PYQs - IBPS SO AFO Mains Exam 2017 (Agriculture Knowledge)

IBPS SO AFO Mains Exam 2017 (Agriculture Knowledge)

Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Q(1). In which cropping method are two or more crops grown simultaneously during the part of the life cycle of each, i.e., the second crop is planted after the first crop has reached its reproductive stage of growth?

(a.) Mixed intercropping

(b.) Strip intercropping

(c.) Row intercropping

(d.) Relay intercropping

(e.) Sequential intercropping

Q(2). Which state/Union in India has the maximum area under forest cover?

(a.) Daman and Diu

(b.) Himachal Pradesh

(c.) Assam

(d.) Madhya Pradesh

(e.) Mizoram

Q(3). What is the premium amount as a percentage of the sum earned for commercial/horticulture crops under weather-based crop insurance schemes?

(a.) 3

(b.) 4

(c.) 5

(d.) 6

(e.) 7

Q(4). What is the floor space required (sq. ft) per bird in brooder-cum-grower house (deep lifter system) in the case of poultry layer as per NABARD Guidelines?

(a.) 0.5

(b.) 0.8

(c.) 1.0

(d.) 0.25

(e.) 0.7

Q(5). Coconuts are harvested during various intervals in the year. What is the economic life of the coconut palms?

(a.) 25 years

(b.) 35 years

(c.) 45 years

(d.) 60 years

(e.) 50 years

Q(6). Which state/union territory in India has the maximum forest area out of the total geographical area of the State/Union Territory?

(a.) Mizoram

(b.) Madhya Pradesh

(c.) Assam

(d.) Andaman and Nicobar Island

(e.) Himachal Pradesh

Q(7). What is the maximum amount of assistance per pump set under the National Food Security Mission (NFSM) for the purchase of a pump?

(a.) Rs 20,000 or 40% of the cost, whichever is less

(b.) Rs 15,000 or 20% of the cost, whichever is less

(c.) Rs 10,000 or 50% of the cost, whichever is less

(d.) Rs 15,000 or 50% of the cost, whichever is less

(e.) Rs 25,000 or 60% of the cost, whichever is less

Q(8). Which of the following is a disease-causing pathogen in the citrus group?

(a.) Oidium caricae

(b.) Plasmopara viticola

(c.) Colletotrichum gloeosporioides

(d.) Phytophthora parasitica

(e.) Cercospora species

Q(9). What is the interest subvention amount payable by the Govt. of India for short-term crop loans up to one year for timely repayment of loans?

(a.) 5%

(b.) 3%

(c.) 6%

(d.) 4%

(e.) 7%

Q(10). What is the target for lending to small and marginal farmers within the target for the agriculture sector by domestic scheduled commercial banks by March 2017 Bank Credit or Credit equipment amount of Off-balance sheet exposure, whichever is higher, as per RBI guidelines?

(a.) 8%

(b.) 10%

(c.) 25%

(d.) 15%

(e.) 30%

Q(11). If the soil has a pH of 6.5 and this pH is lowered to 5.5, the acid content becomes _____times greater acidic.

(a.) 0.1

(b.) 1

(c.) 10

(d.) 50

(e.) 100

Q(12). The water use efficiency in drip irrigation can go as high as______.

(a.) 85%

(b.) 95%

(c.) 75%

(d.) 80%

(e.) 90%

Q(13). What is the minimum amount of assistance under the National Horticulture mission for the adoption of organic farming?

(a.) Rs 7,000/ha

(b.) Rs 10,000/ha

(c.) Rs 5,000/ha

(d.) Rs 4,000/ha

(e.) Rs 6,000/ha

Q(14). What is the aggregate loan limit from the banking system for the category of food and agro-processing under Ancillary Agriculture under priority sector lending?

(a.) Rs 250 crore

(b.) Rs 200 crore

(c.) Rs 500 crore

(d.) Rs 150 crore

(e.) Rs 100 crore

Q(15). What is the pattern of assistance for women beneficiaries for the purchase of power tillers (8 H.P and above) under the Sub-Mission on Agriculture Mechanization (SMAM)?

(a.) 30%

(b.) 35%

(c.) 50%

(d.) 60%

(e.) No assistance

Q(16). 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(17). 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(18). What is the minimum temperature for the growth of rice in India?

