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Introduction and Syllabus Scope
The RPSC 2026 Mains syllabus places this topic under Paper I, Unit 2 (Economics), Part B. At 60 unit marks with the format of 6 x 5-mark and 3 x 10-mark questions, this is among the unit's most tested topics: it has appeared in 4 of the last 5 RAS Mains examinations, averaging 6.4 marks per exam year.
The scope is explicitly rajasthan — the examiner tests state-specific knowledge, not national-level generalities. Five distinct but interconnected sub-themes fall within scope:
- Agricultural production: GSVA contribution, major crops (kharif/rabi), crop patterns, gross cropped area, productivity levels vs. national averages, millets, oilseeds, pulses.
- Water resources: Annual availability, surface vs. groundwater, over-exploitation crisis, fluoride contamination, Rajasthan Water Policy.
- Irrigation: Major irrigation projects (IGNP, Chambal, Bisalpur, ERCP, Mahi Bajaj Sagar), micro-irrigation push under PMKSY, total potential created.
- Animal husbandry: National ranks in wool and milk, livestock population, major breeds, dairy cooperatives, livestock GVA.
- Farmer welfare schemes: PM-KISAN, PMFBY, Kisan Credit Card, CM Kisan Samman Nidhi, PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, Krishak Saathi Yojana.
What falls outside this topic: detailed agricultural geography (See Topic #87), fiscal policy funding mechanisms (See Topic #32), broader welfare architecture (See Topic #39). The examiner tests both factual recall (irrigation project names and capacities, livestock ranks, scheme benefits) and analytical application (water scarcity challenges, micro-irrigation vs. flood irrigation, crop diversification need).
PYQ analysis reveals that RPSC specifically tests irrigation project specifics, animal husbandry national rankings, and scheme mechanics. Analytical questions on water scarcity and groundwater over-exploitation have appeared in recent exams.