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 141–150 of 164 questions
Explanation
RCDF, through its ‘Saras’ brand, markets a wide range of products beyond just liquid milk. This includes value-added dairy products like ghee, paneer, butter, curd, and even sweets. Diversifying into value-added products is a core strategy to increase the profitability of the cooperative and ensure better returns for farmers. Therefore, the statement that RCDF prohibits the sale of such products is incorrect.Explanation
The Murrah buffalo is the most prominent and high-yielding dairy breed in the eastern and southeastern districts of Rajasthan. Known for its high milk production with high fat content, it is often referred to as "black gold." Murrah buffaloes are well-adapted to the intensive dairy farming systems of these regions. They play a critical role in fulfilling urban milk demand statewide.Explanation
Bulk Milk Coolers are essential components of the modern dairy supply chain in Rajasthan. They are installed at village collection centers to immediately chill raw milk after procurement. By lowering the temperature, BMCs inhibit the growth of bacteria and maintain the quality of the milk until it can be transported to a larger processing plant. This has significantly reduced milk spoilage and quality.Explanation
Jaipur district boasts the largest and most advanced dairy plant in Rajasthan, managed by the Jaipur Zila Dugdh Utpadak Sahakari Sangh Limited. This massive facility handles enormous volumes of milk daily for pasteurization, packaging, and the manufacture of various dairy products. Its strategic location allows it to cater to the high demand of the state capital and the surrounding urban areas.Explanation
Ajmer district is widely recognized as the "Poultry Hub" or the "Egg Basket" of Rajasthan. It has the highest concentration of commercial layer farms in the state, supported by excellent infrastructure and established market networks. The region’s climate and geographical location make it an ideal center for large-scale poultry production. Ajmer’s poultry industry contributes significantly to the state’s agricultural economy and supply.Explanation
Kadaknath is an indigenous poultry breed famous for its unique jet-black feathers, skin, and even flesh. While it originated in central India, it is now popular in Rajasthan due to its high nutritional value and reputed medicinal properties. The meat is low in fat and high in protein compared to common broilers. Its distinct appearance and benefits have created a niche market.Explanation
A major constraint for the commercial poultry sector in Rajasthan’s arid regions is the extreme summer heat.I. Commercial layer farming is highly concentrated around Ajmer due to favorable infrastructure and market linkages.
II. White Leghorn is widely used in commercial layer farms for high egg production.
III. Ranikhet disease (Newcastle disease) is a negligible threat and requires no vaccination in Rajasthan.
IV. Contract farming is increasingly becoming popular in the broiler sector.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Poultry farming in Rajasthan is centralized around Ajmer, with the White Leghorn being the primary breed for commercial egg production. Additionally, contract farming is a growing trend in the broiler sector. However, stating that Ranikhet disease is a negligible threat is incorrect; it is actually a major viral disease requiring strict vaccination. Thus, the first, second, and fourth statements are correct.Explanation
Pratapdhan is an improved, dual-purpose poultry breed specifically developed for backyard farming in rural Rajasthan. It is a crossbreed that combines the hardiness of indigenous birds with high productivity. These birds are well-adapted to local conditions, can survive on scavenging, and provide both a decent number of eggs and good quality meat. It is a key breed promoted for livelihood enhancement.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 141 | (b) A direct financial subsidy per liter over procurement price. |
| 142 | (d) RCDF strictly markets only liquid milk and prohibits the sale of value-added products like ghee and paneer. |
| 143 | (a) Murrah |
| 144 | (c) Chilling milk at the village level to maintain quality. |
| 145 | (a) Jaipur |
| 146 | (d) Ajmer |
| 147 | (c) Kadaknath |
| 148 | (d) Heat stress causing high mortality and low egg production. |
| 149 | (b) I, II, and IV |
| 150 | (b) Pratapdhan |
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.