Agriculture and Allied Activities

Contour Bunding is associated with terracing, to check the flow of water on a hill slope in order to reduce soil erosion. This method is crucial for preventing soil erosion and is a part of sustainable land management practices.

Out of the three organisms listed, only 2. Nostoc is commonly used as a biofertilizer.

Agaricus: This is a type of mushroom and not typically used as a biofertilizer.

Nostoc: This is a filamentous, nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium. Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, are one of the main groups of organisms used in biofertilizers due to their ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen and make it available to plants.

Spirogyra: This is a green alga and not generally used as a biofertilizer.

Statement 1 is correct - Area under rice cultivation is highest among the Kharif crops; for example, it was 441.10 (Lakh Hectare) in 2014-15, 433.88 (Lakh Hectare) in 2015-16, etc.

Statement 2 is incorrect - Area under the cultivation of jowar is less than that of oilseeds.

Statement 3 is correct - Area of cotton cultivation is more than double that of sugarcane.

Statement 4 is incorrect - Area under sugarcane cultivation is fluctuating; it has not steadily decreased.


* The country's vegetable oil imports for the first six months of the oil year during November 2018 to April 2019 stood at 75,41,689 tonne, up about 3% from 73,18,295 tonne reported in the same period last year.

* Vegetable oils account for the highest import in terms of value in the last five years. India relies on imports for 70 percent of its edible oil consumption.

Statement 1 is not correct. The Government of India subsidizes fertilizers to ensure that fertilizers are easily available to farmers and the country remains self-sufficient in agriculture. This has been achieved largely by controlling the price of fertilizer and the amount of production. For example, as per the New Urea Policy of 2015, the government fixes the market price of urea.

Statement 2 is correct. Fertilizer production uses 1.2% of the world's total energy out of which 90% is used for ammonia production, which is a key ingredient in the production of nitrogen fertilizers. Ammonia can be produced from natural gas.

Statement 3 is correct. Sulfur is a major by-product of oil refining and gas processing. Most crude oil grades contain some sulfur, most of which must be removed during the refining process to meet strict sulfur content limits in refined products. Also, Sulphur is used in phosphoric acid fertilizer (There is a process known as 'The Wet Process' for producing the same).

Hence, option B is the correct answer.

Statement 1 is correct: Fertigation is a method of delivering fertilizers to crops through an irrigation system. It involves the precise application of water-soluble or liquid fertilizers directly to the root zone of plants during the irrigation process. This technique allows for the controlled release of nutrients, ensuring that plants receive the right amount at the right time. Fertigation allows for the control of the pH of the irrigation water, which can be adjusted to the optimal level for nutrient absorption by the plants.

Statement 2 is incorrect: While fertigation does allow for the efficient application of many types of fertilizers, rock phosphate is not water-soluble and therefore cannot be applied efficiently through fertigation.

Statement 3 is correct: Because fertigation delivers nutrients directly to the root zone of plants, it increases the availability of nutrients to the plants.

Statement 4 is correct: Fertigation allows for the precise application of nutrients, which reduces the risk of nutrient leaching.

Therefore, options 1, 3, and 4 are correct.

Public investment in agriculture refers to government expenditures aimed at improving the agricultural sector, including infrastructure development, technological improvements, and providing institutional support.

Statement 1 is incorrect: Fixing the Minimum Support Price (MSP) is a policy decision, not an investment. While it affects the agricultural sector, it is not a direct public investment in terms of capital expenditure.

Statement 2 is correct: The computerization of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) is a public investment because it involves government funds directed towards modernizing agricultural credit systems, enhancing efficiency, and accessibility for farmers.

Statement 3 is correct: Social Capital development is a public investment in agriculture, as it involves building networks and community-based resources that help farmers improve productivity and access to resources.

Statement 4 is incorrect: Free electricity supply is more of a subsidy, not a direct public investment in the form of capital expenditure.

Statement 5 is incorrect: Waiver of agricultural loans is a policy measure aimed at alleviating farmer debt but does not qualify as an investment in infrastructure or capital.

Statement 6 is correct: The setting up of cold storage facilities by the government is a direct public investment aimed at improving agricultural infrastructure and reducing post-harvest losses.

