Q1. Which of the following approximately represents the contribution of the agriculture and allied sector to the Gross State Value Added (GSVA) of Rajasthan at constant prices (2011-12) in recent years?
Agriculture in Rajasthan: RAS Prelims MCQs
62 RAS Prelims MCQs on agriculture in Rajasthan cover the main crops, their districts and ranks, and the conditions that suit each. Bajra, mustard, gram, wheat, cumin and moth are asked along with the share of agriculture in the State economy, and the explanations give the climate and soil reasons.
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. Which of the following is not a primary characteristic of the agricultural economy of Rajasthan?
Explanation
Rajasthan’s agriculture is characterized by harsh climatic conditions, leading to crop yields that are generally lower than the national average. Key features include a high reliance on erratic monsoon rainfall and a predominance of small and marginal landholdings. Additionally, the livestock sector plays a vital role in providing stable income to farmers across the diverse agro-climatic zones.
Q3. What is the primary economic effect of delayed or deficient monsoons on Rajasthan’s agriculture?
Explanation
Delayed or deficient monsoons in Rajasthan lead to significant instability in the agricultural economy. This deficiency results in severe fluctuations in the Gross State Value Added and adversely impacts rural employment opportunities. Since a large portion of the population depends on rainfed farming, water scarcity directly correlates with reduced crop production and increased economic vulnerability in rural districts.
Q4. Consider the following statements regarding the importance of agriculture in Rajasthan:
I. The allied sector (livestock) consistently contributes nearly half of the total agricultural GSVA in the state.
II. The agriculture sector provides direct employment to more than fifty percent of the total workforce in Rajasthan.
III. Commercial crops occupy a larger gross cropped area than foodgrain crops in the state.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. The allied sector (livestock) consistently contributes nearly half of the total agricultural GSVA in the state.
II. The agriculture sector provides direct employment to more than fifty percent of the total workforce in Rajasthan.
III. Commercial crops occupy a larger gross cropped area than foodgrain crops in the state.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The allied sector is a powerhouse in Rajasthan, often contributing nearly half of the total agricultural Gross State Value Added. Furthermore, the agriculture and allied sectors provide direct employment to over fifty percent of the state’s total workforce. However, foodgrain crops generally occupy a larger gross cropped area than commercial crops, making the statement regarding commercial dominance incorrect.
Q5. The following question consists of two statements, one labeled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R). Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Assertion (A): Zaid crops in Rajasthan are almost entirely cultivated in areas with assured irrigation facilities.
Reason (R): The Zaid season coincides with the dry, hot summer months when rainfall is practically non-existent.
Assertion (A): Zaid crops in Rajasthan are almost entirely cultivated in areas with assured irrigation facilities.
Reason (R): The Zaid season coincides with the dry, hot summer months when rainfall is practically non-existent.
Explanation
Zaid crops are grown during the hot and dry summer months, usually from March to June. Because rainfall is virtually non-existent during this period in Rajasthan, cultivation is only possible in areas with assured irrigation. Therefore, the necessity of irrigation is a direct consequence of the extreme climatic conditions and lack of natural moisture during the summer season.
Q6. Identify the odd one out based on the cropping season in Rajasthan.
Explanation
Barley is classified as a Rabi crop, which is sown in the winter months of October and November and harvested in spring. In contrast, Bajra, Moth, and Sesamum are all Kharif crops sown during the monsoon season. This distinction is based on the specific temperature and moisture requirements of the crops, with Barley needing cooler conditions for its growth.
Q7. Which of the following pairs of Crop and its predominant Cropping Season in Rajasthan is incorrectly matched?
Explanation
Mustard is a major oilseed crop in Rajasthan that is exclusively grown during the Rabi season. It requires the cool temperatures and dry weather of winter to thrive and is typically harvested in February or March. Groundnut and various pulses are correctly associated with the Kharif season, while Muskmelon is a typical Zaid crop grown during the summer.