(a.) 10°C

(b.) 19°C

(c.) 28°C

(d.) 30°C

(e.) 25°C

Q(19). Which of the following crops is generally known as a tropical crop?

(a.) Pasture grasses

(b.) Mustard

(c.) Coconut

(d.) Wheat

(e.) Barley

Q(20). What is the depth of ploughing for deep-rooted crops?

(a.) 30-40 cm

(b.) 5-10 cm

(c.) 25-30 cm

(d.) 10-20 cm

(e.) 15-30 cm

Q(21). Which of the following crops is generally known as a temperate crop?

(a.) Pasture grasses

(b.) Rice

(c.) Coconut

(d.) Cotton

(e.) Wheat

Q(22). What is the optimum temperature for the growth of wheat in India?

(a.) 14 °C

(b.) 10 °C

(c.) 25 °C

(d.) 30 °C

(e.) 20 °C

Q(23). Which of the following is a major nutrient requiring larger quantities compared to other nutrients for the plant body?

(a.) Copper

(b.) Boron

(c.) Zinc

(d.) Iron

(e.) Potassium

Q(24). What is the target for lending under the Agriculture sector by domestic scheduled commercial banks as a percentage of adjusted net bank credit or balance sheet exposure, whichever is higher, as per RBI guidelines?

(a.) 10%

(b.) 25%

(c.) 40%

(d.) 18%

(e.) 30%

Q(25). What is the maximum amount of assistance under the National Horticulture Mission (NHM) for a small nursery (1 ha unit)?

(a.) Rs 15.00 lakhs/ha

(b.) Rs 18.00 lakhs/ha

(c.) Rs 10.00 lakhs/ha

(d.) Rs 25.00 lakhs/ha

(e.) Rs 20.00 lakhs/ha

Q(26). Which of the following soils is found most extensively in India?

(a.) Laterite soil

(b.) Alluvial soil

(c.) Red soil

(d.) Black Soil

(e.) Desert soil

Q(27). Which of the following nutrients plays an important role in activating various enzymes and also plays a major role in the transport of water?

(a.) Nitrogen

(b.) Phosphorus

(c.) Copper

(d.) Calcium

(e.) Potassium

Q(28). The disc harrow is a secondary stage equipment. What is the field capacity (ha/day) of 8 hours working of a bullock?

(a.) 1.5 to 1.75

(b.) 0.75 to 1.25

(c.) 0.5 to 1.0

(d.) 1.0 to 1.25

(e.) 1.0

Q(29). A simple technique has been developed in India by using which of the following organisms as bio-fertilizers?

(a.) Azotobacter and Rhizobium

(b.) Azolla and Azotobacter

(c.) Azolla and Rhizobium

(d.) Azotobacter and Nostoc

(e.) None of these

Q(30). The practice of forestry for raising fodder grass with scattered fodder trees, fruit trees, and fuelwood trees is suitable.

(a.) Farm Forestry

(b.) Shelterbelts Forestry

(c.) Rehabilitation of degraded forest

(d.) Mixed forest

(e.) Aesthetic Forestry

Q(31). 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(32). What is the depth of ploughing for shallow-rooted crops?

(a.) 10-20 cm

(b.) 25-30 cm

(c.) 30-40 cm

(d.) 5-10 cm

(e.) 15-30 cm

Q(33). Moldboard plough is primary stage equipment for land preparation, what is the maximum capacity (ha/day) of a tractor-mounted mouldboard plough?

(a.) 1.0

(b.) 1.75

(c.) 0.75

(d.) 2.0

(e.) 0.5

Q(34). Which one of the following is a rich source of protein?

(a.) Scytonema

(b.) Spirulina

(c.) Spirogyra

(d.) Stigonema

(e.) None of these

Q(35). What is the maximum amount of assistance under the Soil Health card scheme for the distribution of micronutrients?

(a.) Rs. 2,500/ha

(b.) Rs. 4,500/ha

(c.) Rs. 3,500/ha

(d.) Rs. 4,000/ha

(e.) Rs. 5,000/ha

Q(36). Which of the following nutrients plays an important role in root growth and promotes the establishment of younger plants?

(a.) Calcium

(b.) Potassium

(c.) Nitrogen

(d.) Copper

(e.) Phosphorus

Q(37). Which of the following is not a micronutrient for plants?