Hence, option C is the correct answer.

Statement 1 is Correct: Crop diversification involves growing a variety of crops in the same area, which enhances soil health, increases biodiversity, and breaks pest cycles, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.

Statement 2 is Correct: Legume intensification refers to the increased cultivation of legumes, which fix atmospheric nitrogen through symbiotic bacteria (Rhizobium), naturally enriching soil fertility and reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers.

Statement 3 is Correct: A tensiometer measures soil moisture tension, allowing farmers to practice precision irrigation. This conserves water and prevents the leaching of soil nutrients caused by over-watering.

Statement 4 is Incorrect: While vertical farming has certain advantages such as reduced land use and controlled pest management, it is not considered eco-friendly in the Indian context. It relies heavily on artificial lighting and climate control systems, which consume large amounts of electricity — predominantly generated from fossil fuels in India. This high energy footprint undermines its eco-friendly credentials, making it unsuitable to be classified as an eco-friendly agricultural practice in the Indian context.

Statement 1 is correct: Zero tillage is a method of farming that involves sowing crop seeds directly into the soil without disturbing it. This method has several advantages. In zero tillage, the residue of the previous crop is left on the field, which acts as a natural mulch, reducing soil erosion and improving soil fertility. Therefore, there is no need to burn the residue of the previous crop before sowing wheat.

Statement 2 is correct: In zero tillage, seeds are directly planted into the soil, eliminating the need for a nursery of rice saplings. This not only saves time and labor but also reduces the cost of cultivation.

Statement 3 is correct: Carbon sequestration refers to the process of capture and long-term storage of atmospheric carbon dioxide. In zero tillage, the carbon in the crop residue is returned to the soil, which helps in carbon sequestration.


Therefore, all three statements are correct.

Statement 1 is correct. Like most of the pulses in India, Black gram pulse too can be cultivated both in kharif as well as in rabi season in India.

Statement 2 is incorrect. Chickpea pulse, also known as Chana, is the most dominant pulse produced in India. It contributes around 40% of the total pulse production in India.

Statement 3 is incorrect. Both kharif and rabi pulse production have generally shown an increasing trend over the last three decades, largely due to government initiatives and technological advancements. Rabi pulses, which make up a larger share of the total production (more than 60%), have shown a substantial increase. Hence, option A is the correct answer.

The description provided matches the requirements for cotton cultivation.

- Subtropical nature and frost sensitivity: Cotton is a subtropical crop and is sensitive to frost. A hard frost can damage the cotton plants, making them unsuitable for cold regions. - Frost-free days: Cotton requires at least 210 frost-free days, which is typical for its growth cycle. It thrives in regions with a long growing season, free from frost. - Rainfall requirement: Cotton needs 50 to 100 cm of rainfall. The crop is drought-tolerant, but it still requires moderate rainfall for optimal growth. - Soil type: Cotton grows best in light, well-drained soil that can retain moisture, providing the right balance for its deep root system.





Cotton is the right answer. Hence, option A is the correct answer.

Water efficiency of a crop refers to the amount of water required for its growth and development.

Among the options provided, Sugarcane requires the highest amount of water for its growth, making it the least water-efficient crop. It needs around 1800-2200 mm of water per season. On the other hand, Sunflower requires about 672.4 mm/season, Pearl Millet being a drought-tolerant crop requires around 350 mm/season, and Red gram uses about 250-400 mm/season of water.

Therefore, Sugarcane is the least water-efficient crop among the given options.

Statement 1 is correct. The Climate-Smart Village (CSV) approach is an initiative under the CCAFS program, which focuses on improving climate resilience in agriculture through research and innovation. CCAFS operates in multiple countries, including India, and works on sustainable farming practices, resource efficiency, and climate adaptation strategies in rural areas.

Statement 2 is correct. CCAFS is a global research initiative under the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), which is a network of international agricultural research organizations. However, CGIAR's global headquarters is in Montpellier, France, making the statement factually accurate.

