Geography · Economics

Agricultural Practices in India

2,453 Questions

Agricultural practices in India form a core segment of geography and economics syllabi. This hub covers crop distribution, farming techniques, and land measurement terms. These concepts regularly appear in SSC, state PSC, and civil services examinations.

Plantation and food cropsCrop cultivation regionsLand measurement unitsAgricultural storage techniquesIntercropping systemsWater resource management

Agricultural Practices in India Questions

Multiple choice

Harappans are credited with being the earliest growers of

  1. Rice

  2. Cotton

  3. Both

  4. None
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The Harappans are credited with being the earliest cultivators of both rice and cotton in the Indian subcontinent. Cotton cultivation (Gossypium arboreum) was first domesticated in the Indus Valley, and rice cultivation evidence has been found at sites like Lothal and Rangpur.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a plantation crop?

  1. Jute

  2. Cotton

  3. Tea

  4. Sugarcane
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Tea is a classical plantation crop grown on large estates primarily in tropical and subtropical regions. Plantation crops require specific climatic conditions and are commercially important export crops. Jute and cotton are fiber crops, while sugarcane is a cash crop but not typically classified as a plantation crop.

Multiple choice

Consider the following statements:

  1. Rice is predominantly cultivated in the tropical areas
  2. U.S.A. is one of the exporters of rice
  3. Thailand is an important importer of rice
  4. In Italy, rice is cultivated in the Po-valley Of these statements:

  1. 1, 2, 3 and 4 are correct

  2. 1, 2 and 4 are correct

  3. 1 and 3 are correct

  4. 2 and 4 are correct
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Rice is predominantly tropical (true) - it requires warm temperatures and high rainfall. USA exports rice (true) - Arkansas, California, Louisiana produce rice for export. Thailand is an importer (false) - Thailand is actually the world's largest rice exporter. Italy grows rice in the Po Valley (true) - risotto rice like Arborio comes from there. So 1, 2, and 4 are correct - Option B is right.

Multiple choice

Which of the following statements are FALSE regarding ‘golden rice’? P. It is a rice variety obtained by plant tissue culture. Q. This variety of rice was developed by Ingo Potricus and Peter Beyer. R. The name ‘golden rice’ is given to it because it contains traces of gold. S. Golden rice is aimed at curbing vitamin A deficiency. Select the correct answer using codes given below:

  1. Both P and Q

  2. Both P and R

  3. Both P and S

  4. Both Q and R

  5. Both Q and S
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Golden rice is a rice variety obtained by recombinant DNA technology. The name ‘golden rice’ is given to it because the seeds are golden yellow in colour, as β – carotene is present.

Multiple choice

With which of the following crops has Green Revolution been associated?

  1. Rice

  2. Wheat

  3. Pulses

  4. Sugarcane
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The Green Revolution in India was primarily associated with wheat production, especially in Punjab and Haryana. While rice was also included later, wheat was the first and major crop that saw dramatic yield increases due to high-yield varieties. Pulses and sugarcane were not significant beneficiaries of the Green Revolution.

Multiple choice

Of the gross cropped area in India, the foodgrains occupy ____.

  1. more than 70 per cent

  2. 60 to 70 per cent

  3. 50 to 60 per cent

  4. less than 50 per cent
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Foodgrains (cereals and pulses) occupy roughly 60-70% of India's gross cropped area, reflecting the priority on food security. Major foodgrains include rice, wheat, coarse grains, and pulses. The exact percentage varies annually based on market conditions, but foodgrains consistently dominate Indian agriculture.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is not a plantation crop?

  1. Rubber

  2. Coffee

  3. Coconut

  4. Gram
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Plantation crops are typically perennial crops grown on large estates, such as rubber, coffee, tea, and coconut. Gram (chana) is a pulse - an annual food crop grown for its edible seeds, not a plantation crop. Plantation crops are usually cash crops requiring significant investment and long-term cultivation.

Multiple choice

What does the term “Kharif” stands for

  1. A name of a person

  2. The autumn crop usually harvested between September and October

  3. A country's name

  4. The name of a dish
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Kharif refers to the autumn crop season in South Asia, with crops sown at the beginning of the monsoon (June-July) and harvested between September and October. Common kharif crops include rice, maize, and cotton. The other options are incorrect: it's not a person's name, country name, or dish name.

Multiple choice

What is the term used for the lower ends of grain stalks left in the ground after harvesting?

  1. Scrabble

  2. Stable

  3. Stubble

  4. Souffle

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Stubble refers to the lower ends of grain stalks (stems) left in the ground after harvesting crops. It's often managed through practices like stubble burning or incorporation into soil. The other options are incorrect: scrabble is a board game, stable is a building for horses, and souffle is a food dish.