Indian Agriculture MCQs
1. Which of the following is the largest food crop of India in terms of production?
Rice is the staple food crop for a majority of people in India and covers the largest area under cultivation.
2. Who is known as the 'Father of the Green Revolution' in India?
M.S. Swaminathan is renowned for his role in introducing and developing high-yielding varieties of wheat in India.
3. Kharif crops are harvested in which months?
Kharif crops are sown with the onset of the monsoon (June-July) and harvested in September-October.
4. Which of the following is a Rabi crop?
Wheat is the main Rabi crop, sown in winter (October-December) and harvested in summer (April-June).
5. 'Golden Fiber' refers to:
Jute is known as the Golden Fiber due to its shiny brown colour and economic value.
6. Which state is the largest producer of coffee in India?
Karnataka accounts for the majority (approx 70%) of coffee production in India, followed by Kerala.
7. The 'Slash and Burn' agriculture is known as 'Jhumming' in which region of India?
Primitive subsistence farming is popularly known as Jhumming in Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland.
8. Which state is the leading producer of Sugarcane in India?
Uttar Pradesh is typically the top producer of sugarcane, often referred to as the 'Sugar Bowl of India'.
9. Operation Flood is associated with:
Operation Flood was the world's largest dairy development program, which led to the White Revolution (milk production).
10. Zaid crops are grown during which season?
The Zaid season is a short summer season involving crops like watermelon, muskmelon, cucumber, etc.
11. Which crop is known as a commercial crop?
Cotton is a major cash/commercial crop grown primarily for raw material for the textile industry, not for food consumption.
12. Tea grows best in which type of climate?
Tea bushes require a warm and moist frost-free climate all through the year with frequent showers distributed over the year.
13. Which state is the largest producer of rubber in India?
Kerala is the largest producer of natural rubber in India, contributing to the vast majority of the country's total production.
14. The Yellow Revolution is associated with the production of:
The Yellow Revolution was aimed at increasing the production of edible oilseeds (like mustard, sesame, etc.) to achieve self-sufficiency.
15. Bhoodan Gramdan movement was initiated by:
Also known as the Bloodless Revolution, it was a voluntary land reform movement started by Vinoba Bhave in 1951.
16. India is the largest producer as well as the consumer of which of the following?
India is the largest producer, consumer, and importer of pulses in the world.
17. Which crop requires high temperature, light rainfall or irrigation, and 210 frost-free days?
Cotton grows well in drier parts of the black cotton soil and specifically requires 210 frost-free days and bright sunshine.
18. Which of the following is NOT a plantation crop?
Wheat is a food crop grown in extensive or subsistence farming, whereas Tea, Coffee, Rubber, and Banana are plantation crops.
19. In which system of agriculture is a single crop grown on a large area?
Plantation agriculture is a type of commercial farming where a single crop is grown on a large area, using capital-intensive inputs.
20. The headquarters of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is located in:
ICAR is the apex body for coordinating, guiding, and managing research and education in agriculture in India, based in New Delhi.
21. Which state is the largest producer of Wheat in India?
While Punjab has the highest productivity per hectare, Uttar Pradesh has the highest total production of wheat due to its large area.
22. What is the main characteristic of Intensive Subsistence Farming?
It is practiced in areas of high population pressure on land, where high doses of biochemical inputs and irrigation are used.
23. Millets like Jowar, Bajra, and Ragi are collectively known as:
Millets are often referred to as coarse grains, but they have very high nutritional value.
24. Which of the following is essential for the cultivation of Rice?
Rice requires high temperature (above 25°C) and high humidity with annual rainfall above 100 cm.
25. The cultivation of fruits, vegetables, and flowers is known as:
Horticulture deals with the art, science, technology, and business of growing plants like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, herbs, etc.
Indian Agriculture – Complete Notes for UPSC, SSC, JKSSB
Indian Agriculture is a critical sector of the economy, employing over 50% of the workforce and contributing significantly to food security and rural livelihoods. This topic is extremely important for all competitive exams including UPSC, SSC, and JKSSB. Let's understand the key aspects of Indian agriculture in detail.
Role and Importance of Agriculture
- Employment: Largest employer in India.
- GDP Contribution: Approx. 18% of India's GDP.
- Food Security: Backbone of food production.
- Raw Material: Supplies to industries like textiles, sugar, food processing.
Types of Farming in India
- Subsistence Farming: Small-scale, self-consumption based.
- Commercial Farming: Grown for sale and export (e.g., cotton, sugarcane).
- Plantation Farming: Single crop grown on large estates (e.g., tea, coffee).
- Shifting Agriculture: Practiced in tribal regions.
- Mixed Farming: Combination of crop and livestock farming.
Major Cropping Seasons
| Season | Duration | Main Crops |
|---|---|---|
| Kharif | June - October | Rice, Maize, Cotton |
| Rabi | October - March | Wheat, Mustard, Barley |
| Zaid | March - June | Melons, Cucumber |
Green Revolution
Introduced in the 1960s, it led to a sharp increase in food grain production. Focus was on HYV seeds, irrigation, and fertilizers.
- Pioneer: M.S. Swaminathan
- Success Areas: Punjab, Haryana, UP
- Focus Crops: Wheat and Rice
Major Agricultural Crops
| Crop | Top Producing States |
|---|---|
| Rice | West Bengal, UP, Punjab |
| Wheat | UP, Punjab, Haryana |
| Sugarcane | UP, Maharashtra, Karnataka |
| Cotton | Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana |
| Pulses | Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan |
Government Schemes
- PM-KISAN: ₹6000/year to farmers in 3 installments.
- PMFBY: Crop insurance for yield loss.
- e-NAM: Online trading platform for agriculture.
- Soil Health Card: Nutrient management guidance.
Challenges in Indian Agriculture
- Small land holdings
- Dependence on monsoon
- Lack of mechanization
- Low productivity per hectare
- Rural indebtedness
Recent Reforms and Initiatives
- Digital agriculture push
- Kisan Rail and Agri Infra Fund
- Micro irrigation through PMKSY
- Doubling farmer income initiative
Exam‑Relevant One‑Liners (SSC / JKSSB / UPSC)
- Largest rice producing state: West Bengal
- India's rank in milk production: 1st
- Green Revolution focused on: Wheat
- State with highest agricultural exports: Maharashtra
- Biggest challenge: Monsoon dependency