildlife |
| 104 | (b) Protect and share benefits of degraded forests with communities. |
| 105 | (a) I, II, III, and V |
| 106 | (d) A sacred grove dedicated to a deity, conserved by community rules. |
| 107 | (a) Decentralized, participatory approach involving stakeholders |
| 108 | (b) Indigenous species adapted to local conditions. |
| 109 | (a) Sustainable forest management and livelihoods |
| 110 | (c) A-iv, B-iii, C-i, D-ii |
Key facts from Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry and Animal Husbandry in Rajasthan
- Contour bunding and mulching are effective moisture conservation methods in arid agriculture.
- Jaisalmer, Barmer and Bikaner fall in the Hyper Arid Partial Irrigated Zone.
- Dry farming is the practice of growing crops in regions with less than 750 mm of annual rainfall without irrigation.
- Bajra (pearl millet) is a common drought-resistant crop of the arid region; moth bean is drought-tolerant and forms a dense soil cover.
- Raj 3077 is a drought-resistant wheat variety suited to low-water areas.
- Early maturing varieties help crops escape terminal drought; overgrazing by livestock accelerates desertification.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry and Animal Husbandry in Rajasthan?
This page has 164 practice MCQs on Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry and Animal Husbandry in Rajasthan (Health, Environment and Agriculture). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
What is dry farming?
The practice of growing crops in regions with less than 750 mm of annual rainfall without irrigation, by conserving soil moisture through methods such as mulching, bunding and early sowing.
Why is moth bean grown widely in Rajasthan?
Because it is drought-tolerant and forms a dense soil cover that protects the soil from erosion. It also fixes nitrogen, so it suits the poor sandy soils of the arid west.
Why are early maturing varieties important?
They complete their growth before the dry spell at the end of the season, so the crop escapes terminal drought. This is a key strategy for rain-fed farming in Rajasthan.