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 51–60 of 62 questions
Explanation
Cumin is one of the most sensitive crops grown in Rajasthan. It is highly susceptible to fungal diseases like blight and can be severely damaged by winter frost during its flowering stage. Either of these factors can lead to complete crop failure within a short period. Therefore, cumin farming is considered a high-risk, high-reward enterprise for the farmers in the western districts.Explanation
Red Rot is a major disease specifically affecting sugarcane, characterized by the reddening of the internal stalk tissues. In contrast, Cumin in western Rajasthan is frequently plagued by Blight, Powdery Mildew, and Wilt. These fungal diseases are the primary threats to cumin yields and require careful management and chemical treatment to prevent widespread loss of the valuable spice harvest.Explanation
Cumin is concentrated in Jalore, Barmer and Jodhpur because the cool, dry winters and light sandy-loam soils of this region suit it.Explanation
Harvesting cumin requires precise timing to maintain export quality. Farmers must uproot or cut the plants as soon as they turn yellowish-brown to prevent the ‘shattering’ of the small, dry seeds. If left too long in the field, the seeds will fall off easily, leading to significant yield loss. Proper drying and careful threshing are also critical to preserve the aroma.| Horticultural Crop/Fruit | Leading Producing District |
|---|---|
| A. Kinnow (Mandarin) | i. Sawai Madhopur |
| B. Orange (Santra) | ii. Jhalawar |
| C. Guava (Amrood) | iii. Barmer / Jalore |
| D. Pomegranate (Anar) | iv. Ganganagar / Hanumangarh |
Explanation
Kinnow is the pride of Ganganagar and Hanumangarh. Oranges are the staple of Jhalawar, known as the state’s citrus hub. Guava production is highly concentrated in Sawai Madhopur, while Pomegranate cultivation has seen rapid growth in the arid districts of Barmer and Jalore through drip irrigation. This match illustrates the diverse fruit-growing regions of Rajasthan.Explanation
In the Indira Gandhi Canal command area, the introduction of large volumes of water into a desert environment has caused the water table to rise. As this water moves upward through capillary action in the soil, it carries dissolved underground salts to the surface. When the water evaporates, these salts are left behind, gradually increasing soil salinity and creating the ‘Sem’ problem.| Agricultural Challenge | Region |
|---|---|
| A. Waterlogging (Sem) | i. Nagaur - Ajmer belt (Banka Patti) |
| B. Severe Wind Erosion | ii. Hanumangarh - Ganganagar |
| C. Gully Erosion (Ravines) | iii. Jaisalmer - Barmer |
| D. Fluoride contamination in groundwater | iv. Dholpur - Sawai Madhopur |
Explanation
Waterlogging is a major issue in the irrigated north. Wind erosion is most severe in the arid western districts of Jaisalmer and Barmer.I. It aims to provide financial assistance to farmers and agricultural laborers in case of death or disability due to accidents during agricultural work.
II. It promotes the distribution of free micro-irrigation equipment to all farmers.
III. The scheme covers accidents caused by agricultural machinery and electrocution.
IV. The financial assistance amount provided under the scheme can range up to 2 Lakh for accidental death.
V. It was launched exclusively for farmers growing commercial cash crops.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The Mukhyamantri Krishak Sathi Yojana provides social security to farmers and laborers. It offers financial assistance of up to 2 Lakh in case of accidental death or disability during farm work, including machinery accidents or electrocution. It is not limited to commercial crop farmers and does not primarily focus on distributing free micro-irrigation equipment, though other state schemes may cover those needs.Explanation
The Rajasthan Millets Mission was prominently announced in the state budget for the financial year 2022-23. The mission aims to promote the production, consumption, and value addition of millets like Bajra and Jowar. By establishing processing units and providing incentives to farmers, the state seeks to leverage its position as a leading millet producer to enhance nutritional security and farmers’ income.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 51 | (a) Jalore, Barmer, Jodhpur |
| 52 | (b) Blight and frost at flowering can cause crop failure. |
| 53 | (c) Red Rot |
| 54 | (d) The cool, dry winter climate with light sandy-loam soils of this region is ideal for its growth. |
| 55 | (a) Uprooting plants early to prevent shattering of dry seeds. |
| 56 | (a) A-iv, B-ii, C-i, D-iii |
| 57 | (c) Capillary action bringing salts to the surface via waterlogging. |
| 58 | (a) A-ii, B-iii, C-iv, D-i |
| 59 | (a) I, III and IV only |
| 60 | (b) 2022-23 |
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.