PYQs - IBPS SO AFO Mains Exam 2025 (Agriculture Knowledge)

 

IBPS SO AFO Mains Exam 2025 (Agriculture Knowledge)

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Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Q(1). Which implement has two mould boards and is mainly used to form ridges by throwing soil on both sides?

(a.) Chisel plough

(b.) Ridge plough

(c.) Disc harrow

(d.) Rotary tiller

(e.) Sub-soiler

Q(2). Bamboos are giant monocotyledonous grasses belonging to which family?

(a.) Bambusaceae

(b.) Arecaceae

(c.) Poaceae

(d.) Cyperaceae

(e.) Typhaceae

Q(3). Which sheep breed of India is valued for shiny wool used for making shawls?

(a.) Deccani

(b.) Marwari

(c.) Gaddi

(d.) Nellore

(e.) Jaisalmeri

Q(4). Which test is routinely used in veterinary haematology to estimate total RBC count and other blood parameters?

(a.) Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)

(b.) Prothrombin Time (PT)

(c.) Complete Blood Count (CBC)

(d.) Coombs Test

(e.) Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)

Q(5). Which mushroom should be harvested before full maturity because its quality deteriorates rapidly after ripening?

(a.) Paddy straw mushroom

(b.) Button mushroom

(c.) Oyster mushroom

(d.) Milky mushroom

(e.) Shiitake mushroom

Q(6). Which scheme provides a fixed monthly pension of ₹3000 to eligible farmers after 60 years of age?

(a.) PM-KISAN Samman Nidhi Yojana

(b.) PM Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan Yojana

(c.) Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana

(d.) Atal Pension Yojana (Agriculture)

(e.) Kisan Vridha Suraksha Scheme

Q(7). A red blood cell of normal size is described by which haematological term?

(a.) Microcytic

(b.) Normocytic

(c.) Megalocyte

(d.) Poikilocyte

(e.) Anisocyte

Q(8). Which fish disease is commonly known as red disease?

(a.) White spot disease

(b.) Dropsy

(c.) Velvet disease

(d.) Epizootic Ulcerative Syndrome

(e.) Columnaris disease

Q(9). In sericulture, killing the pupa inside the cocoon to keep the silk filament continuous is called?

(a.) Mounting

(b.) Brushing

(c.) Stifling

(d.) Reeling

(e.) Conditioning

Q(10). Which medicinal plant is known as the “Herb of the Sun”?

(a.) Hypericum perforatum

(b.) Calendula officinalis

(c.) Matricaria chamomilla

(d.) Curcuma longa

(e.) Rosa damascena

Q(11). The conversion of nitrates into gaseous nitrogen by soil bacteria is called?

(a.) Denitrification

(b.) Nitrification

(c.) Ammonification

(d.) Mineralization

(e.) Nitrogen fixation

Q(12). Which Indian buffalo breed is globally preferred for dairy genetic improvement due to high milk and fat yield?

(a.) Surti

(b.) Jaffarabadi

(c.) Murrah

(d.) Nagpuri

(e.) None of these

Q(13). Khaira disease in rice occurs due to deficiency of which micronutrient?

(a.) Boron

(b.) Copper

(c.) Zinc

(d.) Calcium

(e.) Molybdenum

Q(14). Jhum, Dahiya and Bewar are regional terms for which agricultural practice?

(a.) Relay cropping

(b.) Shifting cultivation

(c.) Permanent fallow system

(d.) Parallel multiple cropping

(e.) Hydroponic subsistence

Q(15). Dolly, the first cloned sheep, was produced through which process?

(a.) Embryo splitting

(b.) Somatic cell nuclear transfer

(c.) Induced pluripotent cell transfer

(d.) Microinjection of germ cells

(e.) CRISPR-mediated embryo editing

Q(16). LD₅₀ in insecticide toxicity denotes?

(a.) Residual persistence of pesticides in soil

(b.) Antidote efficiency against poisoning

(c.) Lethal dose causing death of 50% test organisms

(d.) Maximum permissible exposure limit for workers

(e.) Sub-lethal behavioural effects of toxins

Q(17). Slash and burn cultivation is associated with which farming system?

