UPSC CSE Mains Exam 2023 Agriculture Optional Paper 1

 

UPSC CSE Mains Exam 2023 Agriculture Optional Paper 1

SECTION A

Q1. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: 10×5=50

Q1.(a) Discuss the response of crop plants to rising temperature and carbon dioxide levels in relation to climate change, with suitable examples. (10 Marks)

Q1.(b) How can the cropping intensity and farm profitability be enhanced with the incorporation of different types of speciality corn in existing cropping systems? (10 Marks)

Q1.(c) What are non-wood forest products? How do they help local community development in terms of economy and employment? (10 Marks)

Q1.(d) Briefly write about cultural and chemical weed control methods of soybean and wheat. (10 Marks)

Q1.(e) Give an account of the genesis of soil structure and its significance to crop production. (10 Marks)

Q2.(a) What do you understand by agroecology? How does agroecology help in crop distribution and sustainable food production? (20 Marks)

Q2.(b) Classify the parasitic weeds on the basis of their parasitism. Explain the preventive measures and integrated management practices for Orobanche. (20 Marks)

Q2.(c) Describe the concept of microbial consortia and its role in crop residue management. (10 Marks)

Q3.(a) Give the specific features of organic farming and natural farming. Briefly discuss the preparations and role of biodynamics and cow-pat pit in organic crop production. (20 Marks)

Q3.(b) Classify the agroforestry systems and explain in detail the importance of social forestry in Indian context. (20 Marks)

Q3.(c) Write about the various tools used in proximal and remote sensing. (10 Marks)

Q4.(a) Discuss the primary pathways of gaseous nitrogen losses from soil and the factors affecting nitrogen losses. (20 Marks)

Q4.(b) Discuss the following in relation to groundnut:

(i) Role of macro- and micro-nutrients

(ii) Pegging

(iii) Critical growth stages for irrigation

(iv) Weed management

(v) Region-specific cropping systems (20 Marks)

Q4.(c) Give a brief note on GIS-based soil mapping and yield mapping. (10 Marks)

SECTION B

Q5. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: 10×5=50

Q5.(a) Discuss the ways and means of minimising erosion for conserving soil. (10 Marks)

Q5.(b) What are the major aims of irrigation? Discuss the different types of irrigation efficiencies which are used in adjudging the most efficient irrigation method. (10 Marks)

Q5.(c) Discuss on the various issues related to farm women empowerment. How do self-help groups play major role in empowering farm women? (10 Marks)

Q5.(d) Explain the important types of agricultural markets in India. (10 Marks)

Q5.(e) Discuss the efforts of the Government of India for extension, renovation and modernization of irrigation projects. (10 Marks)

Q6.(a) Elaborate on the various problems encountered in agricultural production at dryland areas of Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh and Deccan Plateau of Andhra Pradesh. Also explain the probable solutions to minimise the problems. (20 Marks)

Q6.(b) Discuss the management practices for improving the crop yield potential in regions where poor quality water is available for irrigation. (20 Marks)

Q6.(c) Explain the roles of various Non-Governmental Organizations in agriculture extension and socio-economic upliftment of landless agricultural labourers. (10 Marks)

Q7.(a) Write the main functions of Directorate of Marketing and Inspection. Discuss the roles of AGMARK and e-NAM in agricultural marketing. (20 Marks)

Q7.(b) How do Farmers Producers Organizations (FPOs) help in empowering the farmers through addressing their needs? Describe the role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras in climate resilient agriculture, citing suitable examples. (20 Marks)

Q7.(c) Discuss the role of integrated watershed management in rainfed agriculture. (10 Marks)

Q8.(a) What is the need for agricultural price policy? Write its objectives. Discuss the criteria for deciding minimum support price (MSP) for each crop. (20 Marks)

Q8.(b) Why are the evaluation of extension programmes needed? Explain the various types of evaluation and also discuss the steps involved in the evaluation process. (20 Marks)

Q8.(c) Discuss the causes of waterlogging and its effects on crop production. (10 Marks)