Q41. Identify the incorrect pair regarding fruit cultivation hubs in Rajasthan:
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 41–50 of 164 questions
Q42. Consider the following statements about floriculture in Rajasthan:
I. Pushkar (Ajmer) is a major center for rose cultivation.
II. Marigold is cultivated extensively due to its hardiness and demand in local markets.
III. Floriculture does not require micro-irrigation as it thrives on flood irrigation.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. Pushkar (Ajmer) is a major center for rose cultivation.
II. Marigold is cultivated extensively due to its hardiness and demand in local markets.
III. Floriculture does not require micro-irrigation as it thrives on flood irrigation.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Pushkar in Ajmer is a world-renowned center for rose cultivation, producing flowers for local use and export. Marigold is another popular flower in Rajasthan due to its hardy nature and steady market demand. However, floriculture greatly benefits from micro-irrigation systems to save water and improve quality, making the third statement incorrect. Thus, only the first two statements are correct.
Q43. Which of the following vegetables is widely cultivated in the sandy soils of Rajasthan’s arid regions during the summer/Zaid season?
Explanation
During the summer or Zaid season, watermelons and muskmelons are widely cultivated in the sandy soils of Rajasthan’s arid regions. These crops are well-adapted to high temperatures and the loose soil of riverbeds and desert tracts. They provide a vital source of income for farmers during the lean period between the major harvest seasons. Their high water content is popular.
Q44. Arrange the following fruit crops in decreasing order of their general drought tolerance (highest tolerance to lowest tolerance):
A. Date Palm
B. Ber (Jujube)
C. Mango
D. Banana
Which of the following represents the correct order?
A. Date Palm
B. Ber (Jujube)
C. Mango
D. Banana
Which of the following represents the correct order?
Explanation
Among fruit crops, the Ber (Jujube) exhibits the highest level of drought tolerance, followed closely by the Date Palm. Both are quintessential desert plants adapted to minimal moisture. Mango requires more moderate conditions and regular water, while Banana has very low drought tolerance and requires high amounts of moisture. Therefore, the correct decreasing order is Ber, Date Palm, Mango, and Banana.
Q45. The ‘Centre of Excellence for Citrus’ in Rajasthan, established with Israeli collaboration, is located at:
Explanation
The Centre of Excellence for Citrus was established at Nanta in the Kota district through a collaboration with Israel. This facility focuses on developing high-quality citrus saplings and demonstrating advanced cultivation techniques like drip irrigation and canopy management. By introducing superior varieties and modern practices, the center aims to boost the productivity and quality of citrus fruits across Rajasthan.
Q46. The process of removing unproductive or diseased branches from fruit trees to enhance yield and fruit quality is known as:
Explanation
Pruning is an essential horticultural practice that involves the selective removal of unproductive, overcrowded, or diseased branches from fruit trees. This process helps in improving sunlight penetration and air circulation within the tree canopy. By directing the plant’s energy toward healthy and productive branches, pruning significantly enhances the yield and quality of the fruit. Regular pruning is vital for health.
Q47. Arid horticulture focuses on fruit crops that can survive under high temperatures and limited moisture. Which of the following is the most iconic arid fruit crop of Rajasthan?
Explanation
The Ber, or Indian Jujube, is considered the most iconic and resilient fruit crop of the arid zones in Rajasthan. It is remarkably adapted to survive extreme temperatures and prolonged droughts. The tree provides nutritious fruits, valuable fodder for goats, and thorny branches for fencing. Because of its multiple uses and hardiness, the Ber is the king of arid fruits.
Q48. Which vegetative propagation method is most commonly commercially used for multiplying superior varieties of Ber in Rajasthan?
Explanation
T-budding, also known as shield budding, is the most common commercial method for propagating superior varieties of Ber in Rajasthan. This vegetative technique involves inserting a bud from a desired high-yielding variety into the rootstock of a hardy local plant. This ensures that the new plant inherits the superior fruit characteristics while maintaining the drought resilience of the native stock.
Q49. Pomegranate (Punica granatum) cultivation has seen massive expansion in districts like Barmer and Jalore primarily due to:
Explanation
Pomegranate cultivation has expanded rapidly in Barmer and Jalore due to the adoption of advanced drip irrigation systems. This technology allows for the precise delivery of water to the roots, overcoming the challenges of the arid climate. Furthermore, the introduction of hardy and high-yielding varieties like ‘Bhagwa’ has made pomegranate a profitable cash crop for desert farmers.
Q50. The Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera) requires a specific climate for successful fruit maturation. Which phrase best describes this requirement?
Explanation
The Date Palm requires a very specific climate characterized by long, hot summers to ensure successful fruit maturation. Most importantly, the period of fruit ripening must be dry, as even moderate rainfall or high humidity at this stage can ruin the harvest. These conditions are perfectly met in the arid districts of western Rajasthan, making the state a promising region.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 41 | (b) Mango - Jaisalmer |
| 42 | (a) I and II only |
| 43 | (a) Watermelon and Muskmelon |
| 44 | (a) B, A, C, D |
| 45 | (a) Nanta (Kota) |
| 46 | (b) Pruning |
| 47 | (c) Ber (Jujube) |
| 48 | (d) T-budding (Shield budding) |
| 49 | (a) Drip irrigation and hardy varieties like ‘Bhagwa’ |
| 50 | (b) Hot, dry summers with minimal rain during fruit ripening. |
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.