PYQs - IBPS SO AFO Mains Exam 2018 (Agriculture Knowledge)

 

IBPS SO AFO Mains Exam 2018 (Agriculture Knowledge)

Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Q(1). Among the following crops, which crop had the largest area under cultivation in India during 2015-16?

(a.) Wheat

(b.) Maize

(c.) Rice

(d.) Sugarcane

(e.) Cotton

Q(2). Among the following crops, which crop led to production in India during 2015-16?

(a.) Coarse cereals

(b.) Rice

(c.) Wheat

(d.) Pulses

(e.) Oilseeds

Q(3). What is the premium amount as the percentage of the sum earned for commercial/horticulture crops under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)?

(a.) 3

(b.) 4

(c.) 5

(d.) 6

(e.) 7

Q(4). The Government of India approved Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) in 2014 for five years for its implementation across the country with an outlay of how many crores?

(a.) 10,000 crore

(b.) 25,000 crore

(c.) 30,000 crore

(d.) 50,000 crore

(e.) 90,000 crores

Q(5). What is the premium amount as the percentage of the sum earned for the Kharif season's food and oilseed crops under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)?

(a.) 1.5

(b.) 2

(c.) 5

(d.) 6

(e.) 7

Q(6). Under the Interest Subvention Scheme (ISS), at what interest rate (per annum) will farmers be given a short-term crop loan up to Rs. 3 lakhs payable within one year?

(a.) 1 per cent

(b.) 4 per cent

(c.) 9 per cent

(d.) 11 per cent

(e.) 8.5 per cent

Q(7). Which of the following is a micronutrient for plants?

(a.) N

(b.) P

(c.) K

(d.) Fe

(e.) S

Q(8). Which macronutrient is mainly involved in the photosynthesis of plants as it is an essential constituent of chlorophyll?

(a.) Calcium

(b.) Potassium

(c.) Nitrogen

(d.) Sulphur

(e.) Phosphorus

Q(9). Which of the following is a highly salt-tolerant crop?

(a.) Cowpea

(b.) Groundnut

(c.) Barley

(d.) Gram

(e.) Lentil

Q(10). Totapuri is one of the famous mango varieties found in India. Among the following, which state is leading in its production?

(a.) Maharashtra

(b.) Haryana

(c.) Karnataka

(d.) Madhya Pradesh

(e.) Uttar Pradesh

Q(11). The state which is most affected by alkali soil as per the report of the Degraded and Wasteland of India Survey?

(a.) Haryana

(b.) Maharashtra

(c.) Uttar Pradesh

(d.) Andhra Pradesh

(e.) Gujarat

Q(12). Mango is the most popular fruit in India. The Ratna variety of mango is a hybrid made by a cross between which two varieties?

(a.) Dashehari X Neelum

(b.) Neelum X Dashehari

(c.) Neelum X Alphonso

(d.) Banganapalli X Alphonso

(e.) Ratna back-crossed with Alphonso

Q(13). A process in which the branch of a plant is cut off to produce a flush of new shoots and is carried out at a height that is above the reach of browsing animals, is called what?

(a.) Tending

(b.) Pruning

(c.) Felling

(d.) Thinning

(e.) Pollarding

Q(14). What is the annual rainfall of the humid area in mm?

(a.) Less than 200 mm

(b.) 200-400 mm

(c.) 400-800 mm

(d.) 800-1000 mm

(e.) More than 1000 mm

Q(15). Which of the following is the name of a boat used for sailing in the Mahanadi-Chilika Lake lagoons?

(a.) Bahani

(b.) Jano

(c.) Dian

(d.) Uthapani

(e.) None of these

Q(16). Soils with which pH value is most suitable for the cultivation of grapes?

(a.) 1.2-2.8

(b.) 3.2-4.4

(c.) 6.5-7.5

(d.) 7.5-8.5

(e.) 8.5 and above

Q(17). Soils with which pH value is most suitable for the cultivation of guava?

