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 51–60 of 164 questions
RAS PrelimsHealth, Environment and Agriculture · Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry and Animal Husbandry in Rajasthan
Q51. Match the items in List I with those in List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Arid Fruit Crop
Popular Variety
A. Ber
i. Bhagwa
B. Pomegranate
ii. Gola
C. Date Palm
iii. Krishna (NA-5)
D. Aonla (Indian Gooseberry)
iv. Halawy
Explanation
In the arid horticulture of Rajasthan, specific fruit crops are associated with popular varieties. The ‘Gola’ variety is a famous type of Ber, while ‘Bhagwa’ is a highly valued pomegranate variety. Date palms are often represented by varieties like ‘Halawy’, and ‘Krishna’ is a prominent variety of Aonla or Indian gooseberry. Matching these crops with varieties is essential.
RAS PrelimsHealth, Environment and Agriculture · Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry and Animal Husbandry in Rajasthan
Q52. The Centre of Excellence for Date Palm in Rajasthan is located at:
Explanation
The Centre of Excellence for Date Palm is located at Sagrabhojka in the Jaisalmer district. This center was established to promote date palm cultivation by providing high-quality tissue-cultured plants and demonstrating modern farm management. Given Jaisalmer’s ideal hot and dry climate, the center plays a key role in transforming the desert economy. It serves as a hub for research.
RAS PrelimsHealth, Environment and Agriculture · Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry and Animal Husbandry in Rajasthan
Q53. Which of the following techniques is essential in date palm cultivation because the plant is dioecious?
Explanation
Date palms are dioecious, meaning that male and female flowers are produced on separate trees. For commercial fruit production, natural wind pollination is often insufficient and inefficient. Therefore, hand pollination is an essential technique where pollen from male spathes is manually applied to the female flower clusters. This ensures a high fruit set and uniform crop quality, which are critical.
RAS PrelimsHealth, Environment and Agriculture · Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry and Animal Husbandry in Rajasthan
Q54. ‘Khejri’ (Prosopis cineraria) produces pods which are a rich source of protein and are consumed as a vegetable in Rajasthan. What are these pods locally known as?
Explanation
The pods of the Khejri tree, which is the state tree of Rajasthan, are locally known as Sangri. These green pods are harvested and consumed as a nutritious vegetable, either fresh or dried. Sangri is a rich source of protein and minerals and is a staple ingredient in traditional desert cuisine. Its ability to be preserved makes it an invaluable food resource.
RAS PrelimsHealth, Environment and Agriculture · Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry and Animal Husbandry in Rajasthan
Q55. The traditional dish ‘Panchkuta’ of Rajasthan, which reflects arid horticulture and foraging, comprises which of the following ingredients?
Explanation
Panchkuta is a famous traditional dish of Rajasthan that showcases the biodiversity of the arid ecosystem. It is a mix of five local ingredients: Ker (berries of Capparis decidua), Sangri (pods of Khejri), Kumati (seeds of Acacia senegal), Amchur (dried mango powder), and Goonda (glue berries). This dish reflects the indigenous knowledge of foraging and preserving wild desert produce.
RAS PrelimsHealth, Environment and Agriculture · Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry and Animal Husbandry in Rajasthan
Q56. Rajasthan has significant potential for cultivating Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs). Which of the following is a highly valued medicinal plant grown extensively in western Rajasthan for its laxative properties?
Explanation
Senna, locally known as Sonamukhi, is a highly valued medicinal plant grown extensively in the arid tracts of western Rajasthan. It is primarily cultivated for its leaves and pods, which contain compounds used in the pharmaceutical industry for their potent laxative properties. Senna is a hardy, drought-tolerant crop that provides a reliable source of income for farmers in difficult regions.
RAS PrelimsHealth, Environment and Agriculture · Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry and Animal Husbandry in Rajasthan
Q57. The following question consists of two statements, one labeled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R). Examine these two statements carefully and select the correct answer from the codes given below: Assertion (A): Isabgol (Psyllium) is a major medicinal crop cultivated in the Jalore and Barmer districts of Rajasthan. Reason (R): Isabgol requires heavily waterlogged soils and high humidity throughout its growth cycle.
Explanation
Isabgol is indeed a major medicinal crop cultivated in the Jalore and Barmer districts of Rajasthan, contributing significantly to India’s export. However, the reason provided is incorrect because Isabgol does not require waterlogged soils.
RAS PrelimsHealth, Environment and Agriculture · Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry and Animal Husbandry in Rajasthan
Q58. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), widely cultivated in the Hadoti region of Rajasthan, is primarily valued for which plant part?
Explanation
Ashwagandha, also known as Indian Ginseng, is a vital medicinal plant cultivated in the Hadoti region of Rajasthan. While the whole plant has medicinal properties, it is primarily valued for its thick, fleshy roots. These roots are harvested, dried, and processed into powders or extracts used in medicine to reduce stress and improve vitality. Rajasthan is a significant producer of high-quality roots.
RAS PrelimsHealth, Environment and Agriculture · Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry and Animal Husbandry in Rajasthan
Q59. Which of the following aromatic plants is cultivated in Rajasthan primarily for extracting essential oils used in perfumery and cosmetics?
Explanation
Lemongrass is an aromatic grass cultivated in various parts of Rajasthan for the extraction of its essential oil. This oil is rich in citral and is widely used in the production of perfumes, cosmetics, and soaps. Lemongrass is a perennial crop that can be harvested multiple times a year and is relatively easy to maintain. It offers an excellent opportunity for farmers.
RAS PrelimsHealth, Environment and Agriculture · Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry and Animal Husbandry in Rajasthan
Q60. Consider the following statements regarding Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) in Rajasthan: I. Aloe vera cultivation thrives in arid and semi-arid conditions due to its succulent nature. II. Guggal (Commiphora wightii) is an important medicinal plant native to the arid tracts, valued for its resin. III. Safed Musli is grown as a kharif crop and requires well-drained loamy soils. IV. The processing of Isabgol involves the separation of the seed husk, which holds the primary medicinal value. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Rajasthan possesses a diverse range of medicinal and aromatic plants. Aloe vera and Guggal are well-adapted to arid conditions, with Guggal being prized for its unique resin. Safed Musli is grown as a profitable Kharif crop in loamy soils. Furthermore, the processing of Isabgol involves separating the husk, which is the primary part used in medicine. All these statements are correct.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
51
(b) A-ii, B-i, C-iv, D-iii
52
(a) Sagrabhojka (Jaisalmer)
53
(c) Hand pollination
54
(c) Sangri
55
(b) Ker, Sangri, Kumati, Amchur, Goonda
56
(d) Senna (Sonamukhi)
57
(c) A is true but R is false.
58
(c) Roots
59
(a) Lemongrass
60
(c) I, II, III, and IV
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.
