Q1. According to recent economic reviews, what is the approximate contribution of the agriculture and allied sector to the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of Rajasthan at constant prices?
Agriculture in Rajasthan: Status, Issues and Initiatives: RAS Prelims MCQs
62 RAS Prelims MCQs on agriculture in Rajasthan cover its share in the economy, the crops and regions, irrigation and the risk of drought. The core maize districts, the national rank in mustard and spices, the fruit-growing districts and the order of drought vulnerability are asked as facts, and the explanations tie each crop to its climate and region.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 1–10 of 62 questions
Q2. Read the following statements regarding the Kharif cropping pattern in Rajasthan:
I. Kharif crops are generally sown at the onset of the South-West monsoon.
II. Bajra, Moong, and Groundnut are prominent Kharif crops in the state.
III. These crops require mild temperatures and short photoperiods during their vegetative growth phase.
Which of the above statements are correct?
I. Kharif crops are generally sown at the onset of the South-West monsoon.
II. Bajra, Moong, and Groundnut are prominent Kharif crops in the state.
III. These crops require mild temperatures and short photoperiods during their vegetative growth phase.
Which of the above statements are correct?
Explanation
Kharif crops in Rajasthan are traditionally sown with the arrival of the South-West monsoon in June or July. Prominent crops include pearl millet, moong bean, and groundnut, which thrive in high temperatures and long photoperiods. Statement three is incorrect because these crops require high temperatures and long day lengths during their vegetative growth phase rather than mild temperatures.
Q3. The following question consists of two statements, one labeled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R):
Assertion (A): Rajasthan is the largest producer of Bajra (Pearl Millet) in India.
Reason (R): Bajra requires high rainfall exceeding 100 cm and heavy clayey soils for optimal growth.
Assertion (A): Rajasthan is the largest producer of Bajra (Pearl Millet) in India.
Reason (R): Bajra requires high rainfall exceeding 100 cm and heavy clayey soils for optimal growth.
Explanation
Rajasthan holds the top position in India for pearl millet production due to its extensive arid and semi-arid regions. However, this crop is known for its high drought tolerance and suitability for areas with low rainfall, typically ranging from 40 to 60 cm. It prefers well-drained sandy soils rather than heavy clayey soils and high rainfall.
Q4. Identify the incorrect statement regarding cropping seasons in Rajasthan.
Explanation
In Rajasthan, Rabi crops like wheat, barley, and gram are sown in winter and harvested in spring. These crops are not dependent on the South-West monsoon, which occurs during the summer. Instead, they rely on residual soil moisture, irrigation systems, or the light winter rains known locally as Mawath to complete their vegetative growth and development cycles successfully.
Q5. Match the crops in List I with their primary cropping season and classification in List II.
| Crop | Season and Classification |
|---|---|
| A. Wheat | i. Kharif Cash Crop |
| B. Mustard | ii. Kharif Food Crop |
| C. Bajra | iii. Rabi Cash Crop |
| D. Cotton | iv. Rabi Food Crop |
Explanation
Different crops in Rajasthan are classified based on their growing seasons and primary utility. Wheat serves as a staple food crop grown during the Rabi season. Mustard is a major oilseed and cash crop produced in winter. Pearl millet remains a primary food staple during the Kharif season, while cotton is a significant commercial or cash crop grown in summer.
Q6. A farmer in the arid region of western Rajasthan wants to cultivate a crop that matures quickly, requires very little water, and can survive high temperatures. Which of the following major food crops is most appropriate for this farmer?
Explanation
Pearl millet is the most suitable food crop for the arid regions of western Rajasthan. It possesses unique physiological characteristics that allow it to mature quickly and survive under extreme heat and water scarcity. Unlike water-intensive crops like rice or wheat, it can produce a reliable yield in sandy soils with minimal irrigation or erratic rainfall patterns.
Q7. Which of the following districts in Rajasthan are traditionally known as the core maize-producing region due to their suitable red-black soil and rainfall patterns?
Explanation
The southern part of Rajasthan, including districts like Bhilwara, Chittorgarh, and Udaipur, constitutes the core maize-producing belt. These areas provide the necessary red-black soil and receive relatively higher rainfall compared to the western desert. These environmental conditions are ideal for maize cultivation, making it a staple food for the tribal and rural populations in this specific geographic region.