(a.) Primitive subsistence agriculture

(b.) Intensive subsistence agriculture

(c.) Plantation agriculture

(d.) Integrated farming

(e.) Commercial arable farming

Q(18). What is the scientific name of commonly cultivated okra or lady’s finger?

(a.) Hibiscus sabdariffa

(b.) Abelmoschus moschatus

(c.) Abelmoschus esculentus

(d.) Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

(e.) Abelmoschus manihot

Q(19). Which government scheme provides crop insurance protection against natural calamities, pests and diseases?

(a.) RKVY-RAFTAAR

(b.) PM Fasal Bima Yojana

(c.) PM-KISAN Samman Nidhi

(d.) PM Kisan Maandhan Yojana

(e.) National Agricultural Market (e-NAM)

Q(20). Which tractor component is used for pulling implements such as trailers and ploughs?

(a.) PTO shaft

(b.) Three-point linkage

(c.) Drawbar

(d.) Hydraulic lift arm

(e.) Lower link stabilizer

Q(21). Under MGNREGA, work must be provided within how many days after application?

(a.) 7 days

(b.) 15 days

(c.) 10 days

(d.) 30 days

(e.) 45 days

Q(22). Which plant is used for ex-situ green manuring?

(a.) Dhaincha

(b.) Green gram

(c.) Subabul

(d.) Rice bean

(e.) Cowpea

Q(23). Olsen’s method is used to estimate which available nutrient, especially in alkaline soils?

(a.) Available potassium

(b.) Available phosphorus

(c.) Available nitrogen

(d.) Exchangeable calcium

(e.) Available sulphur

Q(24). The release of eggs by a female fish is called?

(a.) Oogenesis

(b.) Fingerling stage

(c.) Spawning

(d.) Shoaling

(e.) Fecundity

Q(25). Anthrax is also commonly known as?

(a.) Blackquarter

(b.) Redwater fever

(c.) Splenic fever

(d.) Glanders

(e.) Texas fever

Q(26). Which mango variety is highly preferred in North India for sweetness and fibre-free pulp?

(a.) Kesar

(b.) Neelum

(c.) Dashehari

(d.) Pairi

(e.) Totapuri

Q(27). Germination in which cotyledons remain underground due to elongation of epicotyl is called?

(a.) Epigeal germination

(b.) Hypogeal germination

(c.) Viviparous germination

(d.) Cryptovivipary

(e.) Coleoptile-driven germination

Q(28). Which filter is used as the final filtration step in drip irrigation to stop small particles from clogging emitters?

(a.) Hydrocyclone separators

(b.) Gravel media filters

(c.) Screen filters

(d.) Disc filters

(e.) Cartridge filters

Q(29). Which crop stage is associated with stopping the turning of chicken eggs in an incubator?

(a.) Day 7

(b.) Day 14

(c.) Day 18

(d.) Day 21

(e.) Day 24

Q(30). What is the updated KCC lending limit for farmers and fishers as marked in the given paper?

(a.) ₹1.6 lakh

(b.) ₹3 lakh

(c.) ₹5 lakh

(d.) ₹7.5 lakh

(e.) ₹10 lakh

Q(31). Which farming system uses sensors, data, GPS and modern technology for efficient resource use?

(a.) Extensive farming

(b.) Precision farming

(c.) Subsistence farming

(d.) Nomadic pastoralism

(e.) Contour farming

Q(32). Which agency supports small-scale shrimp farmers in sustainable aquaculture?

(a.) MPEDA

(b.) NFDB

(c.) NaCSA (National Centre for Sustainable Aquaculture)

(d.) AECP

(e.) CECP

Q(33). Yellowing of tips of older leaves usually indicates deficiency of which element?

(a.) Iron

(b.) Sulphur

(c.) Nitrogen

(d.) Magnesium

(e.) Manganese

Q(34). Which branch of soil science deals with the origin, development and classification of soil in natural environment?

(a.) Soil Chemistry

(b.) Pedology

(c.) Soil Physics

(d.) Soil Microbiology

(e.) Soil Petrology

Q(35). Which plant hormone mainly triggers ripening in climacteric fruits?

