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 11–20 of 62 questions
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Geography · Agriculture in Rajasthan
Q11. Consider the following statements and select the correct option: Statement I: Bajra is predominantly cultivated in the western and central districts of Rajasthan such as Barmer, Jodhpur, and Nagaur. Statement II: The sandy soils and arid climate of western Rajasthan provide ideal ecological conditions for Bajra cultivation.
Explanation
Western and central districts like Barmer, Jodhpur, and Nagaur are the primary hubs for Bajra cultivation. This geographic concentration exists because the sandy soils and arid climate of these regions provide the perfect ecological conditions for the crop. Bajra’s drought resistance and low water requirement allow it to flourish where other cereal crops would likely fail.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Geography · Agriculture in Rajasthan
Q12. Consider the following statements about Bajra cultivation in Rajasthan: I. Rajasthan accounts for over 40 percent of the total Bajra production in India. II. It is characterized as a hardy crop with deep root systems suited for arid climates. III. It can tolerate drought conditions significantly better than maize or rice. IV. Alwar and Jaipur also produce Bajra in the eastern parts of the state. V. It is primarily grown as a commercial cash crop rather than a food crop. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Rajasthan contributes over forty percent of India’s Bajra production. This hardy crop features a deep root system and exceptional drought tolerance. While dominant in the west, districts like Alwar and Jaipur also produce significant quantities. However, it is primarily grown as a staple food crop and for livestock fodder rather than being classified exclusively as a commercial cash crop.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Geography · Agriculture in Rajasthan
Q13. What is the most appropriate reason for Bajra being the leading Kharif crop by sown area in Rajasthan?
Explanation
Bajra is the most widely sown Kharif crop in Rajasthan because it serves a dual purpose. It provides a nutritious staple food for the rural population and essential green and dry fodder for the state’s large livestock population. Its ability to survive in low-rainfall areas ensures food and fodder security even during years of moderate drought or erratic monsoons.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Geography · Agriculture in Rajasthan
Q14. Which region of Rajasthan dominates in the production of wheat?
Explanation
Wheat production in Rajasthan is concentrated in the eastern plains and the northern irrigated belt. Districts like Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Alwar, and Bharatpur lead in output. These areas benefit from fertile alluvial soils and extensive canal or tube-well irrigation. Unlike the arid west, these regions provide the consistent moisture and cool winter temperatures necessary for a successful harvest.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Geography · Agriculture in Rajasthan
Q15. Which of the following statements about wheat cultivation in Rajasthan is incorrect?
Explanation
Wheat is a water-intensive Rabi crop that cannot be grown successfully in shifting sand dunes without significant irrigation. While it is the most extensive winter cereal, it requires cool weather during growth and warmth for ripening. Winter rains, known as Mawath, are beneficial, but the crop fundamentally depends on a steady supply of water through canals or groundwater.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Geography · Agriculture in Rajasthan
Q16. Select the correct sequence of the following districts of Rajasthan in generally descending order of their total wheat production:
Explanation
Ganganagar and Hanumangarh are the top wheat-producing districts in Rajasthan due to the extensive canal irrigation system. They are followed by Alwar and Bharatpur in the eastern plains, where fertile soil and groundwater availability support high yields. This order reflects the geographic distribution of irrigation infrastructure and soil fertility across the state’s primary wheat-growing regions in the north.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Geography · Agriculture in Rajasthan
Q17. How does the occurrence of severe frost in January primarily affect the wheat crop in eastern Rajasthan?
Explanation
Severe frost in January poses a major threat to wheat crops in eastern Rajasthan. Freezing temperatures cause ice crystals to form within plant tissues, leading to cell rupture and significant physiological damage. This injury hinders the growth of the grain and can drastically reduce the overall yield, especially if the frost occurs during the critical flowering or heading stages.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Geography · Agriculture in Rajasthan
Q18. Which soil type is considered most suitable for the optimal cultivation of wheat in the eastern plains of Rajasthan?
Explanation
Fertile alluvial soil, often referred to as loamy soil, is the most suitable medium for wheat cultivation in the eastern plains of Rajasthan. This soil type possesses excellent water-holding capacity and is rich in essential nutrients. Its texture allows for proper root penetration and aeration, which are vital for the healthy development of winter cereals like wheat during the season.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Geography · Agriculture in Rajasthan
Q19. Identify the odd one out among the following improved crop varieties developed specifically for Rajasthan.
Explanation
Mahi Sugandha is an improved variety of Basmati rice developed for the southern regions of Rajasthan. In contrast, Mahi Kanchan, Mahi Dhawal, and Navjot are all varieties of maize specifically bred to enhance yields in the state’s agro-climatic conditions. This distinction is important for understanding the specialized research conducted to improve different cereal crops within the southern plains.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Geography · Agriculture in Rajasthan
Q20. Match the Crops in List I with their Key Producing Districts or Regions in Rajasthan in List II: List I: (Crop) A. Jowar (Sorghum) B. Maize C. Wheat D. Bajra List II: (Key Producing District/Region) i. Barmer and Jodhpur ii. Ajmer and Tonk iii. Banswara and Udaipur iv. Ganganagar and Hanumangarh
Explanation
Jowar is largely grown in the semi-arid central districts of Ajmer and Tonk. Maize is the staple of the southern highlands, including Banswara and Udaipur. Wheat thrives in the northern canal-irrigated districts of Ganganagar and Hanumangarh. Bajra remains the dominant crop of the western desert reaches, particularly in Barmer and Jodhpur, where drought-resistant farming is a necessity.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
11
(a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct, and Statement II explains Statement I.
12
(a) I, II, III and IV only
13
(b) It provides staple food for humans and fodder for livestock.
14
(b) Eastern and Irrigated Northern Region
15
(a) It can be highly successfully grown in the shifting sand dunes of western Rajasthan without irrigation.
16
(a) Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Alwar, Bharatpur
17
(d) It damages the crop by causing freezing injury to plant tissues and reducing yield.
18
(c) Fertile alluvial (loamy) soil
19
(d) Mahi Sugandha
20
(a) A-ii, B-iii, C-iv, D-i
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.
