Q1. Which of the following best defines the primary distinction between subsistence agriculture and commercial agriculture?
World Agriculture: Types, Farming Systems and Major Crops: RAS Prelims MCQs
79 RAS Prelims MCQs on world agriculture cover farming types and systems and the major crops. Mixed farming, Mediterranean agriculture, shifting cultivation, commercial dairy farming and the processing of crops like cotton and jute are asked as definitions, locations and sequences, and the explanations give the reasons behind each pattern.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 1–10 of 79 questions
Q2. Given below are two statements, one labeled as
Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R):
Assertion (A): Intensive subsistence agriculture is characterized by high yield per unit area but low yield per labor.
Reason (R): The population density in regions practicing intensive subsistence agriculture is very high, leading to small landholdings and extensive use of manual labor. In the light of the above statements, select the correct answer from the options given below:
Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R):
Assertion (A): Intensive subsistence agriculture is characterized by high yield per unit area but low yield per labor.
Reason (R): The population density in regions practicing intensive subsistence agriculture is very high, leading to small landholdings and extensive use of manual labor. In the light of the above statements, select the correct answer from the options given below:
Explanation
High population density in subsistence farming regions forces farmers to maximize output from small landholdings. This results in high yields per unit of land through intensive manual labor. However, because the labor force is so large relative to the output, the productivity per worker remains low. The land pressure dictates these labor-intensive agricultural practices.
Q3. Consider the following statements regarding Plantation agriculture:
I. It involves the cultivation of a single cash crop on a large scale.
II. It requires large capital investment and high managerial ability.
III. It is primarily practiced in the temperate regions of Europe and North America.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. It involves the cultivation of a single cash crop on a large scale.
II. It requires large capital investment and high managerial ability.
III. It is primarily practiced in the temperate regions of Europe and North America.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Plantation agriculture is a specialized commercial system focusing on a single cash crop for export. It requires significant capital investment, advanced managerial skills, and scientific methods. These farms are typically large estates established in tropical and subtropical regions. Unlike temperate farming, plantations were historically developed by colonial powers to supply global markets.
Q4. Which of the following is a defining characteristic of mixed farming?
Explanation
Mixed farming integrates crop production with animal rearing on the same farm. Farmers grow crops for human consumption and fodder for livestock, ensuring a balanced agricultural system. This approach provides multiple income streams and maintains soil fertility through animal manure and crop rotation. It is a highly efficient system common in developed regions like Europe.
Q5. Which of the following regions is NOT prominently associated with commercial dairy farming?
Explanation
Commercial dairy farming requires specialized infrastructure, cool climates for temperate cattle breeds, and proximity to large urban markets. The Equatorial Amazon Basin has high heat and humidity, which are unsuitable for large-scale dairy production. North-Western Europe, Canada, and South-Eastern Australia are leading regions due to favorable climates and advanced refrigeration and transportation networks.
Q6. Mediterranean agriculture is highly specialized. Which of the following groups of crops is most representative of this farming system?
Explanation
Mediterranean agriculture is uniquely adapted to dry summers and mild, wet winters. This specialized system focuses on viticulture, orchards, and high-value crops. Grapes are grown for wine production, while olives and citrus fruits thrive in these specific climatic conditions. The region serves as a major global supplier of these products due to its favorable environmental factors.
Q7. Consider the following statements regarding Dry land and Irrigated farming:
I. Dry land farming is practiced in regions receiving less than 75 cm of annual rainfall.
II. Drought-resistant crops like millets and gram are typical of dry land farming.
III. Irrigated farming often faces the ecological problem of soil salinization.
IV. Irrigated farming is completely independent of the nature of the soil.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. Dry land farming is practiced in regions receiving less than 75 cm of annual rainfall.
