Agriculture and Allied Activities

Statement I: Correct *RGM aims to conserve indigenous breeds, benefiting small farmers and landless labourers by improving animal productivity.*

Statement II: Correct *Launched in December 2014, the mission promotes scientific breeding, genetic upgradation, and conservation of indigenous breeds.*

Correct Answer: (C) Both Statements I and II are correct.

Statement I: Correct India produces about 80% of the world's turmeric and exports around 65% globally.

Statement II: Correct India grows over 30 turmeric varieties like Alleppey Finger, Erode, Sangli, Salem, Nizamabad, and Rajapore.

Statement III: Correct Major producing states include Telangana (largest), Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.

Correct Answer: (D) All statements are correct.

* Statement I is incorrect: India does import apples from the USA. In fact, the USA is one of the major sources of apple imports for India.

* Statement II is correct: India has stringent regulations regarding the import of Genetically Modified (GM) food. The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is the competent authority responsible for assessing the safety of GM crops and foods. Importing GM food without GEAC approval is illegal.

* Therefore, statement 1 is incorrect, while statement 2 is correct.

Statement 1 is correct: The Government of India announces Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for 22 mandated crops and Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for sugarcane. Niger seed is one of the 14 Kharif crops for which MSP is officially provided by the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP).

Statement 2 is correct: Niger (Guizotia abyssinica) is an oilseed crop primarily grown during the Kharif season in India. It is a minor oilseed crop that can grow in poor soils and is often cultivated in hilly and tribal areas.

Statement 3 is correct: Niger seed oil is traditionally used for cooking by various tribal communities, particularly in states like Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh. Apart from cooking, the oil is also used for lighting, lubrication, and in the preparation of soaps and medicines.

* Statement 1 is correct. According to data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and other agricultural databases, India does have more arable land than China. As of recent data, India's arable land is approximately 157 million hectares, whereas China's arable land is around 119 million hectares.

* Statement 2 is incorrect. While India has a substantial amount of irrigated land, China has implemented extensive irrigation projects and has a higher proportion of its arable land irrigated. As a percentage of arable land, China's irrigated land is higher than that of India.

* Statement 3 is also incorrect. China has a higher average agricultural productivity per hectare compared to India. This is due to several factors, including technological advancements, better infrastructure, and more effective agricultural practices in China.

The 'Small Farmer Large Field' (SFLF) model is a participatory collective action model designed to help small and marginal farmers overcome constraints like low bargaining power and lack of economies of scale.

* Why Option B is correct: In the SFLF model, many marginal farmers in a contiguous area organize themselves into groups to synchronize and harmonize selected agricultural operations (such as land preparation, sowing, and harvesting). This allows them to achieve economies of scale in purchasing inputs and marketing produce without losing their individual land ownership. * Context: This model was adapted from the 'Large Field' model successfully implemented in Vietnam. In India, it was piloted (notably in Odisha) to address the challenges of land fragmentation. * Why other options are incorrect: * Option A describes a resettlement or rehabilitation program for displaced persons. * Options C and D describe variations of contract farming or corporate farming, where farmers either surrender land for a fixed term or produce specifically for a company's manufacturing needs. SFLF differs because it is a farmer-led collective model rather than a corporate-led one.

Statement 1 is Correct: SRI requires significantly fewer seeds (about 5-8 kg/ha) compared to traditional transplanting methods (60-80 kg/ha) because it involves planting single, younger seedlings with wider spacing. Statement 2 is Correct: The practice of Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) prevents continuous submergence of fields, reducing anaerobic conditions and thereby significantly lowering methane emissions produced by methanogenic bacteria. Statement 3 is Correct: SRI reduces water requirement by 30-50% due to controlled irrigation; this directly leads to lower electricity or fuel consumption needed for pumping groundwater.

Statement 1 is correct: Permaculture farming indeed discourages monocultural practices, promoting biodiversity and the efficient use of available resources. On the other hand, conventional chemical farming often involves monoculture practices.

Statement 2 is correct: Conventional chemical farming can lead to an increase in soil salinity due to the heavy use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, while permaculture farming promotes soil health and does not contribute to soil salinity.

Statement 3 is incorrect: The statement about conventional chemical farming being easily possible in semi-arid regions but permaculture farming not being so easily possible in such regions is not necessarily true. Permaculture farming can be adapted to various climates and environments, including semi-arid regions, by using appropriate design principles and techniques.

