UPSC Mains AGRICULTURE-PAPER-I 2025

27 Questions • 390 Marks • With Detailed Model Answers

1
10 Marks150 Wordsmedium

Answer the following questions in about 150 words each :

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

EnvironmentEcology
2
10 Marks150 Wordsmedium

Answer the following questions in about 150 words each :

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

AgricultureAgronomy
3
10 Marks150 Wordsmedium

Answer the following questions in about 150 words each :

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

AgricultureAgroforestry
4
10 Marks150 Wordsmedium

Answer the following questions in about 150 words each :

(d) Elucidate different forest policies and their aims.

EnvironmentForestry
5
10 Marks150 Wordshard

Answer the following questions in about 150 words each :

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

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
AgricultureAgronomy
6
20 Marksmedium

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

EnvironmentAgriculture
7
20 Marksmedium

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

AgricultureClimate Change
8
10 Marksmedium

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

AgricultureAgronomy
9
20 Marksmedium

3. (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

AgricultureAgronomy
10
20 Marksmedium

3. (c) Discuss different in situ moisture conservation practices recommended in dryland areas.

AgricultureWater Management
11
20 Marksmedium

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

EnvironmentForestry
12
20 Marksmedium

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

AgricultureAgronomy
13
10 Marksmedium

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

AgricultureSoil Science
14
10 Marks150 Wordsmedium

Answer the following questions in about 150 words each :

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

EnvironmentSoil Science
15
10 Marks150 Wordsmedium

Answer the following questions in about 150 words each :

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

AgricultureClimate Change
16
10 Marks150 Wordsmedium

Answer the following questions in about 150 words each :

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

AgricultureEconomics
17
10 Marks150 Wordsmedium

Answer the following questions in about 150 words each :

(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.

EconomicsAgriculture
18
10 Marks150 Wordsmedium

Answer the following questions in about 150 words each :

(e) Explain 'Farmer FIRST”. Briefly discuss the objectives of 'Farmer FIRST'.

AgricultureRural Development
19
20 Marksmedium

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

AgricultureEnvironment
20
20 Markseasy

6. (b) Give a lucid account on the factors influencing soil formation.

EnvironmentSoil Science
21
10 Markseasy

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

AgricultureWater Management
22
20 Marksmedium

7. (a) Explain the term 'conjunctive use of water'. Suggest the management practices to improve poor quality irrigation water with reference to salinity hazards.

Water ManagementAgriculture
23
20 Marksmedium

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

AgricultureWater Management
24
10 Marksmedium

7. (c) Why is farm planning necessary? Brief the limitations of farm planning.

AgricultureFarm Management
25
20 Marksmedium

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

AgricultureFarm Management
26
20 Marksmedium

8. (b) Discuss various training methods suitable for agricultural extension personnel in India.

AgricultureRural Development
27
10 Markshard

8. (c) Explain in detail about Bennett's hierarchy extension programme evaluation model.

AgricultureRural Development