(a.) Auxin

(b.) Gibberellin

(c.) Ethylene

(d.) Cytokinin

(e.) Abscisic acid

Q(36). Repeated breeding, early embryonic death and abortion in cattle are symptoms of which disease?

(a.) Brucellosis

(b.) Bovine venereal trichomoniasis

(c.) Leptospirosis

(d.) Metritis

(e.) Campylobacteriosis

Q(37). Under Priority Sector Lending, what is the maximum amount allowed against NWR/e-NWR for crops stored in warehouses?

(a.) ₹50 lakh

(b.) ₹75 lakh

(c.) ₹60 lakh

(d.) ₹90 lakh

(e.) ₹1 crore

Q(38). Which plant disease category is commonly observed in early seedling growth stages?

(a.) Rust

(b.) Blight

(c.) Wilt

(d.) Smut

(e.) Canker

Q(39). Changing crops or sowing strategy during delayed monsoon is called?

(a.) Mixed cropping

(b.) Contingent crop planning

(c.) Relay cropping

(d.) Catch cropping

(e.) None of these

Q(40). Which economic utility is created when ownership and use of a product are transferred to the buyer?

(a.) Form utility

(b.) Time utility

(c.) Possession utility

(d.) Place utility

(e.) Service utility

Q(41). Which crop insurance scheme pays claims based on weather parameters rather than harvested yield?

(a.) NAIS

(b.) RWBCIS (Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme)

(c.) MNAIS

(d.) CPIS

(e.) UPIS

Q(42). Infection of cattle by Trichomonas foetus causes which disease?

(a.) Endometritis

(b.) Brucellosis

(c.) Trichomoniasis

(d.) Metritis

(e.) Campylobacteriosis

Q(43). Why are vegetables blanched before canning or freezing?

(a.) Improve colour by artificial pigment infusion

(b.) Inactivate enzymes responsible for quality deterioration

(c.) Enhance sweetness of vegetables

(d.) Increase moisture content for softer texture

(e.) Reduce fibre content for tenderization

Q(44). Which biofertilizer is commonly used for nitrogen fixation in non-leguminous crops?

(a.) Rhizobium

(b.) Blue Green Algae

(c.) Azotobacter

(d.) Frankia

(e.) Azospirillum

Q(45). The dark, stable organic material left after complete decomposition of plant and animal residues is called?

(a.) Compost

(b.) Litter

(c.) Humus

(d.) Raw organic matter

(e.) Peat

Q(46). Which tag colour is officially assigned to foundation seed?

(a.) Golden yellow

(b.) Blue

(c.) White

(d.) Green

(e.) Purple

Q(47). Which crop has Buckeye rot disease that forms ring-like spots on fruits?

(a.) Brinjal

(b.) Tomato

(c.) Chilli

(d.) Cucumber

(e.) Capsicum

Q(48). Which fund supports SHGs for livelihood activities under community-based rural development?

(a.) Livelihood Enterprise Fund

(b.) Community Investment Fund

(c.) Interest Subvention Fund

(d.) Women Prosperity Fund

(e.) Rural Cooperative Support Fund

Q(49). Which one is typically NOT a common feature of forest soils?

(a.) High organic matter content with heavy litter deposition

(b.) High moisture level due to dense canopy cover

(c.) Low soil temperature under shaded conditions

(d.) Reduced requirement for external organic inputs

(e.) Less nutrient recycling

Q(50). Which disease is caused in cattle by the protozoan Trichomonas foetus?

(a.) Brucellosis

(b.) Trichomoniasis

(c.) Metritis

(d.) Campylobacteriosis

(e.) Endometritis

Q(51). What is the commonly accepted scientific name for okra?

(a.) Abelmoschus moschatus

(b.) Hibiscus sabdariffa

(c.) Abelmoschus esculentus

(d.) Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

(e.) Abelmoschus manihot

Q(52). Which poultry breed is known for very high egg production, nearly 371 eggs per year?

(a.) Rhode Island Red

(b.) Plymouth Rock

(c.) White Leghorn

(d.) Black Star

(e.) None of these

Q(53). What relative humidity should be maintained during citrus degreening to avoid drying and shrivelling?

