Q61. The practice of shifting cultivation is known by different names globally. In which of the following countries is it known as ‘Roca’?
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 61–70 of 79 questions
Q62. A farmer in a densely populated region of South Asia grows rice during the monsoon and a quick-maturing vegetable crop in the dry season on a small plot of land, using extensive family labor. This scenario is a practical application of which farming system?
Explanation
The scenario describes the core characteristics of intensive subsistence agriculture, prevalent in densely populated regions of Monsoon Asia. It features small landholdings, the use of intensive family labor, and the practice of multiple cropping to maximize food production. Growing a staple like rice during the wet season followed by other crops in the dry season ensures survival where land is scarce.
Q63. Which of the following pairs of plantation crops and their major producing countries is correctly matched?
Explanation
Ghana is one of the world’s leading producers of cocoa, which is a major plantation crop and a key export for the country. In contrast, rubber is not a major product of Canada, tea is not the primary plantation crop of Brazil, and the UK does not produce coffee. This highlight emphasizes the importance of West Africa in the global chocolate industry.
Q64. In the context of mixed farming, what is the significance of cultivating root crops like turnips and potatoes alongside cereals?
Explanation
In mixed farming systems, root crops like turnips and potatoes play a dual role. They serve as essential fodder for livestock, particularly during winter months when grazing is limited. Furthermore, including these crops in a rotation cycle helps maintain soil structure and fertility, preventing the depletion of specific nutrients caused by continuous cereal cultivation. This integration is fundamental to efficient mixed farming.
Q65. Identify the odd one out among the following regions, considering their suitability and prominence for commercial dairy farming:
Explanation
Commercial dairy farming requires specialized temperate cattle, abundant fresh water, and high-quality fodder, none of which are available in the arid Sahara Desert. North-Western Europe, New Zealand, and South-Eastern Australia are leading dairy regions because they possess the necessary cool climates and advanced infrastructure for processing and transporting perishable milk products. The desert environment is fundamentally unsuitable for intensive dairy requirements.
Q66. Read the following statements regarding the Mediterranean agricultural region:
Statement I: It is renowned as the ‘Orchard Lands of the World’ due to extensive fruit cultivation.
Statement II: Viticulture (grape cultivation) is a specialized and traditional feature of this region, producing high-quality wines.
Which of the following is correct?
Statement I: It is renowned as the ‘Orchard Lands of the World’ due to extensive fruit cultivation.
Statement II: Viticulture (grape cultivation) is a specialized and traditional feature of this region, producing high-quality wines.
Which of the following is correct?
Explanation
The Mediterranean region is globally famous for its diverse and high-quality fruit production, earning it the title of the ‘Orchard Lands of the World.’ Viticulture, or the cultivation of grapes for wine, is a centuries-old tradition that remains a centerpiece of the regional economy. Both statements accurately reflect the specialized nature of Mediterranean agriculture, which leverages a unique climate for high-value crops.
Q67. Which of the following is an exception to the general characteristics of dry land farming?
Explanation
Dry land farming is specifically adapted to regions with low rainfall, typically less than seventy-five centimeters annually. It employs techniques like using drought-resistant seeds, moisture conservation through mulching, and fallowing. Cultivating water-intensive crops like jute and wet paddy is the opposite of these practices, as these crops require abundant water only available in humid regions or through extensive irrigation systems.
Q68. ‘Aus’, ‘Aman’, and ‘Boro’ are terms related to the cultivation of which of the following major crops?
Explanation
‘Aus’, ‘Aman’, and ‘Boro’ are the Bengali names for three different rice crops grown in distinct seasons within a single year. This practice is common in states like West Bengal and Assam, where the warm, humid climate allows for continuous cultivation. These terms highlight the intensive nature of rice farming in the region and the crop’s central role in South Asia.
Q69. What is the primary cause for the large-scale mechanized cultivation of wheat in regions like the Canadian Prairies and the Pampas of Argentina?
Explanation
Regions like the Canadian Prairies and the Argentine Pampas consist of vast, flat plains with relatively low population densities. These geographical features are ideal for the use of large-scale agricultural machinery, allowing a few farmers to cultivate immense areas of land efficiently. This extensive commercial approach focuses on high productivity per worker and large export volumes, contrasting sharply with labor-intensive subsistence systems.
Q70. Which of the following statements correctly identifies the geographical origin of Maize?
Explanation
Maize, also known as corn, is indigenous to the Americas and was a staple for ancient civilizations like the Mayans and Aztecs. Following the voyages of European explorers in the late fifteenth century, the crop was introduced to the rest of the world. Its ability to adapt to diverse climates led to its rapid spread across Europe, Africa, and Asia.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 61 | (d) Brazil |
| 62 | (a) Intensive subsistence agriculture |
| 63 | (b) Cocoa - Ghana |
| 64 | (b) They act as fodder for livestock and assist in crop rotation to maintain soil fertility. |
| 65 | (a) Sahara Desert |
| 66 | (a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct. |
| 67 | (d) Cultivation of water-intensive crops like jute and wet paddy. |
| 68 | (c) Rice |
| 69 | (b) Vast, flat grasslands and low population density allow efficient machinery use. |
| 70 | (d) It is native to the Americas and was later introduced to global markets by European explorers. |
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.