Agriculture and Allied Sectors

51. For an area to be excluded from the drought-prone category, what perce

For an area to be excluded from the drought-prone category, what percentage of its gross cropped area should be under irrigation ?

[amp_mcq option1=”10 per cent or more” option2=”20 per cent or more” option3=”25 per cent or more” option4=”30 per cent or more” correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2020
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The correct answer is D) 30 per cent or more.
According to the criteria used in India for classifying areas as drought-prone, a significant factor is the percentage of the gross cropped area under irrigation. An area is generally excluded from being considered drought-prone if 30% or more of its gross cropped area is under irrigation.
The definition and criteria for identifying drought-prone areas have evolved over time and have been used in programmes like the Drought Prone Area Programme (DPAP) and Desert Development Programme (DDP). These criteria often include factors like rainfall pattern, frequency of drought, and extent of irrigation coverage. The 30% irrigation threshold is a commonly cited figure for exclusion.

52. Which one of the following terms describes the practice of growing two

Which one of the following terms describes the practice of growing two or more crops simultaneously on the same piece of land ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Crop rotation” option2=”Mixed cropping” option3=”Intercropping” option4=”Mixed farming” correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2020
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Mixed cropping is the practice of growing two or more crops simultaneously on the same piece of land. The objective is often to minimize the risk of crop failure and improve soil fertility. Intercropping is a method of mixed cropping where crops are grown in definite row patterns. Since the question asks for the general term describing the practice of growing multiple crops *simultaneously* without specifying a pattern, mixed cropping is the most appropriate answer.
– Mixed cropping: Growing two or more crops simultaneously on the same land without a definite pattern.
– Intercropping: A type of mixed cropping where crops are grown in specific row arrangements.
– Crop rotation: Growing different crops on the same field in a planned sequence over different seasons or years.
– Mixed farming: A system of farming that combines crop production with the rearing of livestock.
Mixed cropping can provide benefits such as increased yield stability, reduced pest and disease incidence, improved soil health, and better utilization of resources (light, water, nutrients). Examples include growing wheat and gram together, or groundnut and sunflower. Intercropping, with its planned spatial arrangement, allows for easier management operations like harvesting and spraying.

53. SAMPADA scheme is being implemented by the Ministry of

SAMPADA scheme is being implemented by the Ministry of

[amp_mcq option1=”Finance” option2=”Housing and Urban Affairs” option3=”Food Processing Industries” option4=”Earth Sciences” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2017
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The SAMPADA scheme was implemented by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries.
SAMPADA, later renamed as Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY), is an umbrella scheme for the development of agro-processing clusters and related infrastructure, aiming to boost growth of the food processing sector.
The scheme focuses on creating infrastructure for food processing, integrating the supply chain from farm to market, and reducing post-harvest losses.

54. Which of the following statements about the Livestock sector in India

Which of the following statements about the Livestock sector in India is/are correct ?

1. Livestock contributed about 25 per cent of gross value added in agriculture

2. It provides self employment to a large segment of population

3. Rapid growth of livestock sector can be egalitarian and inclusive

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

[amp_mcq option1=”3 only” option2=”1 and 2 only” option3=”2 and 3 only” option4=”1, 2 and 3″ correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2015
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The correct option is D) 1, 2 and 3. All three statements are correct.
1. The livestock sector is a significant contributor to the Gross Value Added (GVA) in agriculture and allied sectors in India. While the exact percentage varies slightly year to year, it consistently contributes a substantial portion, often cited around 25-30% or more of the GVA from agriculture, forestry, and fishing. Thus, the statement “about 25 per cent” is accurate.
2. Livestock rearing provides self-employment opportunities to a large number of people, particularly in rural areas. It is a primary source of livelihood for small and marginal farmers, landless labourers, and women.
3. The rapid growth of the livestock sector, especially dairy, poultry, and small ruminants, has the potential to be egalitarian and inclusive. It allows people with small landholdings or no land to earn income and improve their economic status, thereby contributing to poverty reduction and equitable growth.
Livestock sector growth is often seen as a pathway to diversify income, improve nutritional security, and empower vulnerable sections of the population. Government policies have increasingly focused on supporting this sector for its potential contribution to rural economy and inclusive development.

