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 21–30 of 62 questions
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Economy · Agriculture in Rajasthan: Status, Issues and Initiatives
Q21. Arrange the following sources of irrigation in Rajasthan in descending order based on their percentage share in the net irrigated area of the state: I. Canals II. Tanks III. Wells and Tube Wells Which of the following is the correct order?
Explanation
In Rajasthan, wells and tube wells contribute the largest share to the net irrigated area, accounting for over two-thirds of the total. Canals follow as the second most significant source, primarily serving the northern and western regions via the Indira Gandhi Canal system. Tanks and other minor sources represent the smallest portion of the state’s overall irrigation infrastructure.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Economy · Agriculture in Rajasthan: Status, Issues and Initiatives
Q22. What is the primary effect of the continuous over-extraction of groundwater for irrigation in the eastern and central districts of Rajasthan?
Explanation
The continuous and intensive extraction of groundwater for agricultural purposes in central and eastern Rajasthan has led to a serious environmental crisis. This practice causes the water table to drop rapidly, resulting in many areas being classified as ‘Dark Zones’. In these blocks, the annual withdrawal of water significantly exceeds the natural recharge, threatening the long-term sustainability of local farming.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Economy · Agriculture in Rajasthan: Status, Issues and Initiatives
Q23. Read the following statements regarding groundwater depletion and Dark Zones in Rajasthan: I. A ‘Dark Zone’ refers to an area where the rate of groundwater extraction exceeds the rate of recharge. II. More than 70 percent of the groundwater blocks in Rajasthan are classified as safe. III. The implementation of micro-irrigation techniques is a policy response to manage dark zones. IV. The Atal Bhujal Yojana aims to improve groundwater management in over-exploited areas. Which of the above statements are correct?
Explanation
Dark Zones are defined by extraction exceeding recharge. To address this, policies promote micro-irrigation and initiatives like the Atal Bhujal Yojana are implemented for better management. Statement two is incorrect because the majority of groundwater blocks in Rajasthan are actually classified as semi-critical, critical, or over-exploited, with only a small percentage remaining in the ‘safe’ category for sustainable use.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Economy · Agriculture in Rajasthan: Status, Issues and Initiatives
Q24. Which of the following is the most appropriate characteristic of rainfed agriculture in Rajasthan?
Explanation
Rainfed agriculture in Rajasthan is inherently vulnerable due to its dependence on the unpredictable monsoon. Farmers in these areas primarily grow drought-resistant crops like millets and pulses which require minimal water. This system is often associated with high economic risk and low productivity because there is no assured irrigation to supplement rainfall during dry spells or late monsoon arrivals.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Economy · Agriculture in Rajasthan: Status, Issues and Initiatives
Q25. Identify the incorrect pair regarding irrigation and agriculture terms in Rajasthan.
Explanation
In Rajasthan, Barani refers to rainfed farming, Nahari to canal-irrigated land, and Chahi to areas irrigated by wells. The term Zaid actually refers to a specific short cropping season between the Rabi harvest and Kharif sowing, focusing on summer crops like melons and vegetables. It is not defined by dependence on winter rainfall, which is specifically known as Mawath.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Economy · Agriculture in Rajasthan: Status, Issues and Initiatives
Q26. Approximately what percentage of the net sown area in Rajasthan is currently under assured irrigation?
Explanation
While irrigation facilities have expanded, a significant portion of Rajasthan’s agriculture remains dependent on rainfall. Currently, only about 30 to 35 percent of the net sown area in the state has access to assured irrigation from canals, wells, or tanks. This highlights the ongoing challenge of water scarcity and the need for further development of water-efficient agricultural practices and infrastructure.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Economy · Agriculture in Rajasthan: Status, Issues and Initiatives
Q27. Read the following statements about the impact of irrigation practices in Rajasthan: I. Excessive canal irrigation in parts of the IGNP command area has led to waterlogging. II. Soil salinity and alkalinity have decreased in areas facing waterlogging. III. Gypsum is frequently applied to reclaim alkaline soils in the state. IV. Drip and sprinkler systems drastically reduce evaporation losses compared to flood irrigation. V. The state government mandates the use of micro-irrigation for crops sown in the command area of the Narmada Canal Project. Which of the above statements is incorrect?
Explanation
Excessive irrigation in canal command areas has caused waterlogging and a rise in the water table, known as the ‘Sem’ problem. Statement two is incorrect because this waterlogging actually increases soil salinity and alkalinity rather than decreasing it. Gypsum is indeed used for soil reclamation, and micro-irrigation is promoted and sometimes mandated to prevent these negative environmental impacts in the state.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Economy · Agriculture in Rajasthan: Status, Issues and Initiatives
Q28. Read the following statements regarding drought in Rajasthan: I. Meteorological drought occurs when there is a significant deficiency in actual rainfall compared to normal rainfall. II. Hydrological drought refers to the depletion of surface and groundwater resources. III. Agricultural drought is defined solely by the failure of the winter monsoon in the state. Which of the above statements are correct?
Explanation
Meteorological drought is characterized by a lack of rainfall, while hydrological drought involves the drying up of water bodies and groundwater. Both statements are correct descriptions of these phenomena. However, agricultural drought is defined by soil moisture deficiency that prevents crop growth during any season, not just the failure of the winter monsoon, making the third statement inaccurate in its scope.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Economy · Agriculture in Rajasthan: Status, Issues and Initiatives
Q29. Which of the following is considered the primary anthropogenic cause of desertification and soil degradation in western Rajasthan?
Explanation
Human activities significantly accelerate desertification in western Rajasthan. Overgrazing by large livestock populations removes the protective vegetation cover, leaving the sandy soil vulnerable to wind erosion. Similarly, deforestation for fuel and timber further destabilizes the land. These factors, combined with fragile ecological conditions, lead to the expansion of desert-like landscapes and the degradation of productive agricultural soil over time.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Economy · Agriculture in Rajasthan: Status, Issues and Initiatives
Q30. Choose the correct sequence of the following regions of Rajasthan based on their vulnerability to drought, from highest vulnerability to lowest vulnerability.
Explanation
Drought vulnerability in Rajasthan follows a clear geographical gradient. The western arid region faces the highest risk due to extremely low and erratic rainfall. The semi-arid central region has a moderate risk. In contrast, the south-eastern plateau, which receives relatively higher and more consistent rainfall along with better soil moisture retention, is the least vulnerable among these three distinct geographic zones.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
21
(c) III, I, II
22
(a) Conversion of districts into ‘Dark Zones’ or over-exploited blocks
23
(b) I, III, and IV only
24
(a) It is characterized by high risk, low yields, and predominant cultivation of millets and pulses.
25
(b) Zaid - Agriculture dependent solely on winter rainfall (Mawath)
26
(c) Around 30 to 35 percent
27
(b) II only
28
(a) I and II only
29
(b) Overgrazing by livestock and deforestation
30
(a) Western Arid Region Semi-Arid Region South-Eastern Plateau
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.
