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 131–140 of 164 questions
Explanation
The Pugal breed of sheep is native to the Bikaner district of Rajasthan. It is easily recognized by its black face, which has characteristic light brown stripes or spots above the eyes. These sheep are hardy and well-adapted to the hyper-arid conditions of the Thar Desert.Explanation
The Barbari is a small, compact goat breed that is highly prolific and well-suited for stall feeding. Unlike many other breeds that require extensive grazing, Barbari goats adapt well to being kept in confined spaces. They often give birth to twins or triplets twice a year, making them highly profitable for meat production. They are popular in eastern and semi-arid regions.Explanation
Sheep and goat rearing in Rajasthan is primarily characterized by an extensive and often nomadic pastoral management system. Herders move their flocks over large distances in search of seasonal pastures and water, especially during the dry months. This traditional system is an adaptation to erratic rainfall and sparse vegetation. Pastoralism remains a vital socio-economic lifestyle for many communities in the state.Explanation
Cross-breeding indigenous sheep breeds with exotic ones like Rambouillet and Merino is a strategy used to improve the quality and quantity of wool produced in Rajasthan. Indigenous breeds are hardy but often produce coarser wool. By introducing genes from exotic breeds known for fine wool, the state aims to produce higher-value textiles. This program helps in increasing the income of farmers.Explanation
Enterotoxemia, also known as Pulpy Kidney Disease, is a highly fatal bacterial disease that affects sheep in Rajasthan. It is often triggered by sudden changes in diet, such as moving from dry pasture to lush green fields or grain-heavy feeds. The bacteria release toxins that cause sudden death. Regular vaccination is the most effective way to protect flocks from this disease.| Dairy Organization/Brand | Description |
|---|---|
| A. RCDF | i. Apex state-level dairy cooperative federation in Rajasthan |
| B. Saras | ii. Brand name under which RCDF markets its dairy products |
| C. NDDB | iii. National organization supporting dairy development |
| D. Milk Union | iv. District-level cooperative entity managing milk procurement |
Explanation
The dairy sector in Rajasthan is organized into several levels. The Rajasthan Cooperative Dairy Federation is the apex state-level body. It markets its products under the well-known brand name ‘Saras’. The National Dairy Development Board provides nationwide support, while District Milk Unions manage actual procurement and processing of milk locally. This structured approach ensures efficiency from the village to consumer.Explanation
The Rajasthan Cooperative Dairy Federation was set up in 1977 to implement and oversee various dairy development programs across the state. Its establishment marked a significant step toward organizing the fragmented dairy sector into a powerful cooperative movement. Since its inception, RCDF has worked to improve milk procurement, processing infrastructure, and marketing, helping Rajasthan become a leading milk producer in India.Explanation
The village-level milk cooperative societies have had a profound socio-economic impact in Rajasthan. By providing a reliable daily market for milk, they ensure a regular cash income for rural households, which is vital during agricultural lean periods. Furthermore, as women are often the primary caretakers of livestock, their involvement in these cooperatives has significantly empowered them financially and socially. This is development.Explanation
In the cooperative dairy network of Rajasthan, the price paid to farmers for their raw milk is determined by its quality. This is scientifically measured based on the FAT content and the Solid Not Fat (SNF) content.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 131 | (a) Sirohi |
| 132 | (b) Bikaner |
| 133 | (c) Barbari |
| 134 | (d) Extensive and nomadic pastoralism |
| 135 | (a) Improve wool quantity and fineness |
| 136 | (b) Enterotoxemia |
| 137 | (b) A-i, B-ii, C-iii, D-iv |
| 138 | (c) 1977 |
| 139 | (d) Regular income for households, especially empowering women. |
| 140 | (c) FAT and Solid Not Fat (SNF) content |
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.