55. During the Eleventh Five Year Plan (FYP), agriculture sector in India

During the Eleventh Five Year Plan (FYP), agriculture sector in India witnessed a growth rate of 3.3 per cent per annum which is higher than 2.4 per cent per annum in the previous FYP. This is largely due to better performance of:

[amp_mcq option1=”Crops and Livestock” option2=”Oilseeds and Fibres” option3=”Oilseeds and Fishing” option4=”Fibres and Fishing” correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2015
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The correct answer is A) Crops and Livestock. The agriculture sector includes crops, livestock, fisheries, and forestry. The higher growth rate of the agriculture sector during the Eleventh Five Year Plan (2007-2012) compared to the Tenth FYP was largely attributed to improved performance across multiple sub-sectors. While crop production saw recovery and growth due to various interventions and rainfall patterns, the livestock sector consistently demonstrated strong growth and contributed significantly to the overall agricultural growth figure. Together, the performance of the broad crops sector and the livestock sector were the primary drivers of the improved growth rate.
Improved performance in both the Crops sector and the Livestock sector were key contributors to the higher agricultural growth rate during the 11th FYP.
While oilseeds, fibres, and fishing are components of the agriculture sector, focusing on only specific crops or individual allied activities like fishing does not capture the broad-based nature of the growth that occurred. The cumulative contribution of the entire crops segment (including foodgrains, horticulture, etc.) and the livestock sector (milk, meat, poultry) was crucial in achieving the higher overall growth target.

56. Which one among the following statements about PDMC scheme (Per Drop M

Which one among the following statements about PDMC scheme (Per Drop More Crop) is not correct ?

[amp_mcq option1=”This scheme focuses on enhancing water use efficiency at farm level through micro-irrigation.” option2=”The cost borne in implementing this scheme is shared by the Central Government and the State Governments in the ratio of 50 : 50.” option3=”It is a Centrally sponsored scheme.” option4=”This scheme is implemented under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana.” correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC Geoscientist – 2024
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Statement A is correct: The PDMC scheme aims to enhance water use efficiency at the farm level, primarily through promoting micro-irrigation techniques like drip and sprinkler irrigation.
Statement B is not correct: The cost sharing ratio for the PDMC scheme (a component of PMKSY) is typically 60:40 between the Centre and States for general states, 90:10 for North Eastern and Himalayan states, and 100% for Union Territories, not a fixed 50:50.
Statement C is correct: As a component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), PDMC is a Centrally sponsored scheme.
Statement D is not correct: The PDMC scheme is implemented under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), not the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY). While both are centrally sponsored schemes related to agriculture, PDMC is specifically part of PMKSY’s ‘Per Drop More Crop’ component.
The question asks for a statement that is *not* correct. Both B and D are incorrect. However, stating that PDMC is implemented under RKVY instead of PMKSY is a fundamental misattribution of the scheme’s administrative framework. Thus, D is a clearly incorrect statement about the program’s structure. Option B is also incorrect regarding the fixed 50:50 ratio, but cost-sharing itself is a feature. D is a more direct factual error regarding the parent scheme.
The Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) scheme is a component of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY).
PMKSY was launched in 2015 with the motto “Har Khet Ko Pani” (Water to Every Field) and has different components focusing on various aspects of irrigation and water management. PDMC specifically focuses on water-saving technologies at the field level. RKVY is another umbrella scheme for agricultural development, but PDMC falls under PMKSY.

57. Which of the following statements with respect to milk production in I

Which of the following statements with respect to milk production in India is/are not correct ?