Statement 4 is correct: The practice of mulching, which involves covering the soil with organic material to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil health, is an important aspect of permaculture farming, but it is not necessarily a key practice in conventional chemical farming.

Statement 1 is correct: The bud chip method involves raising sugarcane settlings in a nursery before transplanting them into the main field. This method reduces seed material requirements by using only the bud instead of the entire sett, leading to cost savings and better efficiency.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Multi-budded setts generally have a higher germination percentage than single-budded setts. Single-budded setts may face more difficulty in germination compared to setts with multiple buds, which provide better shoot emergence.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Under adverse weather conditions, large setts have better survival rates because they store more nutrients and moisture. Single-budded setts are more vulnerable to unfavorable conditions and may have lower survival rates.

Statement 4 is correct: Tissue culture techniques are successfully used for sugarcane cultivation. Settlings prepared from tissue culture help in producing disease-free, high-yielding plants and allow rapid multiplication of quality planting material.

Hence, option C is the correct answer.

Under the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme, short-term credit support is provided to farmers for purposes that directly support agricultural activities and the farm household.

Statement 1 is correct. The KCC scheme provides working capital for the maintenance of farm assets, which includes expenses for irrigation, fertilizers, and labor costs.

Statement 2 is incorrect. The KCC scheme's short-term credit component does not cover the purchase of capital-intensive assets such as combine harvesters, tractors, and mini trucks. These are typically financed through long-term investment credit, not short-term working capital.

Statement 3 is correct. The KCC scheme provides credit for the consumption requirements of the farm household (usually capped at a certain percentage of the limit).

Statement 4 is correct. The KCC scheme covers post-harvest expenses, including costs for storage, transportation, and marketing of produce.

Statement 5 is incorrect. The construction of a family house and setting up of village cold storage facilities are long-term capital investments and are not covered under the short-term credit support of the KCC scheme.

As per RBI/NABARD guidelines, the eligible activities for KCC are: - Short-term credit requirements for cultivation of crops. - Post-harvest expenses. - Produce marketing loan. - Consumption requirements of farmer household. - Working capital for maintenance of farm assets and activities allied to agriculture like dairy animals, inland fishery, etc. - Investment credit requirement for agriculture and allied activities like pumpsets, sprayers, dairy animals, etc. (Note: The question specifically asks for short-term credit support).

Hence, option B is the correct answer.

Biochar is a solid product obtained during the pyrolysis of biomass. It is a porous, carbon-rich material that has a wide range of uses, with soil improvement, remediation, and pollution control playing the most significant roles. In agriculture, biochar is primarily used to increase crop nutrition, plant growth, and soil fertility.

Statement 1 is correct. Biochar can indeed be used as a part of the growing medium in vertical farming. It helps in improving the soil structure and fertility, thereby promoting plant growth.

Statement 2 is correct. Biochar promotes the growth of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms. These microorganisms play a crucial role in the nitrogen cycle by converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use.

Statement 3 is correct. Biochar also enables the growing medium to retain water for a longer time. Its porous nature allows it to hold onto water and nutrients, making them readily available for plant roots.

Therefore, all three statements are correct.

India has consistently been the world's largest exporter of rice since 2012. For the five-year period preceding 2019 (the year of the examination), India maintained its top position globally, followed by countries like Thailand and Vietnam. In 2018, India's rice exports were valued at approximately US$7.4 billion, representing about 30% of the total global rice exports. While China is the world's largest producer of rice, it is also a significant consumer and importer, whereas India dominates the global export market.

Carbofuran, methyl parathion, phorate, and triazophos are highly toxic pesticides (specifically organophosphates and carbamates) used in agriculture. These chemicals are viewed with apprehension due to their acute toxicity and harmful effects on human health, non-target organisms, and the environment. Based on the recommendations of the Anupam Verma Committee, which reviewed 66 pesticides that were banned or restricted in other countries but continued to be used in India, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare issued notifications to ban or phase out these specific hazardous substances to ensure safety in the agricultural sector.

Conservation Agriculture is a set of practices aimed at minimizing soil disturbance, maintaining permanent soil cover, and adopting crop rotations or intercropping.


Avoiding monoculture practices: This does not directly fall under Conservation Agriculture. Monoculture refers to the cultivation of a single crop over a wide area.

Adopting minimum tillage: Minimum or no tillage is one of the key principles of Conservation Agriculture, as it reduces soil disturbance.

Avoiding the cultivation of plantation crops: This is not a part of Conservation Agriculture. Plantation crops like tea, coffee, or rubber can be cultivated using conservation agriculture practices.