(a.) 1.2-2.8

(b.) 2.3-4.5

(c.) 4.5-8.2

(d.) 8.2-9.5

(e.) 10 and above

Q(18). Soils with which pH value is most suitable for the cultivation of bananas?

(a.) Below 2.8

(b.) 3.2 to 4.4

(c.) 4.2 to 6.4

(d.) 6.5 to 7.5

(e.) Above 9.3

Q(19). Traditionally, banana-growing farmers use more of which fertilizer?

(a.) Urea

(b.) Phosphorous

(c.) Potash

(d.) Zink

(e.) Equal of all of the above

Q(20). Among the following, which fish is known globally for having the highest protein content per serving?

(a.) Shrimp

(b.) Salmon

(c.) Cod

(d.) Catfish

(e.) Lake trout

Q(21). Which of the following is not a quality of a four-stroke petrol engine?

(a.) More efficient than a 2-stroke engine

(b.) Fuel is partially consumed

(c.) Less heat produced than a 2-stroke engine

(d.) Consumes less lubricating oil

(e.) All of the above

Q(22). In comparison between a diesel engine and a petrol engine, which one is correct?

(a.) Diesel engine weight per horsepower is high

(b.) Petrol engine's compression ratio varies from 14:1 to 22:1

(c.) Petrol engines do not have a carburettor, ignition coil and spark plug

(d.) Operating cost is high in the case of a diesel engine

(e.) Thermal efficiency of diesel engines varies from 25% to 32%

Q(23). Under a single cropping pattern, what power tractor is normally recommended for a 40-hectare farm?

(a.) 20-25 hp

(b.) 30-35 hp

(c.) 10-15 hp

(d.) 40-45 hp

(e.) 50-55 hp

Q(24). Which tillage implement has the highest draft requirements per unit width?

(a.) Disc plough

(b.) Blade plough

(c.) Chisel plough

(d.) Cultivator

(e.) Planter

Q(25). The volume of liquid handled by a high volume sprayer is:

(a.) More than 1000 litres/ha

(b.) 5 to 400 litres/hectare

(c.) More than 400 litres/ha

(d.) 5 to 1000 litres/hectare

(e.) Less than 5 litres/ha

Q(26). A power sprayer can be powered by an engine or an electric motor with:

(a.) 1 HP

(b.) 3 HP

(c.) 5 HP

(d.) 7 HP

(e.) 9 HP

Q(27). Which of the following nutrients have effects in the plant as young leaves of terminal buds dieback at the tip and margins and remain folded?

(a.) Magnesium

(b.) Calcium

(c.) Sulphur

(d.) Zinc

(e.) Iron

Q(28). Which of the following crops is generally known as a temperate crop?

(a.) Pasture grasses

(b.) Rice

(c.) Coconut

(d.) Cotton

(e.) Wheat

Q(29). Saline soils are defined as soils having an electrical conductivity of:

(a.) Greater than 1 dS/m

(b.) Greater than 8.4 dS/m

(c.) Greater than 15 dS/m

(d.) Greater than 4 dS/m

(e.) Less than 4 dS/m

Q(30). What is the pH range of alkali soil?

(a.) Less than 8.5

(b.) Greater than 8.5

(c.) Greater than 10.5

(d.) Less than 3.4

(e.) Less than 7.1

Q(31). What is the Exchangeable Sodium Percentage (ESP) of saline-alkaline soils?

(a.) Greater than 4

(b.) Greater than 8.5

(c.) Greater than 15

(d.) Less than 15

(e.) Less than 4

Q(32). Which of the following forest trees is used for making plywood?

(a.) Teak

(b.) Silver oak

(c.) Bamboos

(d.) Eucalyptus

(e.) Casuarina

Q(33). The water-use efficiency in drip irrigation can go as high as ______.

(a.) 85 percent

(b.) 95 percent

(c.) 75 percent

(d.) 80 percent

(e.) 90 percent

Q(34). Which nutrient helps in the formation of chlorophyll and is involved in the evolution of oxygen?