Q8. Consider the following statements regarding cropping seasons in Rajasthan:
I. Kharif crops are sown with the onset of the southwest monsoon.
II. Rabi crops rely primarily on residual soil moisture and winter showers known as Mawath.
III. Zaid crops are predominantly cultivated in un-irrigated arid zones of western Rajasthan.
IV. Wheat and Barley are the primary cereal crops of the Rabi season.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
I. Kharif crops are sown with the onset of the southwest monsoon.
II. Rabi crops rely primarily on residual soil moisture and winter showers known as Mawath.
III. Zaid crops are predominantly cultivated in un-irrigated arid zones of western Rajasthan.
IV. Wheat and Barley are the primary cereal crops of the Rabi season.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
Explanation
Zaid crops in Rajasthan require constant irrigation because they are grown during the peak summer months. It is incorrect to state they are predominantly grown in un-irrigated arid zones. Kharif crops do rely on the southwest monsoon, and Rabi crops benefit from winter showers called Mawath. Wheat and Barley remain the primary cereal staples produced during the winter season.
Q9. What is the approximate rank of Rajasthan in the total production of Bajra (Pearl Millet) in India?
Explanation
Rajasthan holds the top position in India for the production of Bajra, also known as Pearl Millet. The state’s vast arid and semi-arid regions provide the necessary environment for this hardy crop. Its ability to grow in sandy soils with minimal water makes it a staple for millions of residents and a key contributor to the agricultural economy.
Q10. Which of the following statements is correct regarding the agro-climatic requirements of Bajra?
Explanation
Bajra is a highly resilient crop specifically suited for desert environments. It requires high temperatures for optimal growth and thrives in light, sandy soils that do not retain excessive water. This crop is naturally drought-tolerant, making it ideal for western Rajasthan where annual rainfall is low and the climate is characterized by intense heat and limited moisture.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 1 | (b) 28 to 30 percent |
| 2 | (a) Higher average crop yield compared to the national average |
| 3 | (c) Severe fluctuation in agricultural GSVA and rural employment |
| 4 | (a) I and II only |
| 5 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
| 6 | (a) Barley |
| 7 | (c) Mustard - Kharif |
| 8 | (b) III only |
| 9 | (d) First |
| 10 | (b) It requires high temperatures and grows well in light, sandy soils with low moisture. |
Key facts from Agriculture in Rajasthan
- Agriculture and allied activities contribute about 28 to 30 per cent of the State economy.
- Rajasthan ranks first in bajra production and is the top producer of mustard, with about 40 to 45 per cent of national output.
- Mustard dominates the eastern districts, like Bharatpur and Alwar, because of alluvial soils and moderate irrigation; Ganganagar and Hanumangarh lead in wheat.
- Bikaner is a leading producer of gram, which is sensitive to frost and depends on residual moisture.
- Cumin is grown in Jalore, Barmer and Jodhpur, where the cool, dry winter and light sandy-loam soil suit it, and Rajasthan is one of the leading producers of cumin in India.
- Moth is a drought-resistant pulse of the arid west; pulses fix nitrogen and improve sandy soils.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Agriculture in Rajasthan?
This page has 62 practice MCQs on Agriculture in Rajasthan (Rajasthan Geography). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Which crop does Rajasthan lead India in?
Rajasthan ranks first in bajra (pearl millet) and in mustard, where it produces about 40 to 45 per cent of the national output. It is also a leading producer of pulses and spices like cumin.
Why is mustard concentrated in eastern Rajasthan?
Because the eastern districts, such as Bharatpur and Alwar, have alluvial soils and moderate irrigation facilities, and mustard is a Rabi crop that needs a cool, dry climate during October and November.
Where is cumin grown in Rajasthan?
Mainly in Jalore, Barmer and Jodhpur. The cool, dry winter climate and light sandy-loam soil of this region suit the crop, and Rajasthan is one of the leading producers of cumin in India.