Agriculture MCQ — 77 Practice Questions with Answers

Explanation

Modern drip irrigation was developed in Israel in the 1960s. In India, it is promoted under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) — 'Per Drop More Crop'. Maharashtra and Rajasthan are major users.

Explanation

Shifting cultivation (Jhum) is practiced mainly in NE India (called 'Jhum'), parts of Odisha ('Podu'), AP ('Penda'), and MP ('Bewar'). Forests are cleared, burned, and cultivated for 2-3 years until soil fertility declines, then the community moves to a new area. It causes deforestation and soil erosion. The government has been encouraging settled agriculture, but jhum remains culturally significant for many tribal communities. About 7 lakh families practice it.

Explanation

Zaid is a short summer cropping season between Rabi and Kharif (March-June). Crops include watermelon, muskmelon, cucumber, vegetables, and moong. They require warm, dry weather and irrigation.

Explanation

Black soil (Regur/Black Cotton Soil) is formed from the weathering of Deccan Trap basalt. It is rich in lime, iron, magnesia, and alumina but deficient in nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic matter. It has high moisture retention capacity and swells when wet, shrinks when dry (self-ploughing). Found in: Maharashtra, MP, Gujarat, Karnataka, AP. Best for cotton (hence 'Black Cotton Soil'), also suitable for sugarcane, tobacco, and citrus fruits.

Explanation

Operation Flood (1970-1996), led by Verghese Kurien (Father of White Revolution), made India the world's largest milk producer through a dairy cooperative network. Amul (Anand Milk Union Limited) in Gujarat was the model cooperative.