(a.) 60–65%

(b.) 90–95%

(c.) 80–85%

(d.) 70–75%

(e.) 98–100%

Q(54). In rice cultivation, puddling refers to?

(a.) Flood-irrigating fields for continuous anaerobic growth

(b.) Applying basal fertilizers before transplanting

(c.) Secondary tillage that mechanically manipulates wet soil to reduce percolation

(d.) Draining soil completely before sowing

(e.) Manual weeding in saturated soil

Q(55). In dioecious papaya plantations, what percentage of male plants is kept for good pollination?

(a.) 2%

(b.) 5%

(c.) 10%

(d.) 25%

(e.) 50%

Q(56). Which one is a specific type of tropical forest?

(a.) Himalayan Temperate Forests

(b.) Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests

(c.) Littoral and Swamp Forests

(d.) Montane Coniferous Forests

(e.) Alpine Scrub Forests

Q(57). Which natural plant hormone is responsible for fruit ripening in climacteric fruits?

(a.) Auxin

(b.) Ethylene

(c.) Gibberellin

(d.) Cytokinin

(e.) Abscisic acid

Q(58). In a drip system, which filter is commonly placed at the last stage to remove fine impurities?

(a.) Hydrocyclone separator

(b.) Disc filter

(c.) Screen filter

(d.) Gravel media filter

(e.) Cartridge filter

Q(59). Which disease of fish is also known as red disease?

(a.) Velvet disease

(b.) Dropsy

(c.) Columnaris disease

(d.) Epizootic Ulcerative Syndrome

(e.) White spot disease

Q(60). Muga silkworms feed mainly on which trees?

(a.) Castor

(b.) Mulberry

(c.) Som and Soalu

(d.) Shorea robusta

(e.) Arjun and Asan

Answer and Explanations

Ans.(1). (b.) Ridge plough; Explanation: Ridge plough has two mould boards and throws soil on both sides to form ridges. It is useful for ridge planting, furrow making and drainage improvement.

Ans.(2). (c.) Poaceae; Explanation: Bamboos belong to family Poaceae and are giant monocotyledonous grasses. They are not members of Cyperaceae, Arecaceae or Typhaceae.

Ans.(3). (c.) Gaddi; Explanation: Gaddi sheep is valued for shiny wool used in shawl making. It is mainly associated with the Himalayan region.

Ans.(4). (c.) Complete Blood Count (CBC); Explanation: CBC measures RBC count, haemoglobin, WBC and other blood parameters. PT checks clotting, BUN checks kidney function and ESR indicates inflammation.

Ans.(5). (c.) Oyster mushroom; Explanation: Oyster mushroom should be picked before full maturity because its quality declines rapidly after ripening. Early harvesting maintains texture, colour and market value.

Ans.(6). (c.) Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana; Explanation: Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana provides ₹3000 monthly pension to eligible small and marginal farmers after 60 years of age. It is a voluntary and contributory pension scheme.

Ans.(7). (b.) Normocytic; Explanation: Normocytic means a red blood cell of normal size. Microcytic means small, megalocyte means large and poikilocyte means abnormal shape.

Ans.(8). (d.) Epizootic Ulcerative Syndrome; Explanation: Epizootic Ulcerative Syndrome is also called red disease in fish. It causes ulcers, red lesions and heavy mortality in affected fish.

Ans.(9). (c.) Stifling; Explanation: Stifling means killing the pupa inside the cocoon so that the silk filament remains continuous during reeling. Reeling is the unwinding of silk fibre.

Ans.(10). (b.) Calendula officinalis; Explanation: Calendula officinalis is known as the Herb of the Sun. It has medicinal importance due to healing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Ans.(11). (a.) Denitrification; Explanation: Denitrification converts nitrate nitrogen into gaseous forms such as N₂ and N₂O. It mainly occurs under anaerobic soil conditions.

Ans.(12). (c.) Murrah; Explanation: Murrah buffalo is famous worldwide for high milk yield and high milk fat. It is widely used for dairy breed improvement.

Ans.(13). (c.) Zinc; Explanation: Khaira disease of rice is caused by zinc deficiency. It produces bronzing, brown spots and poor plant growth.

