Q511. Which among the following is a high-yielding, drought-resistant variety of Wheat suitable for limited irrigation conditions in Rajasthan?
Health, Environment and Agriculture: RAS Prelims MCQs
662 RAS Prelims practice MCQs on health, environment and agriculture are on this page, in 4 chapters. They cover human health, food, nutrition and public health programmes, environmental and ecological changes and impact assessment, biodiversity and conservation of natural resources, and agriculture, horticulture, forestry and animal husbandry in Rajasthan. Each question has an answer and an explanation.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 511–520 of 662 questions
Browse Health, Environment and Agriculture chapters
Q512. 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.
Q513. 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.
Q514. 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.
Q515. 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.
Q516. 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.
Q517. 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.
Q518. 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.
Q519. In the context of IPM, what does the term ‘Economic Threshold Level’ (ETL) signify?
Explanation
In the context of Integrated Pest Management, the Economic Threshold Level represents a specific pest density. At this point, control measures must be initiated to prevent the population from reaching the Economic Injury Level. Monitoring this threshold helps farmers decide when intervention is necessary, avoiding unnecessary pesticide applications. This concept is fundamental for making economically sound and responsible decisions.
Q520. What does Variable Rate Technology (VRT) allow a farmer to do?
Explanation
Variable Rate Technology is a cornerstone of precision farming that enables the application of agricultural inputs at different rates. Instead of a uniform application across the entire field, VRT uses sensors and maps to adjust the dosage of water or fertilizers based on the specific needs of different sections. This ensures that every part receives the optimal amount.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 511 | (d) Raj 3077 |
| 512 | (a) I, II, III, and V |
| 513 | (b) Escape terminal drought conditions |
| 514 | (b) Isabgol - Winter crop, low water requirement, cash crop |
| 515 | (a) Bajra, Moth, and Guar |
| 516 | (c) They are climate-resilient, requiring minimal water and inputs. |
| 517 | (d) High transpiration |
| 518 | (c) Use of multiple methods to keep pests below economic injury levels. |
| 519 | (b) Pest density where control must prevent populations from reaching injury levels. |
| 520 | (b) Apply inputs at varying rates across a field based on specific local conditions. |
Key facts from Health, Environment and Agriculture
- The RPSC General Science syllabus includes human health and nutrition, environmental change, biodiversity and the agriculture of Rajasthan.
- Health questions pair a deficiency or a programme with its cause or target, for example iron with anaemia.
- Environment questions cover ecosystems, pollutants, laws and treaties, including carbon markets.
- Rajasthan agriculture questions deal with dryland farming, crops of the arid zones and the State’s agro-climatic zones.
- Science and technology, policies and defence are on the Science and Technology page.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Health, Environment and Agriculture?
This page has 662 practice MCQs on Health, Environment and Agriculture. Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Which chapters does this set cover?
Four chapters: human health, food, nutrition and public health programmes; environmental and ecological changes and their impact assessment; biodiversity, conservation of natural resources and sustainable development; and agriculture, horticulture, forestry and animal husbandry in Rajasthan.
Are health, environment and agriculture part of the RAS Prelims syllabus?
Yes. The General Knowledge and General Science paper includes human health, nutrition, environment, biodiversity and the agriculture sector of Rajasthan, so these topics can be asked every year.
How can I revise this part of the syllabus?
Make short lists of deficiency diseases, pollutants, laws and treaties, and Rajasthan crops and zones. Attempt each chapter, read the explanations of the misses and revisit the lists after a few days.