(a.) Iron

(b.) Nitrogen

(c.) Copper

(d.) Boron

(e.) Zinc

Q(38). There are different methods of irrigation. The field is divided into smaller unit areas so that each has a nearly level surface. Which of the following represents this method of irrigation?

(a.) Drip irrigation

(b.) Surge irrigation

(c.) Check basin irrigation

(d.) Furrow irrigation

(e.) Border irrigation

Q(39). What is the form of sulphur (S) nutrient for plant absorption?

(a.) SO₃⁺

(b.) SO

(c.) SO₃⁺ and SO₄

(d.) SO₂

(e.) SO₃

Q(40). Liming is done to increase the pH value of pond water for intensive fish culture. What is the dose of lime required in Kg/ha if the pH of the pond bottom soil is less than 6.5?

(a.) 1000

(b.) 450

(c.) 750

(d.) 600

(e.) 500

Q(41). What is the plant population in no./ha for the long-duration variety of cotton crops?

(a.) 55,555

(b.) 3,33,000

(c.) 47,620

(d.) 5,00,000

(e.) 44,444

Q(42). What is the seed rate (Kg/ha) for line sowing for rice crops?

(a.) 110

(b.) 40

(c.) 60

(d.) 100

(e.) 80

Q(43). Seeds are dropped in the furrows opened by the plough and the same is closed or covered when the next furrow is opened. This is known as………..

(a.) Dibbing

(b.) Drill sowing

(c.) Transplanting

(d.) Broadcasting

(e.) Sowing behind the plough

Q(44). What is the plant population in no./ha for a long-duration variety of rice crops?

(a.) 47,620

(b.) 44,444

(c.) 85,555

(d.) 3,33,000

(e.) 5,00,000

Q(45). Which of the following is a disease-causing pathogen in the mango group?

(a.) Plasmopara viticola

(b.) Cercospora species

(c.) Phytophthora parasitica

(d.) Colletotrichum gloeosporioides

(e.) Oidium caricae

Q(46). Which of the following tillage operations is off-season tillage?

(a.) Winter tillage

(b.) Secondary tillage

(c.) Primary tillage

(d.) On season tillage

(e.) None of these

Q(47). Which of the following is an economic benefit of agroforestry?

(a.) Increment in outputs of food, fuel wood, fodder, fertiliser, and timber

(b.) More efficient recycling of nutrients by deep-rooted trees on the site

(c.) Increment in soil nutrients through addition and decomposition of litterfall.

(d.) Improvement of soil structure through the constant addition of organic matter from decomposed litter.

(e.) Better production of ecological systems.

Q(48). In which of the following tillage operations, organic residues are not inverted into the soil such that they remain on the surface as a protective cover against erosion?

(a.) Primary tillage

(b.) Maximum tillage

(c.) Stubble mulch tillage

(d.) Zero tillage

(e.) Conservation tillage

Q(49). Which of the following agro-climatic zones consists of sub-zones of Jammu Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh?

(a.) Western Himalayan Zone

(b.) Upper Gangetic Plains Zone

(c.) Western Plateau Zone

(d.) Lower Gangetic Plains Zone

(e.) Eastern Himalayan Zone

Q(50). Which of the following soils are found in hills and foothill areas?

(a.) Laterites and Lateritic soils

(b.) Black soil

(c.) Desert soils

(d.) Alluvial soils

(e.) Red soils

Answer and Explanations:

Ans.(1). (d.) Relay intercropping; Explanation: Relay intercropping involves simultaneous growth of two or more crops, where the second crop is planted after the first crop reaches its reproductive stage. It improves resource use and reduces idle field period.

Ans.(2). (d.) Madhya Pradesh; Explanation: Madhya Pradesh has the highest forest cover in India in terms of area. Mizoram has high forest cover by percentage, but not by total forest area.

Ans.(3). (c.) 5; Explanation: Under weather-based crop insurance schemes, the farmer’s premium for commercial/horticultural crops is generally 5% of the sum insured. Food crops usually have lower premium rates.

Ans.(4). (c.) 1.0; Explanation: As per NABARD guidelines, the floor space required per bird in brooder-cum-grower house under deep litter system for poultry layer is 1 sq. ft. Proper floor space reduces stress and disease.