Statement 3 is correct. ICRISAT, based in Hyderabad, India, is a major research institute focusing on improving dryland agriculture. It is indeed one of the CGIAR's 15 global research centers, working on climate resilience, crop improvement, and food security in semi-arid regions.

Statement 1 is correct: Although less common than coffee, tea is grown in the high-altitude regions of Andhra Pradesh (such as the Chintapalli and Araku areas).

Statement 2 is correct: Kerala is a major tea producer, especially in the Munnar, Wayanad, and Idukki districts.

Statement 3 is correct: Himachal Pradesh is famous for its Kangra Tea, which holds a GI tag and is known for its unique flavor.

Statement 4 is correct: Tripura is a significant tea-producing state in the Northeast, ranking among the top 5-6 producers in the country.

Note: This is a UPSC Prelims 2022 Previous Year Question. Per the Official Answer Key, Andhra Pradesh is included as a tea-producing state.


E-NAM (National Agriculture Market) is an online trading platform for agriculture produce aiming to help farmers, traders, and buyers with online trading and getting a better price through smooth marketing.

Statement 1 is Correct: Pan-India electronic trading portal (Correct) This is a core feature of NAM. It creates a unified online platform where farmers can connect with buyers from across the country, eliminating geographical restrictions and potentially increasing market access.

Statement 2 is Correct: Access to nationwide markets and better prices (Correct) NAM allows farmers to see prices prevailing in various mandis (wholesale markets) across the country. This transparency empowers them to choose the market offering the best price for their produce, potentially fetching them higher returns compared to traditional, localised markets.

Therefore, the correct answer is 1 and 2 both are correct.Hence, option C is the correct answer.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) announces the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for 22 mandated crops and the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for Sugarcane.

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Areca nut is a plantation crop and is not included in the list of 22 mandated crops for which MSP is announced.

Statement 2 is Correct: Barley is one of the seven cereals (Paddy, Wheat, Maize, Sorghum, Pearl millet, Barley, and Finger millet) for which MSP is announced.

Statement 3 is Incorrect: Coffee is a plantation/beverage crop and does not fall under the MSP regime.

Statement 4 is Correct: Finger millet (also known as Ragi) is a cereal crop included in the mandated list for MSP.

Statement 5 is Correct: Groundnut is one of the seven oilseeds (Groundnut, Rapeseed-Mustard, Soyabean, Sesamum, Sunflower, Safflower, and Nigerseed) covered under MSP.

Statement 6 is Correct: Sesamum is an oilseed crop for which the government officially announces MSP.

Statement 7 is Incorrect: Turmeric is a spice and is not among the 22 mandated crops for which MSP is announced by the CCEA.

Statement 1 is correct: Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM) is a payment app that lets you make simple, easy, and quick transactions using Unified Payments Interface (UPI). You can make direct bank payments to anyone on UPI using their UPI ID or scanning their QR with the BHIM app. You can also request money through the app from a UPI ID.

Statement 2 is not correct: From a consumer point of view, three levels of authentication are required in this app.

1. The device ID and mobile number, 2. The bank account which you are linking to this app, and 3. The UPI Pin which is needed to complete the transaction.

There are three factors of authentication versus a normal net banking app or a chip-in debit card which will only have two factors of authentication.

Statement 1 is Correct: SSI uses single-bud chips raised in nurseries rather than traditional heavy setts, reducing the seed requirement from approximately 3 tonnes per acre to just 75 kg, which significantly lowers the seed cost.

Statement 2 is Correct: The wide spacing and precise planting method in SSI allow for the highly effective use of drip irrigation, which helps in maintaining optimum moisture levels rather than the traditional flood irrigation.

Statement 3 is Incorrect: While SSI encourages organic methods and the use of bio-fertilizers to improve soil health, it does not mandate the total exclusion of chemical or inorganic fertilizers; it focuses on their optimal and efficient application.

Statement 4 is Correct: SSI involves wider spacing between rows (typically 4 to 5 feet) compared to conventional methods, which provides ample space and sunlight for successful intercropping with crops like pulses, vegetables, or oilseeds.

Pair 1 is incorrect: Kinnaur (Himachal) is famous for apples, while Arecanut is grown mainly in the southern region.