Ans.(14). (b.) Shifting cultivation; Explanation: Jhum, Dahiya and Bewar are regional names for shifting cultivation. It involves clearing, burning and cultivating land temporarily.

Ans.(15). (b.) Somatic cell nuclear transfer; Explanation: Dolly sheep was produced by somatic cell nuclear transfer. The nucleus from an adult somatic cell was transferred into an enucleated egg.

Ans.(16). (c.) Lethal dose causing death of 50% test organisms; Explanation: LD₅₀ is the lethal dose that kills 50% test organisms. Lower LD₅₀ indicates higher toxicity.

Ans.(17). (a.) Primitive subsistence agriculture; Explanation: Slash and burn is a feature of primitive subsistence agriculture. Vegetation is cut and burnt before temporary cultivation.

Ans.(18). (c.) Abelmoschus esculentus; Explanation: The scientific name of okra is Abelmoschus esculentus. It belongs to family Malvaceae.

Ans.(19). (b.) PM Fasal Bima Yojana; Explanation: PM Fasal Bima Yojana provides crop insurance against natural calamities, pests and diseases. It works as a safety net for farmers.

Ans.(20). (c.) Drawbar; Explanation: Drawbar is used to pull heavy implements like trailers and ploughs. PTO shaft transmits rotary power to implements.

Ans.(21). (b.) 15 days; Explanation: Under MGNREGA, work must be provided within 15 days of application. Otherwise, unemployment allowance may be payable.

Ans.(22). (c.) Subabul; Explanation: Subabul is used for ex-situ green manure because of high biomass and nitrogen-rich foliage. It is cut and incorporated into another field.

Ans.(23). (b.) Available phosphorus; Explanation: Olsen method estimates available phosphorus in alkaline or calcareous soils. It commonly uses sodium bicarbonate extractant.

Ans.(24). (c.) Spawning; Explanation: Spawning is the release of eggs by female fish. It is a key reproductive process in fish breeding and aquaculture.

Ans.(25). (c.) Splenic fever; Explanation: Anthrax is also called splenic fever. It is a zoonotic disease caused by Bacillus anthracis.

Ans.(26). (c.) Dashehari; Explanation: Dashehari is preferred in North India for sweet taste and fibre-free pulp. It is a popular table mango variety.

Ans.(27). (b.) Hypogeal germination; Explanation: In hypogeal germination, cotyledons remain underground due to elongation of epicotyl. Pea and maize are common examples.

Ans.(28). (c.) Screen filters; Explanation: Screen filters are used as the final filtration step in drip irrigation. They remove fine particles and prevent emitter clogging.

Ans.(29). (c.) Day 18; Explanation: Turning of chicken eggs is stopped on Day 18 of incubation. This allows the chick to take proper hatching position.

Ans.(30). (c.) ₹5 lakh; Explanation: The paper marks ₹5 lakh as the updated KCC lending limit for farmers and fishers. This limit is linked with enhanced institutional credit support for agriculture.

Ans.(31). (b.) Precision farming; Explanation: Precision farming uses GPS, sensors, data and digital tools to optimize input use. It improves productivity, profit and sustainability.

Ans.(32). (c.) NaCSA (National Centre for Sustainable Aquaculture); Explanation: NaCSA supports small-scale shrimp farmers and promotes sustainable aquaculture. It helps improve farm management and group-based shrimp farming.

Ans.(33). (c.) Nitrogen; Explanation: Nitrogen deficiency first appears on older leaves because nitrogen is mobile in plants. Yellowing or chlorosis begins from older leaf tips.

Ans.(34). (b.) Pedology; Explanation: Pedology studies the origin, development and classification of soil in its natural environment. Edaphology studies soil in relation to plant growth.

Ans.(35). (c.) Ethylene; Explanation: Ethylene is the main hormone for ripening of climacteric fruits. It promotes softening, colour development and flavour formation.

Ans.(36). (b.) Bovine venereal trichomoniasis; Explanation: Bovine venereal trichomoniasis causes repeat breeding, early embryonic death and abortion. It is caused by Trichomonas foetus.