(a.) Ca

(b.) Mg

(c.) Zn

(d.) Mn

(e.) S

Q(35). Working the soil of the entire field in such a way that no living plant is left undisturbed is referred to as ______.

(a.) Clean tillage

(b.) Dry tillage

(c.) Subsoiling

(d.) Puddling

(e.) Blind tillage

Q(36). What percentage of fish feed is composed of rice bran?

(a.) 10 percent

(b.) 20 percent

(c.) 50 percent

(d.) 70 percent

(e.) 80 percent

Q(37). According to the State of Forest Report, published by the Forest Survey of India (FSI) in 1997, what percentage of the total geographic area of India has an actual forest cover?

(a.) 19.27 per cent

(b.) 23.3 per cent

(c.) 31.85 per cent

(d.) 63.34 per cent

(e.) 76.5 per cent

Q(38). What is the age of a Murrah buffalo at first calving?

(a.) 45-50 months

(b.) 20-25 months

(c.) 10-15 months

(d.) 60-65 months

(e.) Above 70 months

Q(39). Which organization is associated with the development of the R2B vaccine against Ranikhet disease?

(a.) Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI)

(b.) National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI)

(c.) Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI)

(d.) Central Poultry Development Organisation

(e.) Directorate of Poultry Research

Q(40). What is the floor space requirement for a pregnant cow (down calver) in an open area?

(a.) 2 square meters

(b.) 4 square meters

(c.) 7 square meters

(d.) 12 square meters

(e.) 24 square meters

Q(41). What is the floor space requirement per broiler poultry bird (in sq. ft)?

(a.) 0.2 square feet

(b.) 0.3 square feet

(c.) 0.6 square feet

(d.) 1 square foot

(e.) 3 square feet

Q(42). Which commercially available meat-type chicken breed in India has the highest body weight at six weeks (g) of the rearing period?

(a.) CARIBRO Multicoloured

(b.) Varna

(c.) CARIBRO-91

(d.) B-77

(e.) Equal in all

Q(43). The Karan Fries were developed in India at which institute:

(a.) Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar

(b.) National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal

(c.) National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Bangalore

(d.) National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Bengaluru

(e.) Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru

Q(44). The erstwhile two schemes, Grameen Bhandaran Yojna and AMIGS are subsumed into a capital investment subsidy sub-scheme “Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure (AMI)” under the Integrated Scheme for Agricultural Marketing (ISAM) scheme on:

(a.) 01.08.1998

(b.) 01.03.2007

(c.) 01.03.2010

(d.) 01.04.2014

(e.) 01.04.2017

Q(45). What is the approximate body weight (kg) of a growing animal (calf) with the age of 6-9 months:

(a.) 70-100 kg

(b.) 100-150 kg

(c.) 150-200 kg

(d.) 200-300 kg

(e.) Above 300 kg

Q(46). The Avian Research Institute, Izatnagar (Uttar Pradesh) was established in which year?

(a.) 1905

(b.) 1929

(c.) 1955

(d.) 1979

(e.) 1999

Q(47). What are the actual doses (kg/ha) of lime calculated to reclaim acidic soil and water with a pH of 6.6 to 7.5:

(a.) 200

(b.) 500

(c.) 1,000

(d.) 2,000

(e.) 5,000

Q(48). How many day-old pullet chicks can be procured to get 1000 layers of poultry?

(a.) 1000

(b.) 1100

(c.) 1200

(d.) 1300

(e.) 1400

Q(49). What is the estimated brackish water area suitable for undertaking shrimp cultivation in India:

(a.) 3.31 lakhs ha

(b.) 7.11 lakhs ha

(c.) 9.91 lakhs ha

(d.) 11.91 lakhs ha

(e.) 13.33 lakhs ha

Q(50). What is the average culture period during which time the prawns will grow to 20-30 gm in size.

