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 41–50 of 62 questions
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Geography · Agriculture in Rajasthan
Q41. 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): Sri Ganganagar and Hanumangarh are the leading districts in cotton production in Rajasthan. Reason (R): These districts are characterized by the availability of assured canal irrigation networks and fertile alluvial soils.
Explanation
Sri Ganganagar and Hanumangarh lead Rajasthan in cotton production because they possess the two most critical requirements: fertile alluvial soil and an assured supply of canal irrigation. The dry climate of the north is also conducive to cotton growth provided water is available. This synergy between infrastructure and natural resources explains the regional concentration of the state’s fiber production.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Geography · Agriculture in Rajasthan
Q42. Which of the following soil types is generally considered least suitable for commercial cotton cultivation in Rajasthan?
Explanation
Cotton requires deep, fertile soils with good moisture-retention capabilities to support its extensive root system and heavy nutrient needs. Extremely shallow, gravelly desert soils are the least suitable as they lack sufficient depth and nutrients. In contrast, medium black soil and alluvial soils are excellent for cotton because they provide the necessary physical and chemical environment for high-quality fiber production.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Geography · Agriculture in Rajasthan
Q43. Sugarcane cultivation in Rajasthan is predominantly localized in which of the following pairs of districts?
Explanation
Sugarcane cultivation in Rajasthan is primarily concentrated in districts like Chittorgarh and Bundi. These areas have relatively better water availability and suitable soil conditions compared to the western desert. While sugarcane is grown in small pockets elsewhere, these districts provide the necessary environment for this water-intensive and long-duration crop, which is often linked to local sugar mill operations.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Geography · Agriculture in Rajasthan
Q44. Which of the following pairs of Sugar Mills and their respective locations in Rajasthan is correctly matched?
Explanation
The Mewar Sugar Mills is located at Bhopal Sagar in the Chittorgarh district and was the first sugar mill established in Rajasthan. Other matches are incorrect; for example, the Rajasthan State Ganganagar Sugar Mills is located in Sri Ganganagar, and Keshoraipatan Sahakari Sugar Mills is in Bundi. These mills were historically important for processing the sugarcane grown in their command areas.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Geography · Agriculture in Rajasthan
Q45. Which of the following statements about the climatic requirements for sugarcane in Rajasthan is incorrect?
Explanation
Hot, dry winds known as ‘Loo’ are actually harmful to sugarcane as they increase transpiration and can dry out the stalks, negatively impacting growth. Sugarcane prefers a humid, subtropical climate. While it needs warmth for growth and is damaged by frost during ripening, the presence of extreme dry winds during the summer is a major climatic constraint rather than a benefit.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Geography · Agriculture in Rajasthan
Q46. What is the primary cause for the limited and declining area under sugarcane cultivation in Rajasthan?
Explanation
The primary reason for the declining area of sugarcane in Rajasthan is the increasing scarcity and cost of irrigation. As groundwater levels drop and water costs rise, growing a year-long, water-intensive crop like sugarcane becomes economically unviable for most farmers. Many have shifted to less demanding crops or those with shorter growing cycles that offer better returns on limited water resources.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Geography · Agriculture in Rajasthan
Q47. Match the Spice Crops in List I with their Leading Producing Districts in Rajasthan in List II:
Spice Crop
Leading Producing District
A. Coriander (Dhaniya)
i. Jalore / Barmer
B. Fenugreek (Methi)
ii. Nagaur
C. Cumin (Jeera)
iii. Baran / Jhalawar
D. Fennel (Saunf)
iv. Sirohi / Tonk
Explanation
Coriander production is centered in the Hadoti region, specifically Baran and Jhalawar. Fenugreek is a specialty of Nagaur, particularly the fragrant variety. Cumin is the dominant spice of the western districts like Jalore and Barmer. Fennel is largely produced in Sirohi and Tonk. This distribution reflects the specific soil and moisture needs of each spice across Rajasthan’s different agricultural zones.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Geography · Agriculture in Rajasthan
Q48. Consider the following statements regarding seed spices in Rajasthan: I. Rajasthan holds a near monopoly in the production of Coriander and Fenugreek in India. II. The Hadoti region is famous for its large-scale coriander cultivation. III. Nagaur is internationally renowned for its fragrant ‘Pan Methi’ (Kasuri Methi). IV. Seed spices are primarily Kharif crops requiring heavy monsoon rains. V. The National Research Centre on Seed Spices is located at Tabiji, Ajmer. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Rajasthan is a powerhouse in seed spice production, particularly coriander in Hadoti and the famous Pan Methi in Nagaur. The National Research Centre on Seed Spices in Ajmer provides critical scientific support. However, seed spices are primarily Rabi crops, not Kharif, as they require the cool and dry winter months rather than the heavy rains of the monsoon season.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Geography · Agriculture in Rajasthan
Q49. Which geographic region of Rajasthan is overwhelmingly dominant in the cultivation of Coriander (Dhaniya)?
Explanation
The Hadoti plateau, comprising districts like Baran, Kota, and Jhalawar, is the most dominant region for coriander cultivation in Rajasthan.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Geography · Agriculture in Rajasthan
Q50. Which of the following is not a prominent spice crop commercially grown in Rajasthan?
Explanation
Cardamom is a tropical plantation crop that requires high rainfall and specific high-altitude forest conditions, which are not present in Rajasthan. Conversely, Rajasthan is a leading producer of seed spices like Cumin and Fenugreek, and also grows large quantities of Garlic. The state’s dry climate is perfectly suited for these seed and bulb spices, but entirely unsuitable for cardamom cultivation.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
41
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
42
(b) Extremely shallow, gravelly desert soil
43
(b) Chittorgarh and Bundi
44
(c) The Mewar Sugar Mills - Bhopal Sagar (Chittorgarh)
45
(d) Hot winds (Loo) during summer are beneficial for sucrose accumulation.
46
(c) Depleting groundwater and high irrigation costs make it unviable.
47
(a) A-iii, B-ii, C-i, D-iv
48
(a) I, II, III and V only
49
(a) Hadoti plateau
50
(c) Cardamom (Elaichi)
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.
