Q11. In the context of major cash crops, Rajasthan frequently holds the first rank at the national level in the production of which of the following crops?
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 11–20 of 62 questions
Q12. Match the spice crops in List I with the districts in
List II renowned for their significant production in Rajasthan.
List I: (Spice Crop)
A. Cumin (Zeera)
B. Coriander (Dhania)
C. Fenugreek (Methi)
D. Garlic (Lahsun)
List II: (District)
i. Jhalawar and Baran
ii. Nagaur
iii. Jalore and Barmer
iv. Kota and Baran
List II renowned for their significant production in Rajasthan.
List I: (Spice Crop)
A. Cumin (Zeera)
B. Coriander (Dhania)
C. Fenugreek (Methi)
D. Garlic (Lahsun)
List II: (District)
i. Jhalawar and Baran
ii. Nagaur
iii. Jalore and Barmer
iv. Kota and Baran
Explanation
Specific districts in Rajasthan are renowned for certain spice crops. Cumin is primarily grown in the arid districts of Jalore and Barmer. Kota and Baran are major hubs for coriander production. Nagaur is famous for its high-quality fenugreek. Garlic cultivation is concentrated in the southeastern districts of Jhalawar and Baran, reflecting the state’s diverse agro-climatic zones for spices.
Q13. Which of the following is not considered a major cash crop cultivated in Rajasthan?
Explanation
Cash crops are grown primarily for sale in the market rather than for direct consumption by the farmer’s family. Groundnut, cotton, and isabgol are significant commercial crops in Rajasthan that generate substantial revenue. Barley, however, is classified as a cereal grain or food crop, used mainly for food and animal fodder, despite having some industrial uses in malting.
Q14. The following question consists of two statements:
Statement I: The cultivation of American cotton (Narma) is primarily concentrated in the northern districts of Sri Ganganagar and Hanumangarh.
Statement II: These districts benefit from an extensive canal irrigation network, which is essential for cotton cultivation.
Which of the following is correct?
Statement I: The cultivation of American cotton (Narma) is primarily concentrated in the northern districts of Sri Ganganagar and Hanumangarh.
Statement II: These districts benefit from an extensive canal irrigation network, which is essential for cotton cultivation.
Which of the following is correct?
Explanation
The cultivation of long-staple American cotton, known as Narma, is concentrated in Sri Ganganagar and Hanumangarh. These northern districts possess the necessary climatic conditions and, most importantly, have access to a reliable canal irrigation network from the Indira Gandhi Canal. This assured water supply is vital for cotton’s growth, directly enabling its large-scale commercial production in the region.
Q15. The following question consists of two statements, one labeled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R):
Assertion (A): Cumin (Zeera) cultivation is highly risky and prone to yield fluctuations in western Rajasthan.
Reason (R): Cumin is highly sensitive to weather variations, especially cloudy weather and unseasonal frost during its flowering stage.
Assertion (A): Cumin (Zeera) cultivation is highly risky and prone to yield fluctuations in western Rajasthan.
Reason (R): Cumin is highly sensitive to weather variations, especially cloudy weather and unseasonal frost during its flowering stage.
Explanation
Cumin is a highly sensitive crop, particularly in western Rajasthan, where farmers face high yield risks. The plants are extremely vulnerable to weather fluctuations during the flowering and seed-setting stages. Cloudy conditions, high humidity, and unseasonal frost can lead to devastating fungal diseases or total crop failure, making its cultivation a high-risk but high-reward venture for local growers.
Q16. Identify the correct pair regarding the prominent production region of specific horticultural crops in Rajasthan.
Explanation
Jhalawar district is often called the ‘Nagpur of Rajasthan’ because it is the largest producer of oranges in the state. The humid subtropical climate and soil in this region are exceptionally well-suited for mandarin cultivation. Other pairs like pomegranate in Jaisalmer or mango in Bikaner are incorrect as those regions are not the primary hubs for those specific fruits.
Q17. Read the following statements about Groundnut cultivation in Rajasthan:
I. Bikaner is often referred to as the ‘Rajkot of Rajasthan’ due to its high groundnut production.
II. Groundnut is a Rabi crop in Rajasthan that requires cold temperatures throughout its life cycle.
III. Loose, sandy loam soil is ideal for groundnut pod development.
Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?
I. Bikaner is often referred to as the ‘Rajkot of Rajasthan’ due to its high groundnut production.
II. Groundnut is a Rabi crop in Rajasthan that requires cold temperatures throughout its life cycle.
III. Loose, sandy loam soil is ideal for groundnut pod development.
Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?
Explanation
Groundnut is primarily a Kharif crop in Rajasthan, meaning it is sown during the monsoon and requires warm temperatures for growth. It is not a Rabi crop that needs cold weather. However, Bikaner is indeed a major production center often compared to Rajkot, and sandy loam soil is essential for the healthy development of groundnut pods beneath the surface.
Q18. Regarding the national significance of Rajasthan’s spice crops, the state is generally the largest or second-largest producer of which of the following groups of spices in India?
Explanation
Rajasthan occupies a dominant position in India’s spice production, particularly for seed spices. The state is frequently the largest or second-largest producer of coriander, cumin, and fenugreek.
Q19. In agricultural terminology as applicable to Rajasthan, what does the term ‘Khadin’ refer to?
Explanation
A Khadin is an ingenious traditional land-use system developed in western Rajasthan, particularly in Jaisalmer. It involves a long earthen embankment built across lower hill slopes to harvest surface runoff water. This water saturates the soil, allowing farmers to cultivate crops on the moist land during the subsequent season, making agriculture possible in extremely arid environments with limited rainfall.
Q20. Match the sources of irrigation in List I with their corresponding prominent regions/districts in List II.
| Source of Irrigation | Region/District |
|---|---|
| A. Tube wells and Wells | i. Jaipur and Alwar |
| B. Canals | ii. Sri Ganganagar and Hanumangarh |
| C. Tanks | iii. Bhilwara and Udaipur |
| D. Sprinkler systems | iv. Narmada Canal Command Area (Jalore, Barmer) |
Explanation
Irrigation patterns vary across Rajasthan’s geography. Wells and tube wells are the primary sources in Jaipur and Alwar. The northern districts of Sri Ganganagar and Hanumangarh rely heavily on extensive canal networks. Tank irrigation is traditionally more common in the hilly terrains of Bhilwara and Udaipur, while modern sprinkler systems are mandatory in the Narmada Canal command area.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 11 | (d) Rapeseed and Mustard |
| 12 | (a) A-iii, B-iv, C-ii, D-i |
| 13 | (c) Barley |
| 14 | (a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I. |
| 15 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
| 16 | (b) Orange (Mandarin) - Jhalawar |
| 17 | (b) II only |
| 18 | (c) Coriander, Cumin, Fenugreek |
| 19 | (d) A traditional method of rainwater harvesting and agriculture in the desert region |
| 20 | (a) A-i, B-ii, C-iii, D-iv |
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.