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18 previous year questions for Agriculture from 3 years. Practice with year-wise breakdown.
18
Questions
3
Years
2
Papers
Answer the following questions in about 150 words each :
(a) Classify natural resources. Discuss the natural resource management with reference to ecological conservation. [10M]
(b) Differentiate between cropping system and cropping pattern, and describe the principles of cropping system. [10M]
(c) Differentiate between agrisilviculture and agrisilvipasture system. Give suitable examples of component crops. [10M]
(d) Elucidate different forest policies and their aims. [10M]
(e) Explain weed control efficiency (WCE). Work out WCE from the given data and offer your critical comment : Sl. No. Treatment Weed Population /m² 1 T1 — Unweeded check 90 2 T2 — Hand weeding 55 3 T3 — Herbicide A 45 4 T4 — Herbicide B 40 5 T5 — Herbicide C 50 [10M]
Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:
(a) Define cell cycle. Describe different types and phases of cell cycle. [10M]
(b) Briefly discuss significant features of heterosis and explain the dominance and overdominance hypotheses of heterosis, giving their main features. [10M]
(c) Define Marker-Assisted Selection and give suitable examples. Discuss the applications of marker-assisted selection in recurrent selection, gene pyramiding and QTL introgression. [10M]
(d) Define ‘Grow-out test’. Explain briefly the methods of roguing in seed fields. [10M]
(e) Classify plant mineral nutrients based on biochemical functions. How do excess minerals in the soil limit the plant growth? [10M]
Answer the following questions in about 150 words each :
(a) Explain saltation, surface creep and suspension with reference to wind erosion. [10M]
(b) Discuss the sensitive stages for drought and high temperature in cereals and pulses. [10M]
(c) ‘Pre-harvest scarcity and post-harvest glut’—elucidate with suitable examples, and give any two valid reasons behind such situation under Indian context. [10M]
(d) Explain the term ‘market intelligence’. Briefly point out the role of market intelligence and how it is useful to the Government, traders, farmers, consumers and researchers. [10M]
(e) Explain ‘Farmer FIRST’. Briefly discuss the objectives of ‘Farmer FIRST’. [10M]
Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:
(a) How do plants absorb nitrogen from the environment? Describe the mechanism of nitrate assimilation and synthesis of amino acids in plants. [10M]
(b) Explain the strategies to manage citrus decline in India. [10M]
(c) What do you understand by mango malformation? Elucidate symptoms, causal organism and control measures of floral mango malformation. [10M]
(d) What do you understand by food-based dietary approaches? Explain briefly how they will help to eliminate hunger. [10M]
(e) What are the major constraints of food grain processing in India? [10M]
Answer the following questions in about 150 words each :
(a) Briefly discuss the principles of agro-ecology. [10M]
(b) What are the factors responsible for low production and productivity of pulses in India? Discuss strategies adopted for enhancing the pulse production and productivity. [10M]
(c) Describe the objectives of social forestry. Write down the plant species suitable for social forestry. [10M]
(d) Discuss the cultural methods of weed control. [10M]
(e) Write down the steps of nitrification and enlist micro-organisms responsible for each. Write down the importance of nitrification. [10M]
Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:
(a) Explain the ultrastructure of chloroplast with the help of diagram. Briefly discuss the chemical composition and functions of chloroplast in higher plants. [10M]
(b) Describe the latest advances in biotechnology for crop improvement. [10M]
(c) Describe different approaches for improving the characteristics of inbred lines. [10M]
(d) Discuss various tests undertaken in seed testing laboratories. [10M]
(e) Discuss various theories of ion uptake with respect to passive absorption. [10M]
Answer the following questions in about 150 words each :
(a) Write down the principles involved in Integrated Watershed Management. Briefly discuss the relevance of Integrated Watershed Management under climate change scenario. [10M]
(b) Explain the term irrigation scheduling. Elaborate the criteria IW/CPE ratio of irrigation scheduling along with its merits and demerits. [10M]
(c) Briefly discuss the price instability and its types. Write down the measurements for price instability. [10M]
(d) Give the account of new tools and methods used in agricultural extension. [10M]