(a.) 60-90 days

(b.) 100-110 days

(c.) 120-150 days

(d.) 220-250 days

(e.) 320-350 days

Q(51). When was the power tiller introduced in India:

(a.) 1920

(b.) 1947

(c.) 1963

(d.) 1965

(e.) 1999

Q(52). The papaya, a native of Tropical America, was introduced to India in the:

(a.) 14th century

(b.) 15th century

(c.) 16th century

(d.) 18th century

(e.) 19th century

Q(53). For almost all the crops, it is always safe to have a relative humidity of:

(a.) Above 10 percent

(b.) Above 30 percent

(c.) Above 40 percent

(d.) Above 50 percent

(e.) Above 70 percent

Q(54). There are different methods of seed sowing. Inserting a seed through a hole at a desired depth and covering the hole is known as _________.

(a.) Dibbling

(b.) Transplanting

(c.) Drill sowing

(d.) Broadcasting

(e.) Sowing behind the plough

Q(55). In which year was the Imperial Council of Agricultural Research (presently the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)) established?

(a.) 1955

(b.) 1910

(c.) 1961

(d.) 1929

(e.) 1945

Q(56). The practice of forestry for raising fodder grass with scattered fodder trees, fruit trees and fuel wood trees is:

(a.) Farm forestry

(b.) Shelterbelts Forestry

(c.) Rehabilitation of degraded forest

(d.) Mixed forest

(e.) Aesthetic Forestry

Q(57). What is the concentrate feed requirement per day during the lactation period in the case of graded protein?

(a.) 3 Kg

(b.) 1.5 Kg

(c.) 5 Kg

(d.) 2 Kg

(e.) 4 Kg

Q(58). What is the plant population in no./ha for the long-duration variety of the cotton crop?

(a.) 55,555

(b.) 3,33,000

(c.) 47,620

(d.) 5,00,000

(e.) 44,444

Q(59). What is the seed rate (Kg/ha) for line sowing for the rice crop?

(a.) 110

(b.) 40

(c.) 60

(d.) 100

(e.) 80

Q(60). What is the concentrate feed requirement per day during the lactation period in the case of graded protein?

(a.) 3 Kg

(b.) 1.5 Kg

(c.) 5 Kg

(d.) 2 Kg

(e.) 4 Kg

Answer and Explanations:

Ans.(1). (c.) Rice; Explanation: Rice had the largest area under cultivation in India during 2015-16 at approximately 43.9 million hectares. It is the principal staple food crop cultivated extensively under both irrigated and rainfed conditions across major states. Wheat (a) occupied around 30 million hectares, maize (b) about 9 million hectares, sugarcane (d) around 4.5 million hectares and cotton (e) about 11.7 million hectares; all are significantly lower than rice. Even in recent years rice continues to lead in cropped area as per Ministry of Agriculture data.

Ans.(2). (b.) Rice; Explanation: Rice led in production in India during 2015-16 with 106.5 million tonnes. It remains the highest produced foodgrain due to high productivity and wide adaptability. Coarse cereals (a) produced around 38 million tonnes, wheat (c) 93.5 million tonnes, pulses (d) 16.3 million tonnes and oilseeds (e) 25 million tonnes; none surpassed rice output that year.

Ans.(3). (c.) 5; Explanation: Under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) the premium for commercial and horticulture crops is fixed at 5 percent of the sum insured. This uniform rate ensures affordability for high-value crops. Options (a) 3%, (b) 4%, (d) 6% and (e) 7% do not match the notified rate for this category.

Ans.(4). (d.) 50,000 crore; Explanation: The Government of India approved Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) in 2014 with a total outlay of ₹50,000 crore for five years (2015-20) to improve irrigation coverage and water-use efficiency. Other figures (a) ₹10,000 crore, (b) ₹25,000 crore, (c) ₹30,000 crore and (e) ₹90,000 crore are incorrect.

Ans.(5). (b.) 2; Explanation: For Kharif season food and oilseed crops under PMFBY the farmer’s premium share is 2 percent of the sum insured. This lower rate for kharif food crops encourages maximum participation. Options (a) 1.5%, (c) 5%, (d) 6% and (e) 7% apply to different seasons or crop categories.

