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 31–40 of 164 questions
Explanation
Roses and capsicum are among the most commonly grown crops under greenhouse conditions in Rajasthan. These high-value horticultural products require specific temperature and humidity levels to achieve premium quality. By cultivating them in a controlled environment, farmers can ensure consistent yields and better aesthetics. These products are highly demanded in urban markets and for significant export purposes.A. Erection of the GI pipe framework and cladding with UV-stabilized film
B. Site selection and land leveling
C. Installation of drip irrigation and fogging systems
D. Bed preparation, fumigation, and planting
Which of the following represents the correct sequence?
Explanation
Setting up a polyhouse begins with proper site selection and land leveling to ensure structural stability and drainage. Next, the galvanized iron pipe framework is erected and covered with UV- stabilized plastic film. Following construction, irrigation and cooling systems like foggers are installed. Finally, the internal beds are prepared, fumigated to kill pathogens, and the crops are planted.Explanation
Shade net houses are specialized structures designed to protect plants by reducing the intensity of direct sunlight. In Rajasthan, where solar radiation can be extremely high, these houses help in lowering the temperature and preventing heat stress. They are often used for nursery raising and the cultivation of leafy vegetables or ornamental plants. They allow natural air circulation through mesh.Explanation
Fan and pad cooling systems are frequently integrated into polyhouses in Rajasthan to manage extreme summer heat. This system works on the principle of evaporative cooling. Exhaust fans pull air through wet cellulose pads, significantly lowering the temperature of the air entering the structure. This technology is essential for maintaining an optimal growing environment when external temperatures exceed the survival threshold.Explanation
Soil solarization is an eco-friendly technique used in protected cultivation to disinfect the soil. Before planting, the moist soil is covered with transparent plastic sheets during the peak summer months. The trapped solar energy raises the soil temperature to levels that kill harmful pathogens, fungi, and weed seeds. This reduces the need for chemical fumigants and helps healthy growth.Explanation
The National Horticulture Mission provides financial subsidies to encourage farmers to adopt protected cultivation techniques. This initiative aims to improve the productivity and quality of fruits, vegetables, and flowers. By moving away from traditional open-field methods, farmers can achieve higher yields per unit of land. These government interventions are crucial for modernizing Rajasthan’s agricultural sector and increasing farmer income.Explanation
Horticulture is a specialized branch of agriculture that focuses on the cultivation of a variety of high-value crops. In Rajasthan, this includes fruits like kinnow and pomegranate, diverse vegetables, various flowers, spices, and aromatic plants. These crops are essential for diversifying the agricultural economy and providing nutritional security. Horticulture typically involves more intensive management practices compared to cereal crops.Explanation
Jhalawar district is famously known as the "Nagpur of Rajasthan" because of its extensive mandarin orange cultivation. The region’s climate and soil are highly suitable for citrus fruits, making it the leading producer in the state. The widespread orchards contribute significantly to the local economy and have placed Jhalawar on the national map for fruit production.Explanation
Kinnow, a hybrid mandarin, is extensively grown in the Irrigated North Western Plain, particularly in the Sriganganagar and Hanumangarh districts. The availability of canal irrigation from the Indira Gandhi Canal project has transformed this arid region into a major fruit-producing hub.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 31 | (d) Trapping thermal radiation inside to maintain a warm microclimate. |
| 32 | (b) Rose and Capsicum |
| 33 | (a) B, A, C, D |
| 34 | (d) Reducing sunlight intensity and heat stress on plants. |
| 35 | (a) Fan and pad cooling systems |
| 36 | (b) Using solar heat to disinfect soil from pathogens and weeds. |
| 37 | (b) Enhance the productivity and quality of horticultural crops per unit area. |
| 38 | (c) Fruits, vegetables, flowers, spices, and aromatic plants |
| 39 | (d) Jhalawar |
| 40 | (c) Irrigated North Western Plain (Sriganganagar) |
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.