Q51. How does the climatic pattern of the Mediterranean region specifically benefit the cultivation of grapes and olives?
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 51–60 of 79 questions
Q52. Consider the following statements about irrigated farming:
I. It has significantly increased agricultural productivity in arid and semi-arid regions.
II. Over-irrigation without proper drainage leads to waterlogging.
III. Canal irrigation can cause an increase in soil salinity through capillary action.
IV. Irrigated farming is solely restricted to the cultivation of cash crops.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. It has significantly increased agricultural productivity in arid and semi-arid regions.
II. Over-irrigation without proper drainage leads to waterlogging.
III. Canal irrigation can cause an increase in soil salinity through capillary action.
IV. Irrigated farming is solely restricted to the cultivation of cash crops.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Irrigated farming has boosted productivity in dry areas but brings ecological risks. Over-irrigation without adequate drainage causes waterlogging, while capillary action can bring salts to the surface, leading to soil salinization. These issues are significant in regions like northwestern India. While irrigation often supports cash crops, it is also widely used for food grains, making statement four an incorrect generalization.
Q53. Consider the following statements regarding Rice cultivation:
I. ‘Aus’, ‘Aman’, and ‘Boro’ are three distinct crops of rice grown in a single year in states like West Bengal and Assam.
II. Transplantation is the most common method of rice cultivation in Asian intensive subsistence systems.
III. Upland rice requires standing water throughout its entire life cycle.
IV. China is the leading producer of rice in the world.
V. Rice cultivation is a major anthropogenic source of atmospheric methane.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. ‘Aus’, ‘Aman’, and ‘Boro’ are three distinct crops of rice grown in a single year in states like West Bengal and Assam.
II. Transplantation is the most common method of rice cultivation in Asian intensive subsistence systems.
III. Upland rice requires standing water throughout its entire life cycle.
IV. China is the leading producer of rice in the world.
V. Rice cultivation is a major anthropogenic source of atmospheric methane.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Rice cultivation is diverse, with states like West Bengal growing three crops annually. While transplantation is common in lowlands, upland rice is grown on slopes without standing water. China leads global production, and flooded fields are known sources of methane gas. These statements highlight the crop’s economic importance, varied methods, and environmental impact. Understanding these factors is essential for managing productivity.
Q54. Match the type of wheat in List I with its primary characteristic or region in List II.
| Wheat Type | Characteristic/Region |
|---|---|
| A. Spring Wheat | i. Sown in autumn, survives winter under snow cover, common in milder temperate zones. |
| B. Winter Wheat | ii. Hard wheat with high protein content, primarily used for making pasta. |
| C. Macaroni (Durum) Wheat | iii. Sown in spring in regions with severe winters (e.g., Canadian Prairies). |
| D. Soft Wheat | iv. Lower protein content, ideal for making cakes and pastries. |
Explanation
Spring wheat is sown in spring in cold regions like Canada. Winter wheat is planted in autumn and survives under snow. Durum wheat is a hard variety with high protein, ideal for pasta. Soft wheat has lower protein and is used for pastries and cakes. Each variety is adapted to specific climates and culinary uses, reflecting the global diversity of wheat.
Q55. Which of the following sequences represents the correct progression of climatic requirements from germination to maturation for wheat?
Explanation
Wheat requires a cool and moist climate during its initial germination and vegetative growth stages to develop strong roots. As the plant matures, it needs moderate temperatures and light rainfall. Finally, bright sunshine and warm, dry weather are essential during the ripening and harvesting period. This specific progression ensures the best grain quality and prevents issues like fungal diseases during maturation.
Q56. Which of the following is the most appropriate reason for cotton being largely grown in the northwestern parts of the Deccan Plateau in India?
Explanation
The northwestern Deccan Plateau is famous for its black cotton soil, also known as Regur. This soil is highly moisture-retentive, which is beneficial for the cotton plant during periods of low rainfall. Cotton requires a long frost-free period and moderate water, making this region’s soil and climate combination ideal. The soil’s ability to hold water reduces dependence on frequent irrigation.
Q57. Consider the following statements regarding the extraction of sugar:
I. Sugarcane must be crushed within a short time after harvesting to prevent a drop in sucrose content.
II. Sugar beet can be stored for longer periods than sugarcane without significant loss of sugar content.
III. Cuba is historically known as the ‘Sugar Bowl of the World’ due to its sugarcane industry.
IV. Sugarcane juice extraction is completely mechanized worldwide with no manual labor involved.
V. Bagasse is a byproduct of sugarcane crushing used for fuel or paper making.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
I. Sugarcane must be crushed within a short time after harvesting to prevent a drop in sucrose content.
II. Sugar beet can be stored for longer periods than sugarcane without significant loss of sugar content.
III. Cuba is historically known as the ‘Sugar Bowl of the World’ due to its sugarcane industry.
IV. Sugarcane juice extraction is completely mechanized worldwide with no manual labor involved.
V. Bagasse is a byproduct of sugarcane crushing used for fuel or paper making.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
Explanation
Sugarcane must be processed quickly after harvest because sucrose content begins to decline immediately. While many processes are mechanized, significant manual labor is still used worldwide for harvesting. Sugar beet is more durable and can be stored longer. Cuba remains a historic center for sugar. Byproducts like bagasse provide useful fuel, but the claim of total mechanization is factually incorrect globally.
Q58. Which of the following statements correctly distinguishes Arabica coffee from Robusta coffee?
Explanation
Arabica and Robusta are the two primary coffee varieties grown commercially. Arabica is generally cultivated at higher altitudes and is prized for its superior flavor profile and aromatic qualities, leading to a higher market price. Robusta, while heartier and containing more caffeine, is often used in blends or instant coffee. The distinction is crucial for producers, influencing where coffee is grown.
Q59. Which of the following is NOT a consequence of the invention and widespread use of synthetic rubber?
Explanation
The invention of synthetic rubber ended the absolute monopoly of natural rubber but did not lead to the abandonment of plantations. Southeast Asian countries remain major producers of natural rubber, which is still required for specific industrial applications, such as high-performance tires. Synthetic alternatives have stabilized prices and increased competition, but the natural rubber industry remains a vital part of agriculture.
Q60. Which of the following statements about commercial agriculture is incorrect?
Explanation
Commercial agriculture is a profit-driven system characterized by large-scale operations and modern scientific methods. It utilizes high-yielding varieties, chemical fertilizers, and advanced technology to maximize efficiency. Contrary to statement three, it does not rely primarily on traditional knowledge or local seeds. Instead, it encompasses sectors like plantation agriculture and mechanized grain farming, focusing on national and international market demands for produce.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 51 | (d) Dry summers and mild, rainy winters allow drought-tolerant crops to mature. |
| 52 | (a) I, II and III only |
| 53 | (a) I, II, IV and V only |
| 54 | (a) A-iii, B-i, C-ii, D-iv |
| 55 | (b) Cool and moist Moderate temperature and light rain Warm and sunny |
| 56 | (c) Black soil (Regur) is moisture-retentive, which is ideal during dry spells. |
| 57 | (a) IV only |
| 58 | (d) Arabica is considered to have a superior flavor and higher market price. |
| 59 | (b) The complete eradication and abandonment of all natural rubber plantations in Southeast Asia. |
| 60 | (c) It relies almost entirely on traditional farming knowledge and local seed varieties. |
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.