Ans.(6). (b.) 4 per cent; Explanation: Under the Interest Subvention Scheme (ISS) short-term crop loans up to ₹3 lakh are provided at an effective interest rate of 4 percent per annum after subvention. Options (a) 1%, (c) 9%, (d) 11% and (e) 8.5% do not represent the subsidised rate.

Ans.(7). (d.) Fe; Explanation: Iron (Fe) is a micronutrient required in trace quantities for plants. It is essential for chlorophyll synthesis and electron transport. Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and sulphur (S) are all macronutrients required in larger amounts.

Ans.(8). (c.) Nitrogen; Explanation: Nitrogen is the key macronutrient that forms an essential constituent of chlorophyll and is therefore directly involved in photosynthesis. Calcium, potassium, sulphur and phosphorus play important roles but are not primary constituents of chlorophyll.

Ans.(9). (c.) Barley; Explanation: Barley is recognised as one of the highly salt-tolerant crops and can withstand salinity levels where most crops fail. Cowpea, groundnut, gram and lentil show moderate to low tolerance under saline conditions.

Ans.(10). (c.) Karnataka; Explanation: Karnataka is the leading state in Totapuri mango production due to favourable agro-climatic conditions in districts like Kolar and Tumkur. Maharashtra, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh produce other varieties but lag behind in Totapuri.

Ans.(11). (c.) Uttar Pradesh; Explanation: As per the Degraded and Wasteland of India Survey, Uttar Pradesh has the highest area affected by alkali soils. Haryana, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat also have alkali soils but to a lesser extent.

Ans.(12). (c.) Neelum X Alphonso; Explanation: The Ratna mango variety is a hybrid developed from the cross Neelum × Alphonso. This combination imparts excellent fruit quality, regular bearing and good keeping quality. Other crosses listed do not produce Ratna.

Ans.(13). (e.) Pollarding; Explanation: Pollarding involves cutting the branches of a tree at a height above the reach of browsing animals to produce a flush of new shoots. Tending, pruning, felling and thinning serve different purposes in silviculture.

Ans.(14). (e.) More than 1000 mm; Explanation: Humid areas are characterised by annual rainfall more than 1000 mm. This supports dense vegetation and diverse cropping systems. Lower ranges (a-d) correspond to arid, semi-arid and sub-humid zones.

Ans.(15). (e.) None of these; Explanation: The traditional boat used for sailing in Mahanadi-Chilika Lake lagoons is known as Nauka or Danga, not any of the listed names. Hence none of the given options (a-d) is correct.

Ans.(16). (c.) 6.5-7.5; Explanation: Grapes thrive best in slightly acidic to neutral soils with pH 6.5-7.5 for optimal nutrient availability. Extreme acidic or alkaline pH values restrict growth and fruit quality.

Ans.(17). (c.) 4.5-8.2; Explanation: Guava tolerates a wide pH range of 4.5-8.2, making it adaptable to both acidic and mildly alkaline soils. Narrower or extreme ranges are unsuitable.

Ans.(18). (d.) 6.5-7.5; Explanation: Bananas perform best in pH 6.5-7.5 which ensures balanced nutrient uptake and healthy bunch development. Values outside this range cause deficiencies or toxicities.

Ans.(19). (a.) Urea; Explanation: Banana farmers traditionally apply more urea because nitrogen requirement is very high for vegetative growth and bunch development. Phosphorus, potash and zinc are also used but in comparatively lower quantities.

Ans.(20). (b.) Salmon; Explanation: Salmon is globally known for having the highest protein content per serving among common fish, along with rich omega-3 fatty acids. Shrimp, cod, catfish and lake trout have lower protein density.

Ans.(21). (e.) All of the above; Explanation: None of the statements (a-d) correctly describe a four-stroke petrol engine. Four-stroke engines are more efficient, fully consume fuel, produce less heat and consume less lubricating oil compared to two-stroke engines; hence all of the above are not qualities of four-stroke engines.