  • 1. From 2013 – 14 to 2021 – 22, the milk production in India has registered an increase of more than 50 percent.
  • 2. Although the milk production over the above period has increased, per capita availability of milk has decreased.

Select the answer using the code given below :

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”2 only” option3=”Both 1 and 2″ option4=”Neither 1 nor 2″ correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC Geoscientist – 2024
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Statement 1 is correct: India’s milk production increased from approximately 137.6 million tonnes in 2013-14 to 221.06 million tonnes in 2021-22, which is an increase of over 60%, well above 50 percent.
Statement 2 is incorrect: Per capita availability of milk in India has consistently increased over this period, from 307 grams/day in 2013-14 to 444 grams/day in 2021-22, due to milk production growth outpacing population growth.
The question asks for the statement(s) that are *not* correct. Therefore, only statement 2 is incorrect.
India has seen substantial growth in both total milk production and per capita availability of milk between 2013-14 and 2021-22.
India is the world’s largest producer of milk. The increase in milk production is attributed to various factors including increased livestock population, improved productivity through cross-breeding and better healthcare, and government schemes promoting dairy farming.

58. The Green Revolution as an agrarian revolution aimed at revolutionizin

The Green Revolution as an agrarian revolution aimed at revolutionizing the production of

[amp_mcq option1=”food grains” option2=”fruits and vegetables” option3=”cereals” option4=”fisheries” correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC Geoscientist – 2022
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The Green Revolution in India was an agrarian revolution aimed at significantly increasing the production of food grains.
It primarily focused on improving the yield of major cereal crops like wheat and rice through the adoption of High Yielding Varieties (HYVs) of seeds, along with better irrigation, fertilizers, and pesticides.
The Green Revolution, starting in the late 1960s, transformed India from a food-deficit country relying on imports into a food-surplus nation, particularly in wheat and rice production. Dr. M.S. Swaminathan is considered the father of the Green Revolution in India.

59. Which of the following pairs of revolution in agriculture sector and i

Which of the following pairs of revolution in agriculture sector and its production are correctly matched ?

  • 1. Pink revolution : Shrimp production
  • 2. Yellow revolution : Oilseeds production
  • 3. Black revolution : Biodiesel production
  • 4. Golden revolution : Egg production

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

[amp_mcq option1=”1, 2 and 3″ option2=”2, 3 and 4″ option3=”1 and 3 only” option4=”1, 2 and 4″ correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-2 – 2023
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The correct option is A because pairs 1 (Pink revolution : Shrimp production), 2 (Yellow revolution : Oilseeds production), and 3 (Black revolution : Biodiesel production) are correctly matched. Pair 4 (Golden revolution : Egg production) is incorrectly matched.
– Pink Revolution is associated with Onion production, Pharmaceutical production, and Prawn/Shrimp production.
– Yellow Revolution is associated with Oilseeds production.
– Black Revolution is associated with Petroleum production, specifically promoting the production of ethanol and mixing it with petrol to produce biodiesel.
– Golden Revolution is associated with Overall Horticulture (fruits, honey, flowers). Silver Revolution is associated with Egg production.
Various “Revolutions” have been named in India to signify significant growth and developments in specific agricultural and allied sectors, following the success of the Green Revolution in food grain production.

60. Which of the following States/Union Territory/Region are in special fo

Which of the following States/Union Territory/Region are in special focus in the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Himachal Pradesh and Andaman and Nicobar Islands” option2=”North-East Region and Andaman and Nicobar Islands” option3=”North-East Region and Gujarat” option4=”Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat” correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-2 – 2021
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The National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) focuses on promoting oil palm cultivation, with a special emphasis on the North-Eastern region and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands due to their conducive agro-climatic conditions and potential for expansion.
The mission aims to reduce India’s heavy reliance on imported edible oils by boosting domestic production.
The mission was launched with the objective of increasing oil palm acreage and yield, providing price assurance to farmers, and promoting processing infrastructure.
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