(e) It is proposed to give four (4) irrigations to six (6) hectare area of wheat crop. Depth of each irrigation is 60 mm, which will be given with a pump of discharge @ 5 litre/second. Find out the duration (in days) of pump operation to discharge the required quantity of water. [10M]
Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:
(a) Explain the properties and functions of enzymes in plants. [10M]
(b) Write the methods of production of seed tubers from true potato seeds (TPS) under protected cultivation. [10M]
(c) Discuss the systematic position, nature of damage and management of insect and mite pests of brinjal. [10M]
(d) What is the scenario of hunger and malnutrition in the country? Discuss the initiatives taken by the government for their mitigation. [10M]
(e) Illustrate how technology is improving the efficiency of public distribution system in the country. [10M]
Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: (a) Discuss the response of crop plants to rising temperature and carbon dioxide levels in relation to climate change, with suitable examples. (b) How can the cropping intensity and farm profitability be enhanced with the incorporation of different types of speciality corn in existing cropping systems? (c) What are non-wood forest products? How do they help local community development in terms of economy and employment? (d) Briefly write about cultural and chemical weed control methods of soybean and wheat. (e) Give an account of the genesis of soil structure and its significance to crop production.
(a) Discuss the response of crop plants to rising temperature and carbon dioxide levels in relation to climate change, with suitable examples. [10M]
(b) How can the cropping intensity and farm profitability be enhanced with the incorporation of different types of speciality corn in existing cropping systems? [10M]
(c) What are non-wood forest products? How do they help local community development in terms of economy and employment? [10M]
(d) Briefly write about cultural and chemical weed control methods of soybean and wheat. [10M]
(e) Give an account of the genesis of soil structure and its significance to crop production. [10M]
Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:
(a) Enumerate the functions of Endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus. [10M]
(b) Explain inbreeding depression and its effect in crops. Also explain the degrees of inbreeding depression. [10M]
(c) Briefly discuss the requirements for production of certified seeds. [10M]
(d) Give the classification of soil water. Briefly discuss soil moisture availability with respect to soil type. [10M]
(e) Write down about the origin and domestication of rice. [10M]
(a) What do you understand by agroecology? How does agroecology help in crop distribution and sustainable food production? (b) Classify the parasitic weeds on the basis of their parasitism. Explain the preventive measures and integrated management practices for Orobanche. (c) Describe the concept of microbial consortia and its role in crop residue management.
(a) What do you understand by agroecology? How does agroecology help in crop distribution and sustainable food production? [20M]
(b) Classify the parasitic weeds on the basis of their parasitism. Explain the preventive measures and integrated management practices for Orobanche. [20M]
(c) Describe the concept of microbial consortia and its role in crop residue management. [10M]
(a) Give the specific features of organic farming and natural farming. Briefly discuss the preparations and role of biodynamics and cow-pat pit in organic crop production. (b) Classify the agroforestry systems and explain in detail the importance of social forestry in Indian context. (c) Write about the various tools used in proximal and remote sensing.
(a) Give the specific features of organic farming and natural farming. Briefly discuss the preparations and role of biodynamics and cow-pat pit in organic crop production. [20M]
(b) Classify the agroforestry systems and explain in detail the importance of social forestry in Indian context. [20M]
(c) Write about the various tools used in proximal and remote sensing. [10M]
(a) Discuss the primary pathways of gaseous nitrogen losses from soil and the factors affecting nitrogen losses. (b) Discuss the following in relation to groundnut: (i) Role of macro- and micro-nutrients (ii) Pegging (iii) Critical growth stages for irrigation (iv) Weed management (v) Region-specific cropping systems (c) Give a brief note on GIS-based soil mapping and yield mapping.