Ans.(22). (a.) Diesel engine weight per horsepower is high; Explanation: Diesel engines have higher weight per horsepower due to heavier construction required for higher compression. Petrol engines have lower compression ratio, possess carburettor/ignition system and have lower operating cost.

Ans.(23). (a.) 20-25 hp; Explanation: For a single cropping pattern on a 40-hectare farm, a 20-25 hp tractor is normally recommended as it meets tillage, sowing and intercultural operation needs efficiently. Higher hp tractors are required for multiple cropping or heavier soils.

Ans.(24). (a.) Disc plough; Explanation: Disc plough has the highest draft requirement per unit width because of its rolling and cutting action in hard soils. Blade plough, chisel plough, cultivator and planter have comparatively lower draft.

Ans.(25). (c.) More than 400 litres/ha; Explanation: High volume sprayers apply more than 400 litres/ha of spray liquid. Medium and low volume sprayers fall in lower ranges while ultra-low volume uses less than 5 litres/ha.

Ans.(26). (b.) 3 HP; Explanation: A power sprayer is typically powered by a 3 HP engine or electric motor which provides adequate pressure and discharge for field operations. Lower or higher ratings are not standard for common models.

Ans.(27). (b.) Calcium; Explanation: Calcium deficiency causes young leaves of terminal buds to die back at the tip and margins and remain folded (tip burn). Magnesium, sulphur, zinc and iron produce different deficiency symptoms.

Ans.(28). (e.) Wheat; Explanation: Wheat is a classic temperate crop requiring cool climate during vegetative growth and warmer conditions at maturity. Pasture grasses may be temperate but rice, coconut and cotton are tropical/sub-tropical.

Ans.(29). (d.) Greater than 4 dS/m; Explanation: Saline soils are defined as having electrical conductivity (EC) greater than 4 dS/m at 25°C. Higher thresholds indicate severe salinity while values below 4 dS/m are non-saline.

Ans.(30). (b.) Greater than 8.5; Explanation: Alkali soils have pH greater than 8.5 due to high exchangeable sodium. pH values below 8.5 are normal or acidic; values above 10.5 are extremely alkaline.

Ans.(31). (c.) Greater than 15; Explanation: Saline-alkaline soils are characterised by Exchangeable Sodium Percentage (ESP) greater than 15. Lower ESP values do not cause sodicity problems.

Ans.(32). (a.) Teak; Explanation: Teak wood is highly valued for plywood manufacture because of its strength, durability and resistance to termites. Silver oak, bamboos, eucalyptus and casuarina are used for other purposes.

Ans.(33). (b.) 95 percent; Explanation: Water-use efficiency in drip irrigation can reach as high as 95 percent because water is delivered directly to the root zone with minimal evaporation and runoff. Other systems achieve lower efficiencies.

Ans.(34). (d.) Mn; Explanation: Manganese (Mn) plays a vital role in chlorophyll formation and is directly involved in the oxygen evolution step of photosynthesis. Ca, Mg, Zn and S have different primary functions.

Ans.(35). (a.) Clean tillage; Explanation: Clean tillage involves working the entire field so that no living plant remains undisturbed, effectively controlling weeds. Dry tillage, subsoiling, puddling and blind tillage have different objectives.

Ans.(36). (e.) 80 percent; Explanation: Rice bran constitutes approximately 80 percent of fish feed formulations in many commercial diets due to its high energy and protein content. Lower percentages are used in balanced rations.

Ans.(37). (a.) 19.27 per cent; Explanation: As per the State of Forest Report 1997 published by Forest Survey of India (FSI), 19.27 percent of India’s geographic area had actual forest cover. Later reports show gradual improvement.

Ans.(38). (a.) 45-50 months; Explanation: The age at first calving for Murrah buffalo is typically 45-50 months under good management. Earlier or later ages are not standard for this breed.

Ans.(39). (c.) Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI); Explanation: The R2B vaccine against Ranikhet (Newcastle) disease was developed by Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Izatnagar. Other institutes are not associated with this vaccine.