Ans.(5). (d.) 60 years; Explanation: The economic life of coconut palm is about 60 years. Coconut palms remain productive for long periods when properly managed.

Ans.(6). (a.) Mizoram; Explanation: Mizoram has the maximum forest cover as a percentage of its geographical area. Madhya Pradesh leads in total forest area, but Mizoram leads by percentage.

Ans.(7). (c.) Rs 10,000 or 50% of the cost, whichever is less; Explanation: Under NFSM, assistance for pump set purchase is Rs 10,000 or 50% of cost, whichever is less. This helps small farmers improve irrigation access.

Ans.(8). (d.) Phytophthora parasitica; Explanation: Phytophthora parasitica is a disease-causing pathogen of citrus. It is associated with root rot, foot rot and gummosis in citrus crops.

Ans.(9). (a.) 5%; Explanation: The interest subvention for timely repayment of short-term crop loans is 5% as per the given answer key. It encourages farmers to repay loans within the due period.

Ans.(10). (a.) 8%; Explanation: RBI prescribed 8% lending target for small and marginal farmers within agriculture lending by March 2017. It is calculated on ANBC or credit equivalent of off-balance sheet exposure.

Ans.(11). (c.) 10; Explanation: The pH scale is logarithmic. A fall from pH 6.5 to 5.5 means acidity increases by 10 times.

Ans.(12). (b.) 95%; Explanation: Water use efficiency in drip irrigation can go as high as 95%. Drip irrigation reduces evaporation, runoff and deep percolation losses.

Ans.(13). (b.) Rs 10,000/ha; Explanation: Under the National Horticulture Mission, assistance for adoption of organic farming is Rs 10,000/ha. It promotes organic inputs and eco-friendly production.

Ans.(14). (e.) Rs 100 crore; Explanation: Under priority sector lending, aggregate loan limit for food and agro-processing under ancillary agriculture is Rs 100 crore as per the given answer key.

Ans.(15). (c.) 50%; Explanation: Under SMAM, women beneficiaries receive 50% assistance for purchase of power tillers of 8 H.P. and above. This promotes farm mechanisation among women farmers.

Ans.(16). (a.) Dibbling; Explanation: Dibbling is inserting seed through a hole at desired depth and then covering the hole. It ensures proper spacing and seed placement.

Ans.(17). (d.) 1929; Explanation: The Imperial Council of Agricultural Research, now ICAR, was established in 1929. ICAR is the apex body for agricultural research and education in India.

Ans.(18). (a.) 10°C; Explanation: The minimum temperature for rice growth is about 10°C. Rice is mainly a warm-season crop and grows best under higher temperatures.

Ans.(19). (c.) Coconut; Explanation: Coconut is a tropical crop. It requires warm, humid climate and is largely cultivated in coastal and tropical regions.

Ans.(20). (c.) 25-30 cm; Explanation: Deep-rooted crops require ploughing depth of about 25-30 cm. Deeper ploughing improves root penetration and nutrient uptake.

Ans.(21). (e.) Wheat; Explanation: Wheat is a temperate crop. It grows well under cool weather during vegetative growth and mild temperature during grain filling.

Ans.(22). (e.) 20 °C; Explanation: The optimum temperature for wheat growth is around 20 °C. Higher temperature during grain filling reduces yield and grain quality.

Ans.(23). (e.) Potassium; Explanation: Potassium is a major nutrient required in larger quantity by plants. It regulates enzyme activation, water balance and stress tolerance.

Ans.(24). (d.) 18%; Explanation: RBI target for agriculture lending by domestic scheduled commercial banks is 18% of ANBC or credit equivalent amount. This is part of priority sector lending.

Ans.(25). (a.) Rs 15.00 lakhs/ha; Explanation: Under NHM, the maximum assistance for a small nursery of 1 ha is Rs 15.00 lakhs/ha as per the given answer key.

Ans.(26). (b.) Alluvial soil; Explanation: Alluvial soil is the most extensive soil type in India. It is widely found in Indo-Gangetic plains, river valleys and deltaic regions.

Ans.(27). (e.) Potassium; Explanation: Potassium activates many plant enzymes and plays a major role in water transport. It regulates stomatal movement and improves drought tolerance.