Ans.(37). (d.) ₹90 lakh; Explanation: Under revised Priority Sector Lending, loans against NWR/e-NWR can go up to ₹90 lakh for agricultural produce kept in warehouses.

Ans.(38). (b.) Blight; Explanation: Blight often affects young seedlings and tender tissues. It causes sudden browning, drying or death of plant parts.

Ans.(39). (b.) Contingent crop planning; Explanation: Contingent crop planning means changing crop or sowing strategy under delayed monsoon or abnormal weather. It helps protect farm income.

Ans.(40). (c.) Possession utility; Explanation: Possession utility is created when ownership and use of a product are transferred to the buyer. It is important in agricultural marketing.

Ans.(41). (b.) RWBCIS (Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme); Explanation: RWBCIS is a weather-index insurance scheme. Claim payment is based on weather parameters, not actual harvested yield.

Ans.(42). (c.) Trichomoniasis; Explanation: Trichomonas foetus causes trichomoniasis in cattle. It is a venereal protozoan disease affecting reproduction.

Ans.(43). (b.) Inactivate enzymes responsible for quality deterioration; Explanation: Blanching inactivates enzymes responsible for quality deterioration. It helps preserve colour, flavour and texture during freezing or canning.

Ans.(44). (c.) Azotobacter; Explanation: Azotobacter is a free-living nitrogen-fixing biofertilizer used for non-leguminous crops. Rhizobium is mainly used for legumes.

Ans.(45). (c.) Humus; Explanation: Humus is dark, stable organic matter formed after complete decomposition of plant and animal residues. It improves soil fertility and structure.

Ans.(46). (c.) White; Explanation: Foundation seed is identified by a white tag. Certified seed has blue tag and breeder seed has golden yellow tag.

Ans.(47). (b.) Tomato; Explanation: Buckeye rot is a fungal disease of tomato. It produces characteristic ring-like spots on fruits.

Ans.(48). (b.) Community Investment Fund; Explanation: Community Investment Fund provides financial support to SHGs for livelihood activities. It helps strengthen community-based rural livelihoods.

Ans.(49). (e.) Less nutrient recycling; Explanation: Less nutrient recycling is not typical of forest soils. Forest soils generally have active nutrient recycling through litter fall and decomposition.

Ans.(50). (b.) Trichomoniasis; Explanation: Trichomoniasis in cattle is caused by Trichomonas foetus. It affects breeding efficiency and causes reproductive losses.

Ans.(51). (c.) Abelmoschus esculentus; Explanation: Abelmoschus esculentus is the scientific name of okra. It is commonly known as lady’s finger or bhindi.

Ans.(52). (c.) White Leghorn; Explanation: White Leghorn is an egg-type poultry breed known for very high egg production. It is famous for production records near 371 eggs per year.

Ans.(53). (c.) 80–85%; Explanation: Citrus degreening requires 80–85% relative humidity to prevent drying and shrivelling. Proper humidity maintains fruit appearance.

Ans.(54). (c.) Secondary tillage that mechanically manipulates wet soil to reduce percolation; Explanation: Puddling is wet secondary tillage in rice fields. It reduces percolation and helps in transplanting.

Ans.(55). (c.) 10%; Explanation: In dioecious papaya plantations, about 10% male plants are maintained for pollination. Male plants ensure proper fruit set.

Ans.(56). (b.) Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests; Explanation: Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests are a specific tropical forest type. They occur in high rainfall zones with dense evergreen vegetation.

Ans.(57). (b.) Ethylene; Explanation: Ethylene is the main hormone responsible for ripening of climacteric fruits. It regulates respiratory climacteric and ripening changes.

Ans.(58). (c.) Screen filter; Explanation: Screen filter is used at the final stage in drip irrigation to remove fine impurities. It protects emitters from clogging.

Ans.(59). (d.) Epizootic Ulcerative Syndrome; Explanation: Epizootic Ulcerative Syndrome is called red disease in fish. It causes ulcerative lesions and poor fish survival.

Ans.(60). (c.) Som and Soalu; Explanation: Muga silkworms feed on Som and Soalu plants. These host plants are essential for producing golden-coloured muga silk.