UPSC CSE Mains Exam 2025 Agriculture Optional Paper 1

UPSC CSE Mains Exam 2025 Agriculture Optional Paper 1

SECTION A

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

Q1.(a) Classify natural resources. Discuss the natural resource management with reference to ecological conservation. (10 Marks)

Q1.(b) Differentiate between cropping system and cropping pattern, and describe the principles of cropping system. (10 Marks)

Q1.(c) Differentiate between agrisilviculture and agrisilvipasture system. Give suitable examples of component crops. (10 Marks)

Q1.(d) Elucidate different forest policies and their aims. (10 Marks)

Q1.(e) Explain weed control efficiency (WCE). Work out WCE from the given data and offer your critical comment: (10 Marks)

Sl. No.	Treatment	Weed Population/m²
1	T1-Unweeded check	90
2	T2-Hand weeding	55
3	T3-Herbicide A	45
4	T4-Herbicide B	40
5	T5-Herbicide C	50

Q2.(a) Enumerate the impact of climate change with reference to agricultural production. Present the opinion of public on climate change. (20 Marks)

Q2.(b) Write down the agronomic measures for climate-resilient crop production in rainfed areas. (20 Marks)

Q2.(c) Write a brief note on the major soils of India. (10 Marks)

Q3.(a) List out the cereal- and millet-based cropping systems practised in India based on soil type and irrigation availability. (20 Marks)

Q3.(b) Discuss the production technology of rainfed cotton crop under the following heads:

(i) Climate and soil requirement

(ii) Methods of sowing and seed rate

(iii) Manures and fertilizers

(iv) Inter-culture operations

(v) Plant protection (20 Marks)

Q3.(c) Discuss different in situ moisture conservation practices recommended in dryland areas. (10 Marks)

Q4.(a) Explain the productive, protective, ameliorative, recreational, educational and developmental functions of Indian forests. (20 Marks)

Q4.(b) Explain weed seed bank. Describe the strategies to reduce weed seeds in soil. (20 Marks)

Q4.(c) What is the need for integrated nutrient management (INM)? Suggest INM for transplanted rice. (10 Marks)

SECTION B

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

Q5.(a) Explain saltation, surface creep and suspension with reference to wind erosion. (10 Marks)

Q5.(b) Discuss the sensitive stages for drought and high temperature in cereals and pulses. (10 Marks)

Q5.(c) ‘Pre-harvest scarcity and post-harvest glut’ elucidate with suitable examples, and give any two valid reasons behind such situation under Indian context. (10 Marks)

Q5.(d) Explain the term ‘market intelligence’. Briefly point out the role of market intelligence and how it is useful to the Government, traders, farmers, consumers and researchers. (10 Marks)

Q5.(e) Explain ‘Farmer FIRST’. Briefly discuss the objectives of ‘Farmer FIRST’. (10 Marks)

Q6.(a) Enumerate the harmful effects of herbicide residues in soil. Discuss the remedial measures to overcome the above problem. (20 Marks)

Q6.(b) Give a lucid account on the factors influencing soil formation. (20 Marks)

Q6.(c) Present a brief note on the types of mulches and their role in soil moisture conservation. (10 Marks)

Q7.(a) Explain the term ‘conjunctive use of water’. Suggest the management practices to improve poor quality irrigation water with reference to salinity hazards. (20 Marks)

Q7.(b) Enunciate the reasons for waterlogging and describe various management strategies to mitigate waterlogging. (20 Marks)

Q7.(c) Why is farm planning necessary? Brief the limitations of farm planning. (10 Marks)

Q8.(a) Differentiate between partial and complete farm budget. Highlight the steps adopted while preparing farm planning and budgeting. (20 Marks)

Q8.(b) Discuss various training methods suitable for agricultural extension personnel in India. (20 Marks)

Q8.(c) Explain in detail about Bennett’s hierarchy extension programme evaluation model. (10 Marks)