(a) Discuss the primary pathways of gaseous nitrogen losses from soil and the factors affecting nitrogen losses. [20M]
(b) Discuss the following in relation to groundnut: (i) Role of macro- and micro-nutrients (ii) Pegging (iii) Critical growth stages for irrigation (iv) Weed management (v) Region-specific cropping systems [20M]
(c) Give a brief note on GIS-based soil mapping and yield mapping. [10M]
Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: (a) Discuss the ways and means of minimising erosion for conserving soil. (b) What are the major aims of irrigation? Discuss the different types of irrigation efficiencies which are used in adjudging the most efficient irrigation method. (c) Discuss on the various issues related to farm women empowerment. How do self-help groups play major role in empowering farm women? (d) Explain the important types of agricultural markets in India. (e) Discuss the efforts of the Government of India for extension, renovation and modernization of irrigation projects.
(a) Discuss the ways and means of minimising erosion for conserving soil. [10M]
(b) What are the major aims of irrigation? Discuss the different types of irrigation efficiencies which are used in adjudging the most efficient irrigation method. [10M]
(c) Discuss on the various issues related to farm women empowerment. How do self-help groups play major role in empowering farm women? [10M]
(d) Explain the important types of agricultural markets in India. [10M]
(e) Discuss the efforts of the Government of India for extension, renovation and modernization of irrigation projects. [10M]
Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:
(a) Write down the constraints of fruit processing industry in India. [10M]
(b) Describe mentha cultivation with reference to varieties, soil and climate, nutrient management and processing. [10M]
(c) Enlist the role of auxins in agriculture, with suitable examples. [10M]
(d) Briefly discuss Integrated Pest Management in cotton. [10M]
(e) Briefly discuss the micronutrient deficiencies observed in children and women in India along with the diseases associated with them. [10M]
(a) Elaborate on the various problems encountered in agricultural production at dryland areas of Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh and Deccan Plateau of Andhra Pradesh. Also explain the probable solutions to minimise the problems. (b) Discuss the management practices for improving the crop yield potential in regions where poor quality water is available for irrigation. (c) Explain the roles of various Non-Governmental Organizations in agriculture extension and socio-economic upliftment of landless agricultural labourers.
(a) Elaborate on the various problems encountered in agricultural production at dryland areas of Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh and Deccan Plateau of Andhra Pradesh. Also explain the probable solutions to minimise the problems. [20M]
(b) Discuss the management practices for improving the crop yield potential in regions where poor quality water is available for irrigation. [20M]
(c) Explain the roles of various Non-Governmental Organizations in agriculture extension and socio-economic upliftment of landless agricultural labourers. [10M]
(a) Write the main functions of Directorate of Marketing and Inspection. Discuss the roles of AGMARK and e-NAM in agricultural marketing. (b) How do Farmers Producers Organizations (FPOs) help in empowering the farmers through addressing their needs? Describe the role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras in climate resilient agriculture, citing suitable examples. (c) Discuss the role of integrated watershed management in rainfed agriculture.
(a) Write the main functions of Directorate of Marketing and Inspection. Discuss the roles of AGMARK and e-NAM in agricultural marketing. [20M]
(b) How do Farmers Producers Organizations (FPOs) help in empowering the farmers through addressing their needs? Describe the role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras in climate resilient agriculture, citing suitable examples. [20M]
(c) Discuss the role of integrated watershed management in rainfed agriculture. [10M]
(a) What is the need for agricultural price policy? Write its objectives. Discuss the criteria for deciding minimum support price (MSP) for each crop. (b) Why are the evaluation of extension programmes needed? Explain the various types of evaluation and also discuss the steps involved in the evaluation process. (c) Discuss the causes of waterlogging and its effects on crop production.
(a) What is the need for agricultural price policy? Write its objectives. Discuss the criteria for deciding minimum support price (MSP) for each crop. [20M]
(b) Why are the evaluation of extension programmes needed? Explain the various types of evaluation and also discuss the steps involved in the evaluation process. [20M]
(c) Discuss the causes of waterlogging and its effects on crop production. [10M]
We have 18 UPSC Mains Agriculture optional subject questions spanning 3 years (2023–2025).
Agriculture has 2 papers in UPSC Mains: Agriculture-I, Agriculture-II. Each paper carries 250 marks.