Using crop residues to cover the soil surface: Maintaining soil cover with crop residues or mulches is a crucial component of Conservation Agriculture.

Adopting spatial and temporal crop sequencing/crop rotations: Crop rotations and intercropping are recommended practices under Conservation Agriculture to improve soil fertility and reduce pest and disease incidence.

Therefore, the correct options that fall under Conservation Agriculture are 2, 4, and 5.

Statement 1 is incorrect: The National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) is operated under the guidelines and directions of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, not the Ministry of Rural Development or the Ministry of Agriculture. It provides the framework for the accreditation of certification bodies and standards for organic production.

Statement 2 is correct: The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) functions as the Secretariat for the implementation of NPOP. APEDA is a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry responsible for the export promotion of agricultural products.

Statement 3 is correct: In 2016, Sikkim became India's first fully organic state, having successfully converted all its cultivable land to organic farming practices.

Therefore, the correct answer is 2 and 3 only.

Statement 1 is incorrect. GACSA was launched in 2014 at the UN Climate Summit in New York, not at the Paris Climate Summit in 2015.

Statement 2 is correct. GACSA is a voluntary partnership, and membership does not create any legally binding obligations for its members.

Statement 3 is incorrect. GACSA was launched by the Netherlands and several other countries, but India was not among the founding members or instrumental in its creation.

Statement 1 is incorrect: High organic matter content in soil actually increases its water-holding capacity. Organic matter helps to bind soil particles together, creating pore spaces that can hold water. It acts like a sponge, absorbing and retaining moisture effectively.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Soil plays a crucial role in the sulphur cycle. Soil contains various forms of sulfur compounds, including sulfates, which are essential nutrients for plant growth. Microorganisms in the soil participate in the transformation of sulfur compounds through processes like mineralization and immobilization.

Statement 3 is correct: Excessive or improper irrigation practices can lead to the salinization of agricultural lands. When irrigation water contains high levels of dissolved salts, and there is inadequate drainage, these salts can accumulate in the soil over time, leading to soil salinization. This can adversely affect crop growth and productivity.

Therefore, among the given statements, only statement 3 is correct.

Statement 1 is Correct: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the National Standards Body of India working under the aegis of Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Government of India. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Standard Mark is indeed mandatory for automotive tyres and tubes.

Statement 2 is Incorrect: AGMARK is a quality Certification Mark issued by the Directorate of Marketing and Inspection (DMI), an agency of the Government of India, and not by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The FAO is an international organisation that promotes food security and agricultural development.

Hence, option A is the correct answer.

Out of the listed statements about the Soil Health Card Scheme :

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Expanding the cultivable area under irrigation is not a primary objective of the scheme.

Statement 2 is Incorrect: Banks don't directly use soil cards to assess loan quantum. Loan approvals depend on various factors like land ownership, crop type, and credit history.

Statement 3 is Correct: A key objective of the scheme is to promote the judicious use of fertilisers. By informing farmers about their soil's nutrient status, the scheme encourages them to apply only the required amount of fertilisers, reducing overuse and potential environmental damage.

Therefore, the correct answer is 3 only (checking the overuse of fertilisers in farmlands).Hence, option B is the correct answer.

Statement 1 is correct: Reduced or zero tillage of the land minimises soil disturbance, promoting better water retention. Less disturbed soil creates a more compact surface that reduces evaporation and allows rainwater to infiltrate deeper into the ground.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Applying gypsum before irrigating the field Gypsum (calcium sulfate) is a soil amendment that can improve soil structure and drainage in some situations. However, it doesn't directly conserve water. In some cases, excessive gypsum application might even increase the leaching of nutrients and salts.

Statement 3 is correct: Allowing crop residue to remain in the field Leaving crop residue on the soil surface acts like a mulch. This mulch helps suppress weeds, reduces soil erosion, and minimises water evaporation from the soil surface.

The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) is a government-sponsored crop insurance scheme.

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Under this scheme, farmers have to pay a uniform premium of 2% for all Kharif crops, 1.5% for all Rabi crops, and 5% for commercial/horticultural crops. The premium rate is not uniform for all crops in all seasons.


Statement 2 is Correct: The scheme does cover post-harvest losses arising out of cyclones and unseasonal rains.

Hence, option B is the correct answer.