II. Drought-resistant crops like millets and gram are typical of dry land farming.
III. Irrigated farming often faces the ecological problem of soil salinization.
IV. Irrigated farming is completely independent of the nature of the soil.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Dry land farming occurs in low-rainfall areas, focusing on moisture conservation and drought-resistant crops like millets. Irrigated farming provides reliable water but can lead to soil salinization through poor drainage and evaporation. While irrigation reduces weather dependency, soil characteristics still significantly influence crop selection and drainage requirements, making soil type a critical factor.
Q8. Read the following list of major rice-producing countries:
I. India
II. China
III. Indonesia
IV. Bangladesh
Which of the following represents the correct sequence of these countries arranged in descending order of their total production?
I. India
II. China
III. Indonesia
IV. Bangladesh
Which of the following represents the correct sequence of these countries arranged in descending order of their total production?
Explanation
China consistently ranks as the largest producer of rice globally, followed closely by India. Together, these two nations account for a significant portion of the world’s total output. Bangladesh and Indonesia are also among the top producers due to their favorable monsoonal climates and high population demands. Production levels fluctuate annually based on weather and technology.
Q9. Read the following statements regarding wheat cultivation:
Statement I: Spring wheat is sown in spring and harvested in late summer or early autumn.
Statement II: Winter wheat is sown in autumn and remains dormant during the winter before being harvested in early summer.
Which of the following is correct?
Statement I: Spring wheat is sown in spring and harvested in late summer or early autumn.
Statement II: Winter wheat is sown in autumn and remains dormant during the winter before being harvested in early summer.
Which of the following is correct?
Explanation
Spring wheat is planted in early spring when the ground thaws and is harvested by late summer. It is common in regions with extremely harsh winters. Winter wheat is sown in autumn, stays dormant under snow during winter, and resumes growth in spring for an early summer harvest. Both methods allow wheat production across diverse climatic zones.
Q10. What is the primary reason maize is cultivated widely in both tropical and temperate zones?
Explanation
Maize is highly versatile, thriving in varied climatic conditions ranging from tropical to temperate zones. It serves multiple roles as a staple food for humans, high-energy fodder for livestock, and a raw material for industrial products like starch and biofuel. This adaptability and multi-purpose utility make it one of the most widely cultivated cereals globally.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 1 | (b) The proportion of produce consumed by the family versus the proportion produced specifically for sale. |
| 2 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
| 3 | (a) I and II only |
| 4 | (c) Equal emphasis is laid on crop cultivation and animal husbandry. |
| 5 | (b) Equatorial Amazon Basin |
| 6 | (d) Olives, grapes, and citrus fruits |
| 7 | (a) I, II and III only |
| 8 | (a) II, I, IV, III |
| 9 | (a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct. |
| 10 | (d) It adapts well to varied climates and serves as human food, animal fodder, and industrial raw material. |
Key facts from World Agriculture: Types, Farming Systems and Major Crops
- Mixed farming gives equal emphasis to crop cultivation and animal husbandry.
- Mediterranean agriculture is specialised in olives, grapes and citrus fruits.
- Shifting cultivation leads to deforestation and loss of soil fertility in the tropics; in Brazil it is known as Roca.
- Commercial dairy farms are located near urban centres that provide a ready market for fresh milk.
- In the United States maize is used mostly as livestock feed.
- Retting separates the fibre from the jute stem by soaking bundles in water.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on World Agriculture: Types, Farming Systems and Major Crops?
This page has 79 practice MCQs on World Agriculture: Types, Farming Systems and Major Crops (World Geography). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
What is mixed farming?
A type of farming in which equal emphasis is placed on growing crops and rearing animals. It is common in the developed countries of the temperate zone, and the two activities support each other, since crop waste feeds animals and animals provide manure.
Which crops are typical of Mediterranean agriculture?
Olives, grapes and citrus fruits, which suit the hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters of the Mediterranean climate. The region is also known for its wine and for orchard crops grown on terraces.
What is retting?
Retting is the soaking of jute bundles in water so that the fibre separates from the stem. The microbes in the water rot the soft tissue, after which the fibre is stripped, washed and dried.