UPSC Prelims PYQs – Economic Geography – Agriculture (World)

1. Which of the following countries are well known as the two largest cocoa producers in the world?

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2024 Prelims]

2. How is permaculture farming different from conventional chemical farming?

1. Permaculture farming discourages monocultural practices but in conventional chemical farming, monoculture practices are pre-dominant.
2. Conventional chemical farming can cause increase in soil salinity but the occurrence of such phenomenon is not observed in permaculture farming.

3.Conventional chemical farming is easily possible in semi-arid regions but permaculture farming is not so easily possible in such regions.

4. Practice of mulching is very important in permaculture farming but not necessarily so in conventional chemical farming.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2021 Prelims]

3. Among the following, which one is the least water-efficient crop?

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2021 Prelims]

4. What is/are the advantage/advantages of zero tillage in agriculture?

1. Sowing of wheat without burning the residue of previous crop.
2. Without the need for nursery of rice saplings, direct planting of paddy seeds in the wet soil is possible.
3. Carbon sequestration in the soil is possible

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[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2020 Prelims]

5. “The crop is subtropical in nature. A hard frost is injurious to it. It requires at least 210 frost-free days and 50 to 100 centimeters of rainfall for its growth. A light well-drained soil capable of retaining moisture is ideally suited for the cultivation of the crop.” Which one of the following is that crop?

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2020 Prelims]

6. With reference to agricultural soils, consider the following statements:

1. A high content of organic matter in soil drastically reduces its water holding capacity.
2. Soil does not play any role in the sulphur cycle.
3. Irrigation over a period of time can contribute to the salinization of some agricultural lands.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2018 Prelims]

7. Which of the following practices can help in water conservation in agriculture?

1. Reduced or zero tillage of the land
2. Applying gypsum before irrigating the field
3. Allowing crop residue to remain in the field

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[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2017 Prelims]

8. Which of the following is/are the advantage/advantages of practising drip irrigation?

1. Reduction in weed
2. Reduction in soil salinity
3. Reduction in soil erosion

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[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2016 Prelims]

9. Consider the following statements:

1. Maize can be used for the production of starch.
2. Oil extracted from maize can be a feedstock for biodiesel.
3. Alcoholic beverages can be produced by using maize.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2014 Prelims]

10. Contour bunding is a method of soil conservation used in

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2013 Prelims]

11. Which of the following is the chief characteristic of ‘mixed farming’?

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12. Salinization occurs when the irrigation water accumulated in the soil evaporates, leaving behind salts and minerals. What are the effects of salinization on the irrigated land?

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2011 Prelims]

13. With reference to micro-irrigation, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. Fertilizer/nutrient loss can be reduced.
2. It is the only means of irrigation in dry land farming.
3. In some areas of farming, receding of ground water table can be checked.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2011 Prelims]