Statement 1 is Correct: Launched in 2011-12 as part of the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), the Initiative for Nutritional Security through Intensive Millets Promotion (INSIMP) was designed to demonstrate improved production and post-harvest technologies, including value addition, using a cluster-based approach to enhance millet productivity.

Statement 2 is Correct: Millets are traditionally grown in rainfed and arid regions with poor soil quality. The primary cultivators in these regions are small, marginal, and tribal farmers who lack access to expensive irrigation; therefore, the scheme specifically targets these vulnerable groups as they have the largest stake in millet production.

Statement 3 is Incorrect: The scheme provides 'Minikits' and input kits (nutrients and plant protection) to farmers within identified millet clusters to improve existing yields. It does not include a mandate or specific incentives to encourage farmers of commercial crops to shift to millet cultivation.

Drip irrigation is an efficient water delivery system that applies water directly to the roots of plants through a network of tubes, emitters, and valves. It is widely used to conserve water, improve crop yields, and prevent soil degradation.


Statement 1 is correct: Drip irrigation delivers water precisely at the plant's root zone, reducing the moisture available on the soil surface. Since weeds typically thrive in moist topsoil, limiting water exposure to non-target areas helps suppress their growth. This makes weed control easier compared to traditional irrigation methods like flooding or sprinklers, which wet the entire field.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Soil salinity refers to the accumulation of salts in the soil, which can hinder plant growth. While drip irrigation helps manage water efficiently, it does not directly reduce salinity. However, it can be combined with strategic flushing techniques (applying extra water at intervals) to push salts below the root zone, preventing salt buildup in the upper soil layers.

Statement 3 is correct: Drip irrigation releases water slowly and in a controlled manner, reducing surface runoff that can lead to soil erosion. Unlike traditional flood irrigation, which can wash away the topsoil, drip irrigation preserves soil structure and fertility, making it a sustainable choice for agriculture. Hence, the correct answer is option C.

The Fair and Remunerative Price of Sugarcane (FRP) for sugarcane in India is approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by the Prime Minister.

The proposal for FRP is determined based on the recommendation of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) in its report on the price policy for sugarcane for a particular sugar season.

A seed village, wherein trained group of farmers are involved in the production of seeds of various crops and cater to the needs of themselves, fellow farmers of the village and farmers of neighbouring villages in the appropriate time and at an affordable cost is called a seed village.

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP) was indeed launched during 1996-97, but its objective was to provide central assistance to states to accelerate the pace of irrigation development, not specifically to provide loan assistance to poor farmers.

Statement 2 is correct: The Command Area Development Programme (CADP) was launched in 1974-75, its primary focus was on improving the water-use efficiency and agricultural productivity in the command areas of major and medium irrigation projects.

Agricultural Markets in most parts of the Country are established and regulated under the APMC Acts enacted by the states.

The whole geographical area in the State is divided and declared as a market area wherein the markets are managed by the Market Committees constituted by the State Governments. Once a particular area is declared a market area and falls under the jurisdiction of a Market Committee, no person or agency is allowed freely to carry on wholesale marketing activities.

* The guar or cluster bean, with the botanical name Cyamopsis tetragonoloba, is an annual legume and the source of guar gum.

* It is also known as Gavar, guar, or guvar bean.

* The gum made from its seeds is used in the extraction of shale gas . The seeds of the guar bean contain a large endosperm. This endosperm consists of a large polysaccharide of galactose and mannose. This polymer is water-soluble and exhibits a viscosifying effect in water.

* Guar gum has a multitude of different applications in food products, industrial products, and the extractive industry.

Statement 1 is incorrect: India has a National Seeds Policy (2002), which provides a framework for quality assurance, seed certification, and private sector participation.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The private sector plays a significant role in the production and distribution of seeds, particularly for hybrid and vegetable crops (e.g., Mahyco, Syngenta, Nunhems, etc.).

Statement 3 is correct: For crops like pulses, coarse cereals, and oilseeds, which are low-value but high-volume, there is indeed a shortage of certified seeds due to lower profitability and investment.

Thus, only statement three is correct.

Pair 1 is not correct: The drought prone area programme comes under Ministry of Rural Development. This programme aims to mitigate the impacts of droughts on crop production, livestock, land and water resources.

Pair 2 is not correct: The Desert Development Programme comes under Ministry of Rural Development. The basic objective of the Desert Development Programme is to minimise negative effect of drought and control desertification.

Pair 3 is not correct: The national watershed project for rainfed areas implemented by Ministry of Agriculture is an umbrella scheme under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayi Yojana.