Ans.(28). (a.) 1.5 to 1.75; Explanation: The field capacity of a bullock-drawn disc harrow for 8 hours working is about 1.5 to 1.75 ha/day. Field capacity depends on implement width and speed.

Ans.(29). (a.) Azotobacter and Rhizobium; Explanation: Azotobacter and Rhizobium are common biofertilizers. Rhizobium fixes nitrogen symbiotically in legumes, while Azotobacter fixes nitrogen freely.

Ans.(30). (d.) Mixed forest; Explanation: Mixed forest involves raising fodder grass with scattered fodder trees, fruit trees and fuelwood trees. It supports multiple outputs from the same land.

Ans.(31). (a.) 3 Kg; Explanation: Concentrate feed requirement during lactation in the case of graded protein is about 3 Kg/day. Concentrate supports milk yield and body maintenance.

Ans.(32). (a.) 10-20 cm; Explanation: Shallow-rooted crops require ploughing depth of 10-20 cm. This depth is sufficient for crops having roots mainly in the upper soil layer.

Ans.(33). (d.) 2.0; Explanation: The maximum capacity of a tractor-mounted mouldboard plough is about 2.0 ha/day. It is used for primary tillage and soil inversion.

Ans.(34). (b.) Spirulina; Explanation: Spirulina is a rich source of protein. It is a blue-green algae used as a dietary supplement and single-cell protein source.

Ans.(35). (a.) Rs. 2,500/ha; Explanation: Under the Soil Health Card scheme, maximum assistance for distribution of micronutrients is Rs. 2,500/ha as per the given answer key.

Ans.(36). (e.) Phosphorus; Explanation: Phosphorus promotes root growth and establishment of young plants. It is important in energy transfer through ATP and early seedling vigour.

Ans.(37). (b.) Nitrogen; Explanation: Nitrogen is not a micronutrient; it is a primary macronutrient. Iron, copper, boron and zinc are micronutrients.

Ans.(38). (c.) Check basin irrigation; Explanation: Check basin irrigation divides the field into small nearly level basins. It allows controlled water application and is suitable for many field crops.

Ans.(39). (c.) SO₃⁺ and SO₄; Explanation: The answer key marks SO₃⁺ and SO₄ as the plant absorption form of sulphur. In standard plant nutrition, sulphur is mainly absorbed as sulphate ion.

Ans.(40). (e.) 500; Explanation: When pond bottom soil pH is less than 6.5, lime dose is 500 kg/ha as per the given answer key. Liming increases pond water pH and improves fish culture conditions.

Ans.(41). (e.) 44,444; Explanation: The plant population for long-duration cotton variety is 44,444 plants/ha. This population depends on spacing and crop duration.

Ans.(42). (c.) 60; Explanation: Seed rate for line sowing of rice crop is about 60 kg/ha. Line sowing allows better spacing, weeding and crop management.

Ans.(43). (e.) Sowing behind the plough; Explanation: Sowing behind the plough means dropping seeds in furrows opened by plough and covering them with the next furrow. It is a traditional sowing method.

Ans.(44). (d.) 3,33,000; Explanation: The plant population for long-duration rice variety is about 3,33,000 plants/ha. Proper population ensures better tillering and yield.

Ans.(45). (d.) Colletotrichum gloeosporioides; Explanation: Colletotrichum gloeosporioides causes anthracnose disease in mango. It affects leaves, flowers and fruits under humid conditions.

Ans.(46). (a.) Winter tillage; Explanation: Winter tillage is an off-season tillage operation. It is done when the main crop is not standing in the field.

Ans.(47). (a.) Increment in outputs of food, fuel wood, fodder, fertiliser, and timber; Explanation: Agroforestry gives economic benefit by increasing outputs of food, fuel wood, fodder, fertiliser and timber. Other options mainly describe ecological or soil benefits.

Ans.(48). (e.) Conservation tillage; Explanation: Conservation tillage keeps organic residues on the soil surface as protective cover. It reduces erosion, runoff and soil moisture loss.

Ans.(49). (a.) Western Himalayan Zone; Explanation: Western Himalayan Zone includes sub-zones of Jammu Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. It is one of India’s agro-climatic zones.

Ans.(50). (a.) Laterites and Lateritic soils; Explanation: Laterites and lateritic soils are found in hills and foothill areas. They commonly occur in warm, moist regions with intense leaching.