Pair 2 is incorrect: Mewat is a region in Haryana, while mango is grown in central and southern India.

Pair 3 is incorrect: Coromandel (TN-Andhra) is known for rice cultivation, while soybean is predominantly in central India.

Thus, none of the given pairs is correctly matched. Hence, the correct answer is 'D'.

Statement 1 is Correct: Cotton is a major Kharif crop that requires high temperature, light rainfall or irrigation, and 210 frost-free days for its growth. Statement 2 is Correct: Groundnut is a Kharif crop and is one of the most important oilseeds produced during the monsoon season in India. Statement 3 is Correct: Rice is a staple Kharif crop that requires high temperature (above 25°C) and high humidity with annual rainfall above 100 cm. Statement 4 is Incorrect: Wheat is a Rabi crop, which is sown in winter (October to December) and harvested in spring (April to June). It requires a cool growing season and bright sunshine at the time of ripening.

The correct answer is (C) procurement incidentals and distribution cost.

Here's a breakdown of the economic cost of food grains to the Food Corporation of India (FCI):

Minimum Support Price (MSP) and bonus (if any): This is the price paid by the FCI to farmers to procure food grains at a pre-determined level. It serves as a safety net for farmers and ensures some income stability.

Procurement incidentals: These are the additional costs incurred by the FCI during the procurement process. They include expenses like - Commission to agents or societies involved in procurement - Bagging materials - Labor charges for procurement activities - Transportation from collection centers to storage depots

Distribution cost: This refers to the expenses incurred by the FCI to distribute the procured food grains. It includes - Transportation costs from storage depots to fair price shops or other distribution channels - Handling and storage charges at fair price shops - Losses during storage and transportation


The primary objective of land reforms in independent India was to achieve social justice and 'equity' by redistributing land from large landowners to the landless and marginal farmers, thereby reducing the concentration of land ownership.

- Option B is correct: The policy priority was to ensure that those who actually tilled the soil had ownership rights, aiming to provide agricultural land to the landless to reduce rural poverty and inequality. - Option A is incorrect: During the first phase of land reforms (1950s and 60s), ceiling laws were generally applied to individual holdings. It was only after the 1972 national guidelines that the basis for land ceilings shifted to family units. - Option D is incorrect: Land ceiling laws were not absolute and provided numerous exemptions. These typically included land used for plantations (tea, coffee, rubber), orchards, sugarcane farms, and land held by religious, educational, or charitable trusts. - Option C is incorrect: Land reforms were intended to improve productivity and equity; they did not specifically aim for, nor result in, cash crops becoming the predominant form of cultivation across the country.

Minimum Support Price (MSP): The government sets an MSP to ensure a minimum income for farmers. If the market price falls below the MSP, the government procures rice from farmers at the MSP. This can lead to higher rice prices for consumers if the government releases these stocks slowly or not at all.

Government's trading: Government agencies like the Food Corporation of India (FCI) procure and sell rice in the market. Large-scale procurement by the government can affect market availability and potentially drive up prices.

Government's stockpiling: The government maintains buffer stocks of rice for food security purposes. If these stocks are depleted due to various reasons, it can lead to a shortage and price hikes.

Consumer subsidies: The government provides subsidized rice to certain sections of the population through schemes like PDS (Public Distribution System). This can influence overall demand and market dynamics. If the subsidies are substantial, it can put upward pressure on prices.

Therefore, all these factors can play a role in influencing the price of rice in India. Hence, option D is the correct answer.

Statement 1 is incorrect: Procurement at MSP is not "unlimited." While the government provides an open-ended procurement policy for certain cereals (like rice and wheat) in specific states, for most pulses and oilseeds, procurement is capped by targets, storage capacity, and the Price Support Scheme (PSS) guidelines.

Statement 2 is incorrect: MSP is designed as a safety net (floor price), not a price ceiling. It does not prevent market prices from rising higher due to demand.

Note on MSP Calculation: As per the Union Budget 2018-19, the Government of India follows the principle of fixing MSP at a level of at least 1.5 times the all-India weighted average cost of production (A2+FL). This formula is recommended by the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) to ensure a minimum 50% return over the cost of production for farmers.