Q11. Moth bean (Vigna aconitifolia) is extensively grown in Rajasthan because:
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 11–20 of 164 questions
Q12. Consider the following statements regarding drought-resistant crop varieties suited for Rajasthan:
I. ‘Khejri’ is widely intercropped with Bajra to maintain soil fertility.
II. Guar (Cluster bean) requires high rainfall for optimal gum production.
III. ‘Pratap’ is a widely adopted drought-tolerant variety of Maize in southern Rajasthan.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. ‘Khejri’ is widely intercropped with Bajra to maintain soil fertility.
II. Guar (Cluster bean) requires high rainfall for optimal gum production.
III. ‘Pratap’ is a widely adopted drought-tolerant variety of Maize in southern Rajasthan.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
In Rajasthan’s agricultural landscape, Khejri trees are traditionally intercropped with Bajra to enhance soil fertility through nitrogen fixation. Additionally, ‘Pratap’ is a well-known drought-tolerant variety of Maize specifically suited for the southern districts. However, Guar or cluster bean is actually highly drought-tolerant and does not require high rainfall. Therefore, only the first and third statements are correct.
Q13. Which among the following is a high-yielding, drought-resistant variety of Wheat suitable for limited irrigation conditions in Rajasthan?
Explanation
Raj 3077 is a high-yielding wheat variety specifically developed for conditions where irrigation water is limited. It is widely adopted by farmers in Rajasthan due to its ability to provide stable yields even under moisture stress. This variety exhibits good resistance to common diseases and is well-suited for the climatic conditions of the state. It represents a significant advancement.
Q14. Consider the following statements about crop adaptation in Rajasthan:
I. Sorghum (Jowar) has an extensive root system to draw moisture from deep soil layers.
II. Castor is cultivated as a drought-resistant cash crop.
III. Barley exhibits higher tolerance to salinity compared to wheat.
IV. Gram (Chickpea) is predominantly grown as a Kharif crop in arid zones.
V. Sesame (Til) is a drought-tolerant oilseed crop grown in Rajasthan.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. Sorghum (Jowar) has an extensive root system to draw moisture from deep soil layers.
II. Castor is cultivated as a drought-resistant cash crop.
III. Barley exhibits higher tolerance to salinity compared to wheat.
IV. Gram (Chickpea) is predominantly grown as a Kharif crop in arid zones.
V. Sesame (Til) is a drought-tolerant oilseed crop grown in Rajasthan.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Various crops in Rajasthan exhibit specific adaptations to survive water scarcity. Sorghum has deep roots for moisture extraction, while Castor and Sesame are hardy oilseeds. Barley shows better salinity tolerance than wheat, making it suitable for certain arid tracts. However, Gram is a Rabi season crop, not a Kharif crop. Thus, the statements regarding Sorghum, Castor, Barley, and Sesame are correct.
Q15. The development of ‘early maturing’ crop varieties is an essential strategy in Rajasthan’s agriculture primarily to:
Explanation
Developing early maturing crop varieties is a critical strategy in Rajasthan to ensure agricultural success. These varieties complete their life cycle quickly, allowing them to escape terminal drought that often occurs when the monsoon retreats prematurely. By maturing before soil moisture is completely exhausted, these crops provide a reliable harvest. This adaptation reduces the risk of total crop failure.
Q16. Identify the correct pair of crop and its characteristic suited for Rajasthan.
Explanation
Isabgol is a significant winter crop in Rajasthan, particularly in the western districts. It is characterized by its low water requirement and high commercial value as a medicinal cash crop. Other options provided are incorrect because Mustard is sensitive to frost and Cotton requires more water than typically available in rainfed Jaisalmer. Isabgol remains a vital component of the economy.
Q17. The Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI) has played a crucial role in developing varieties for which of the following crops?
Explanation
The Central Arid Zone Research Institute has been instrumental in developing improved varieties of crops suited for desert environments.
Q18. What is the primary advantage of cultivating Millets (Shree Anna) in Rajasthan?
Explanation
Cultivating Millets, recently popularized as ‘Shree Anna’, offers several advantages in Rajasthan due to their inherent climate resilience. These crops require significantly less water than paddy or wheat and can thrive in nutrient-poor soils. They are naturally resistant to many pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical inputs. Their short growing season makes them ideal for agriculture.
Q19. Which of the following is not a characteristic of drought-resistant crop varieties?
Explanation
Drought-resistant crop varieties possess specific physiological traits to conserve water. These include deep root systems to reach underground water, reduced leaf area to minimize water loss, and thick cuticles. High transpiration is not a characteristic of these plants because it would lead to rapid dehydration in arid environments. Instead, these plants often have mechanisms to limit transpiration rates.
Q20. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) advocates for which of the following approaches?
Explanation
Integrated Pest Management is a sustainable approach that utilizes a combination of biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools. The goal is not total eradication but keeping pest populations below the level where they cause significant economic damage. This method prioritizes environmental safety and minimizes the use of synthetic pesticides. By integrating various strategies, farmers achieve long-term pest control.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 11 | (b) It is drought-tolerant and forms a dense soil cover. |
| 12 | (b) I and III only |
| 13 | (d) Raj 3077 |
| 14 | (a) I, II, III, and V |
| 15 | (b) Escape terminal drought conditions |
| 16 | (b) Isabgol - Winter crop, low water requirement, cash crop |
| 17 | (a) Bajra, Moth, and Guar |
| 18 | (c) They are climate-resilient, requiring minimal water and inputs. |
| 19 | (d) High transpiration |
| 20 | (c) Use of multiple methods to keep pests below economic injury levels. |
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.