Q8. Read the following list of major food crops of Rajasthan and arrange them in decreasing order of their typical water requirement for successful cultivation:
I. Rice
II. Wheat
III. Bajra
Which of the following is the correct order?
I. Rice
II. Wheat
III. Bajra
Which of the following is the correct order?
Explanation
Crop water requirements vary significantly based on their physiological needs. Rice is a highly water-intensive crop requiring continuous flooding or heavy irrigation. Wheat follows with moderate water needs supplied through multiple irrigation cycles during winter. Pearl millet is the most drought-hardy among them, requiring the least amount of water and often thriving solely on limited monsoon rainfall in arid zones.
Q9. Select the odd one out among the following crops based on their typical sowing season in Rajasthan.
Explanation
Sowing seasons differentiate crops into distinct agricultural cycles. Gram, mustard, and barley are all Rabi crops sown during the winter season in Rajasthan. In contrast, soybean is a Kharif crop sown during the monsoon season. This makes soybean the odd one out because its cultivation timing aligns with summer rains rather than the cooler winter months required by others.
Q10. Read the following statements regarding major food crops in Rajasthan:
I. Rajasthan is among the leading producers of coarse cereals in the country.
II. Jowar is predominantly grown in the central and eastern districts of Rajasthan.
III. Wheat cultivation in Rajasthan is primarily rainfed with no reliance on irrigation.
IV. The productivity of maize in Rajasthan is higher than the national average.
Which of the above statements are incorrect?
I. Rajasthan is among the leading producers of coarse cereals in the country.
II. Jowar is predominantly grown in the central and eastern districts of Rajasthan.
III. Wheat cultivation in Rajasthan is primarily rainfed with no reliance on irrigation.
IV. The productivity of maize in Rajasthan is higher than the national average.
Which of the above statements are incorrect?
Explanation
Rajasthan is a top producer of coarse cereals, and jowar is indeed grown in central and eastern districts. However, wheat cultivation is heavily dependent on irrigation from canals or wells rather than being purely rainfed. Additionally, the productivity of maize in the state is generally lower than the national average due to rainfed conditions and traditional farming methods.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 1 | (b) Between 28 to 30 percent |
| 2 | (a) I and II only |
| 3 | (c) A is true but R is false. |
| 4 | (d) Rabi crops are heavily dependent on the South-West monsoon for their vegetative growth. |
| 5 | (a) A-iv, B-iii, C-ii, D-i |
| 6 | (b) Bajra |
| 7 | (d) Bhilwara, Chittorgarh, and Udaipur |
| 8 | (a) I, II, III |
| 9 | (c) Soybean |
| 10 | (b) III and IV only |
Key facts from Agriculture in Rajasthan: Status, Issues and Initiatives
- Agriculture and allied sectors contribute about 28 to 30 per cent of Rajasthan’s economy.
- Bajra is the crop of the arid west because it matures quickly and needs little water.
- Bhilwara, Chittorgarh and Udaipur are the core maize-producing districts.
- Rajasthan holds the first national rank in rapeseed and mustard, and is the largest producer of coriander, cumin and fenugreek.
- Around 30 to 35 per cent of the net sown area is under assured irrigation.
- Jhalawar is known for oranges (mandarin); drought vulnerability is highest in the Western Arid Region, then the Semi-Arid Region and then the South-Eastern Plateau.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Agriculture in Rajasthan: Status, Issues and Initiatives?
This page has 62 practice MCQs on Agriculture in Rajasthan: Status, Issues and Initiatives (Rajasthan Economy). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Which crop does Rajasthan lead India in?
Rapeseed and mustard, where it frequently holds the first rank. It is also the largest producer of spices such as coriander, cumin and fenugreek, and the first in bajra.
Which are the main maize-growing districts?
Bhilwara, Chittorgarh and Udaipur in the south and south-east. These districts have the rainfall and soils that suit maize, which is a Kharif crop grown with the monsoon rains, and the crop is also an important fodder source for livestock.
How much of the net sown area is irrigated?
Around 30 to 35 per cent is under assured irrigation, so most farming in the State still depends on rain, which is erratic. This is why crop output swings from year to year.