Q61. The over-exploitation and unscientific tapping of which native medicinal plant in Rajasthan has led to its placement in the threatened/ endangered category?
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 61–70 of 164 questions
Q62. Which district is known for having a dedicated medicinal plant mandi (market), specifically prominent for Ashwagandha trade?
Explanation
Jhalawar district is known for having a dedicated medicinal plant market or mandi, which is particularly prominent for the trade of Ashwagandha. The region’s climate favors the production of high-quality roots, attracting buyers from across the country. The presence of this specialized market provides farmers with a direct platform to sell their produce at competitive prices, encouraging medicinal crop cultivation.
Q63. Mehendi (Henna), an aromatic and cosmetic plant, is most famously cultivated and traded in which town of Rajasthan?
Explanation
Sojat, a town in the Pali district of Rajasthan, is world-famous for the cultivation and processing of high-quality Henna, locally known as Mehendi. The region’s soil and climate are uniquely suited for producing henna with superior dye content. Sojat mehendi is exported to numerous countries and is a significant contributor to the economy. It has received a Geographical Indication tag.
Q64. The primary advantage of integrating Medicinal and Aromatic Plants into traditional farming systems in Rajasthan is:
Explanation
Integrating Medicinal and Aromatic Plants into traditional farming systems offers significant advantages for Rajasthan’s farmers. These plants often provide higher economic returns compared to traditional food grains. Furthermore, many medicinal species are naturally avoided by stray cattle and wild grazing animals due to their bitter taste or chemical properties. This reduces the risk of crop damage and lowers protection costs.
Q65. Rajasthan is a leading producer of seed spices in India. Which region of Rajasthan is prominently known for spice cultivation?
Explanation
Rajasthan is a major hub for seed spice cultivation in India, with production concentrated in specific regions. The Hadoti region (southeastern Rajasthan) and the Jodhpur-Nagaur belt in the west are the primary areas for spice farming. These regions provide the necessary climatic conditions for crops like cumin, coriander, and fenugreek. Spice cultivation has become a backbone of the regional economy.
Q66. Which of the following seed spices constitutes a major agricultural export from Rajasthan?
Explanation
Cumin, or Jeera, is one of the most important agricultural exports from Rajasthan. The state accounts for a massive share of the national cumin production. This spice is highly valued in international markets for its quality and essential oil content. Western districts like Jalore and Barmer are famous for their high-quality cumin. Its export contributes significantly to foreign exchange earnings.
Q67. Identify the correct statement regarding Cumin (Jeera) cultivation in Rajasthan.
Explanation
Cumin is a delicate Rabi season crop in Rajasthan that requires careful management. It is highly sensitive to extreme cold and frost, which can severely damage the flowering stage. Additionally, the crop is prone to diseases like Alternaria blight and wilt, especially during cloudy weather. Successful cumin cultivation requires precise weather conditions and timely plant protection measures for a harvest.
Q68. The National Research Centre on Seed Spices (NRCSS) is located in which district of Rajasthan?
Explanation
The National Research Centre on Seed Spices is located at Tabiji in the Ajmer district. This premier institute focuses on research and development related to various seed spices like cumin, coriander, and fennel. It works on developing high-yielding varieties and standardized production technologies for farmers. The center’s location in Ajmer is strategic, given the district’s proximity to major spice-growing regions.
Q69. Match the items in List I with those in List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below:
| Spice | Prominent Cultivating District/Region |
|---|---|
| A. Cumin (Jeera) | i. Jalore and Barmer |
| B. Coriander (Dhaniya) | ii. Baran and Kota |
| C. Fenugreek (Methi) | iii. Nagaur |
| D. Fennel (Saunf) | iv. Sirohi and Tonk |
Explanation
Different regions of Rajasthan are specialized in the production of various seed spices. Cumin is a major crop in the Jalore and Barmer districts, while Coriander is predominantly grown in the Hadoti region’s Baran and Kota districts. Nagaur is famous for its high-quality Fenugreek, and Fennel is commonly cultivated in the Sirohi and Tonk areas. This regional specialization is traditional.
Q70. Coriander (Dhaniya) cultivation is predominantly concentrated in the southeastern districts of Rajasthan. What type of soil in this region supports its cultivation?
Explanation
Coriander cultivation in southeastern Rajasthan is supported by the presence of heavy black soils, scientifically known as Vertisols. These soils have high water-holding capacity and are rich in nutrients, making them ideal for the Hadoti region’s agricultural pattern. The combination of fertile soils and favorable winter climate allows for large-scale commercial production. Rajasthan remains a leading producer of coriander.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 61 | (c) Guggal (Commiphora wightii) |
| 62 | (d) Jhalawar |
| 63 | (a) Sojat (Pali) |
| 64 | (b) Higher economic returns and avoided by grazing animals. |
| 65 | (b) Hadoti region and Jodhpur-Nagaur |
| 66 | (a) Cumin (Jeera) |
| 67 | (c) Sensitive to frost and diseases like blight. |
| 68 | (d) Ajmer (Tabiji) |
| 69 | (c) A-i, B-ii, C-iii, D-iv |
| 70 | (d) Heavy black soils (Vertisols) |
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.