Ans.(40). (d.) 12 square meters; Explanation: The recommended floor space for a pregnant cow (down calver) in an open area is 12 square metres to ensure comfort and movement. Lower space leads to stress and higher space is uneconomical.

Ans.(41). (d.) 1 square foot; Explanation: Each broiler bird requires approximately 1 square foot of floor space during the rearing period for optimum growth and to prevent cannibalism and disease spread.

Ans.(42). (c.) CARIBRO-91; Explanation: Among commercially available meat-type chickens in India, CARIBRO-91 achieves the highest body weight at six weeks. Other breeds listed have lower six-week weights.

Ans.(43). (b.) National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal; Explanation: The Karan Fries cattle breed was developed at National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal by crossing Holstein Friesian with Sahiwal/Tharparkar. Other institutes did not develop this breed.

Ans.(44). (d.) 01.04.2014; Explanation: The schemes Grameen Bhandaran Yojna and AMIGS were subsumed into the Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure (AMI) sub-scheme under Integrated Scheme for Agricultural Marketing (ISAM) with effect from 01.04.2014.

Ans.(45). (a.) 70-100 kg; Explanation: A growing calf aged 6-9 months has an approximate body weight of 70-100 kg under standard feeding. Higher weights indicate faster growth or different age groups.

Ans.(46). (d.) 1979; Explanation: The Avian Research Institute, Izatnagar (Uttar Pradesh) was established in 1979 for poultry research and development.

Ans.(47). (b.) 500; Explanation: To reclaim acidic soil and water with pH 6.6-7.5, the recommended lime dose is approximately 500 kg/ha. Higher doses are required for more acidic conditions.

Ans.(48). (b.) 1100; Explanation: To obtain 1000 layers, approximately 1100 day-old pullet chicks are procured to account for mortality during rearing. Normal allowance is about 8-10% loss.

Ans.(49). (d.) 11.91 lakhs ha; Explanation: The estimated brackish water area suitable for shrimp cultivation in India is 11.91 lakh hectares, mainly along the east and west coasts.

Ans.(50). (c.) 120-150 days; Explanation: The average culture period for prawns to reach marketable size of 20-30 g is 120-150 days under scientific management in brackish water ponds.

Ans.(51). (c.) 1963; Explanation: The power tiller was introduced in India in 1963 and revolutionised small and marginal farm mechanisation.

Ans.(52). (d.) 18th century; Explanation: Papaya, native of Tropical America, was introduced to India in the 18th century and is now widely cultivated across the country.

Ans.(53). (c.) Above 40 percent; Explanation: For almost all crops it is safe to maintain relative humidity above 40 percent to avoid excessive transpiration stress and support healthy growth.

Ans.(54). (a.) Dibbling; Explanation: Dibbling is the method of seed sowing in which a hole is made at desired depth, seed is inserted and the hole is covered. It is precise and used for many row crops.

Ans.(55). (d.) 1929; Explanation: The Imperial Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) was established in 1929 and continues to be the apex body for agricultural research in India.

Ans.(56). (d.) Mixed forest; Explanation: Mixed forest practice involves raising fodder grass with scattered fodder trees, fruit trees and fuel wood trees on wastelands, panchayat lands and village commons. Other systems do not combine all these components.

Ans.(57). (a.) 3 Kg; Explanation: For a lactating animal on a graded protein diet, the daily concentrate feed requirement during lactation is approximately 3 kg. This supplies essential protein for milk production.

Ans.(58). (e.) 44,444; Explanation: The recommended plant population for long-duration cotton varieties is approximately 44,444 plants per hectare under recommended spacing.

Ans.(59). (c.) 60; Explanation: For line sowing of rice, the recommended seed rate is 60 kg/ha. This ensures optimum plant stand and higher productivity compared to broadcasting.

Ans.(60). (a.) 3 Kg; Explanation: For a lactating animal on a graded protein diet, the daily concentrate feed requirement during lactation is approximately 3 kg. This balanced feeding supports sustained milk yield and animal health.