Q31. Which of the following statements about Mustard as an oilseed crop in Rajasthan is incorrect?
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 31–40 of 62 questions
Q32. Which of the following represents the most appropriate agro-climatic condition for sowing mustard in Rajasthan?
Explanation
November. The most appropriate time for sowing mustard in Rajasthan is during October and November. This period provides the cool temperatures and dry climatic conditions necessary for successful germination and early vegetative growth. Sowing during the extreme heat of summer or the heavy rains of the monsoon would be detrimental to the seeds, as mustard is strictly a cool-season crop.
Q33. Arrange the following districts of Rajasthan in descending order based on their general contribution to groundnut production in recent years:
I. Bikaner
II. Jodhpur
III. Jaipur
IV. Dungarpur
Select the correct order from the options given below:
I. Bikaner
II. Jodhpur
III. Jaipur
IV. Dungarpur
Select the correct order from the options given below:
Explanation
Bikaner has emerged as the leading producer of groundnut in Rajasthan, particularly in the Lunkaransar area. It is followed by Jodhpur and Jaipur, which also have significant areas under cultivation. Dungarpur in the south produces groundnut but at a lower total volume compared to the major northern and central hubs. This ranking reflects the recent expansion of groundnut farming.
Q34. Which statement is correct regarding the distribution of Groundnut in southern Rajasthan?
Explanation
In southern Rajasthan, districts like Chittorgarh and Bhilwara are notable for groundnut cultivation. Farmers in these areas utilize the local red and black soils, which provide suitable conditions for the crop during the Kharif season. Unlike the irrigated northern tracts, groundnut here relies more on seasonal rainfall, though it remains a significant contributor to the regional agricultural output.
Q35. Identify the odd one out with respect to major pests and diseases that affect groundnut cultivation in Rajasthan.
Explanation
The pink bollworm is a major pest specifically associated with cotton crops, not groundnut. Groundnut cultivation in Rajasthan is frequently threatened by the white grub, tikka disease, and collar rot. Identifying the correct pests is crucial for farmers to implement effective crop protection strategies and prevent significant yield losses in the state’s diverse oilseed and fiber crop sectors.
Q36. Which place in Rajasthan is popularly known as the ‘Rajkot of Rajasthan’ due to its high production and excellent quality of groundnut?
Explanation
Lunkaransar, located in the Bikaner district, is famously called the ‘Rajkot of Rajasthan’. This title is earned due to its exceptionally high production and the superior quality of groundnut grown in the region. The development of irrigation facilities in this arid belt has transformed it into a major commercial hub for groundnut, mimicking the importance of Rajkot in Gujarat’s agriculture.
Q37. Why is loose, friable, and well-drained sandy loam soil essential for successful groundnut cultivation?
Explanation
Loose and friable sandy loam soil is essential for groundnuts because the plant undergoes a process called ‘pegging’. After pollination, the flower stalks must grow downward and penetrate the soil to develop pods underground. Hard or compacted soil would prevent this penetration, leading to poor pod formation. Well-drained soil also prevents the rotting of the developing pods in the ground.
Q38. Match the Cotton Varieties in List I with their Prominent Regions in Rajasthan in List II:
| Cotton Variety/Type | Prominent Region |
|---|---|
| A. American Cotton (Narma) | i. Jhalawar, Kota, Banswara |
| B. Malvi Cotton | ii. Ganganagar and Hanumangarh |
| C. Desi Cotton | iii. Udaipur and Chittorgarh |
| D. Bikaneri Narma | iv. Bikaner and surrounding irrigated tracts |
Explanation
American Cotton, often called Narma, is the mainstay of Ganganagar and Hanumangarh. Malvi Cotton is grown in the south-eastern districts like Jhalawar and Kota. Desi Cotton is common in Udaipur and Chittorgarh. Bikaneri Narma is specifically cultivated in the irrigated tracts of Bikaner. These varieties are selected based on the regional availability of water and specific soil types across Rajasthan.
Q39. Consider the following statements regarding American Cotton cultivation in the Ganganagar- Hanumangarh belt:
I. It is predominantly a rainfed crop requiring no artificial irrigation.
II. It possesses longer staples compared to the indigenous Desi cotton varieties.
III. The availability of canal water (like the Indira Gandhi Canal and Gang Canal) has made this belt the top producer in the state.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. It is predominantly a rainfed crop requiring no artificial irrigation.
II. It possesses longer staples compared to the indigenous Desi cotton varieties.
III. The availability of canal water (like the Indira Gandhi Canal and Gang Canal) has made this belt the top producer in the state.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
American Cotton in the Ganganagar- Hanumangarh belt is highly dependent on canal irrigation and is not a rainfed crop. It is preferred because it possesses longer fibers or staples than indigenous varieties. The availability of water from the Indira Gandhi and Gang Canals has successfully transformed this northern region into the state’s leading producer of this high-value commercial fiber crop.
Q40. Consider the following statements and select the correct option:
Statement I: The Pink Bollworm is a major threat to cotton cultivation in northern Rajasthan.
Statement II: The adoption of Bt Cotton has permanently eradicated all pest issues in the state.
Statement I: The Pink Bollworm is a major threat to cotton cultivation in northern Rajasthan.
Statement II: The adoption of Bt Cotton has permanently eradicated all pest issues in the state.
Explanation
The Pink Bollworm remains a major biological threat to cotton farming in northern Rajasthan, causing significant damage to the bolls. While Bt Cotton was introduced to resist certain pests, it has not permanently eradicated all issues, as pests can develop resistance over time and other non-target pests may emerge. Constant monitoring and integrated pest management are still required for successful cultivation.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 31 | (c) It requires standing water in the fields during the entire maturation phase. |
| 32 | (b) Cool temperature and dry climate in October-November |
| 33 | (a) I, II, III, IV |
| 34 | (a) Chittorgarh and Bhilwara produce it using red and black soils. |
| 35 | (c) Pink bollworm |
| 36 | (a) Lunkaransar |
| 37 | (d) It facilitates the penetration of ‘pegs’ for pod formation. |
| 38 | (a) A-ii, B-i, C-iii, D-iv |
| 39 | (b) II and III only |
| 40 | (b) Statement I is correct, but Statement II is incorrect. |
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.