Q551. Which of the following techniques is essential in date palm cultivation because the plant is dioecious?
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 551–560 of 662 questions
Browse Health, Environment and Agriculture chapters
Q552. ‘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.
Q553. 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.
Q554. 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.
Q555. 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.
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.
Q556. 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.
Q557. 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.
Q558. 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?
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.
Q559. The over-exploitation and unscientific tapping of which native medicinal plant in Rajasthan has led to its placement in the threatened/ endangered category?
Explanation
Guggal is a native medicinal shrub of Rajasthan valued for its aromatic resin used in treating various ailments. Unfortunately, over-exploitation and unscientific tapping methods to extract the resin have led to a drastic decline in its population. It is now categorized as a threatened or endangered species. Conservation efforts are being made to promote sustainable harvesting and prevent its extinction.
Q560. 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.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 551 | (c) Hand pollination |
| 552 | (c) Sangri |
| 553 | (b) Ker, Sangri, Kumati, Amchur, Goonda |
| 554 | (d) Senna (Sonamukhi) |
| 555 | (c) A is true but R is false. |
| 556 | (c) Roots |
| 557 | (a) Lemongrass |
| 558 | (c) I, II, III, and IV |
| 559 | (c) Guggal (Commiphora wightii) |
| 560 | (d) Jhalawar |
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.