UPSC CSE Prelims
Agriculture Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Showing solved Previous Year Questions for Chapter: Agriculture
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In India, which of the following can be considered as public investment in agriculture?
- Fixing Minimum Support Price for agricultural produce of all crops
- Computerization of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies
- Social Capital development
- Free electricity supply to farmers
- Waiver of agricultural loans by the banking system
- Setting up of cold storage facilities by the governments
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 3 — 2, 3 and 6 only
Public investment in agriculture refers to government capital expenditure aimed at creating infrastructure, institutional support, and technological improvements that enhance agricultural productivity and efficiency. It excludes policy measures like subsidies, price support mechanisms, or loan waivers that do not constitute direct capital formation.
❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: Fixing Minimum Support Price (MSP) is a policy instrument for price support, not a capital investment in agricultural infrastructure or assets.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: Computerization of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) involves government expenditure on technology and institutional modernization, qualifying as public investment.
✅ Statement 3 – Correct: Social capital development includes building institutional networks, training programs, and community resources that improve agricultural productivity, representing public investment.
❌ Statement 4 – Incorrect: Free electricity supply to farmers is a subsidy or revenue expenditure, not a capital investment in agricultural infrastructure.
❌ Statement 5 – Incorrect: Waiver of agricultural loans is a debt relief measure affecting government finances but does not create new capital assets or infrastructure in agriculture.
✅ Statement 6 – Correct: Setting up cold storage facilities by the government is direct capital expenditure on agricultural infrastructure aimed at reducing post-harvest losses.
📝 Short Notes: Public Investment in Agriculture
- Public Investment: Government capital expenditure creating durable assets, infrastructure, and institutional capacity in the agricultural sector.
- Components: Includes irrigation infrastructure, rural roads, cold storage facilities, warehouses, research institutions, extension services, and agricultural credit infrastructure.
- vs. Subsidies: Public investment creates assets (capital formation), while subsidies like free electricity or fertilizer subsidies are revenue expenditures without asset creation.
- vs. Policy Measures: MSP, loan waivers, and procurement policies are support mechanisms but not direct investments in infrastructure.
- Social Capital: Investment in human resources, institutions, farmer cooperatives, training programs, and knowledge networks that enhance productivity.
- Impact: Public investment in agriculture improves productivity, reduces risks, enhances market access, and contributes to long-term agricultural growth.
Consider the following statements:
- In the case of all cereals, pulses and oil-seeds, the procurement at Minimum Support Price (MSP) is unlimited in any State/UT of India.
- In the case of cereals and pulses, the MSP is fixed in any State/UT at a level to which the market price will never rise.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 4 — Neither 1 nor 2
Both statements present incorrect characterizations of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) mechanism in India. Statement 1 incorrectly claims unlimited procurement across all cereals, pulses, and oilseeds, while Statement 2 misunderstands MSP as a price ceiling rather than a floor price.
❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: Procurement at MSP is not unlimited for all cereals, pulses, and oilseeds; while wheat and rice have open-ended procurement in certain states, most pulses and oilseeds are procured under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) with specific targets and storage constraints.
❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: MSP functions as a floor price (minimum guarantee) and not a ceiling; market prices can and do rise above MSP based on demand-supply dynamics, and MSP does not prevent price increases.
📝 Short Notes: Minimum Support Price (MSP)
- Definition: MSP is the minimum price guaranteed by the government to purchase agricultural produce from farmers, serving as a safety net against price crashes.
- Coverage: MSP is currently announced for 23 crops including 7 cereals (paddy, wheat, barley, jowar, bajra, maize, ragi), 5 pulses (gram, tur/arhar, moong, urad, lentil/masur), 7 oilseeds (groundnut, rapeseed-mustard, soybean, sunflower, sesamum, safflower, nigerseed), and 4 commercial crops (cotton, sugarcane, copra, raw jute).
- Recommendation Body: Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) recommends MSP based on various factors including cost of production, demand-supply conditions, market prices, and inter-crop price parity.
- 2018-19 Policy: Government announced that MSP would be fixed at least 1.5 times the all-India weighted average cost of production (A2+FL cost), ensuring minimum 50% returns over production cost.
- Procurement Mechanism: Open-ended procurement primarily for rice and wheat through FCI and state agencies; for most other crops, procurement is done under Price Support Scheme (PSS) with quantity limits.
- MSP as Floor Price: MSP acts as a minimum price guarantee, not a maximum; market prices can rise above MSP based on demand, quality, and market conditions.
The crop is subtropical in nature. A hard frost is injurious to it. It requires at least 210 frost-free days and 50 to 100 centimetres of rainfall for its growth. A light well-drained soil capable of retaining moisture is ideally suited for the cultivation of the crop. Which one of the following is that crop?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 1 — Cotton
Cotton is a subtropical crop that requires at least 210 frost-free days, 50-100 cm of rainfall, and light well-drained soil capable of retaining moisture. Hard frost is highly injurious to cotton plants, making them unsuitable for cold regions. These specific climatic and soil requirements clearly distinguish cotton from other crops like jute (which requires hot humid climate), sugarcane (which needs heavy rainfall of 150-250 cm), and tea (which grows in tropical to subtropical highlands).
📝 Short Notes: Major Cash Crops and Their Growing Conditions
| Crop | Climate | Frost-Free Days | Rainfall (cm) | Soil Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton | Subtropical | 210+ days | 50-100 | Light, well-drained, moisture-retaining (black soil ideal) |
| Jute | Tropical (hot & humid) | Not frost-tolerant | 150-250 | Alluvial soil in deltaic regions |
| Sugarcane | Tropical/Subtropical | Frost-sensitive | 150-250 | Deep, rich loamy soil |
| Tea | Tropical to Subtropical (highlands) | Frost-sensitive | 150-250 | Well-drained acidic soil with good humus |
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With reference to pulse production in India, consider the following statements:
- Black gram can be cultivated as both kharif and rabi crop.
- Green-gram alone accounts for nearly half of pulse production.
- In the last three decades, while the production of kharif pulses has increased, the production of rabi pulses has decreased.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 1 — 1 only
This question tests knowledge about pulse cultivation patterns and production trends in India. Statement 1 is correct as black gram is a versatile pulse cultivated in both seasons, while statements 2 and 3 contain factual inaccuracies regarding production shares and trends.
✅ Statement 1 – Correct: Black gram (Urad dal) is indeed cultivated as both kharif and rabi crop in India, showing its adaptability to different seasons and agro-climatic conditions.
❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: Green gram does not account for nearly half of pulse production; Chickpea (Chana) is the dominant pulse contributing approximately 40% of total pulse production in India.
❌ Statement 3 – Incorrect: Both kharif and rabi pulse production have increased over the last three decades due to government initiatives like National Food Security Mission and improved varieties; rabi pulses contribute over 60% of total production and have shown substantial growth.
📝 Short Notes: Pulse Production in India
| Pulse Type | Dominant Season | Share in Production | Major Producing States |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chickpea (Chana) | Rabi | ~40% | Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra |
| Pigeon Pea (Arhar/Tur) | Kharif | ~15% | Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh |
| Black Gram (Urad) | Both Kharif & Rabi | ~10% | Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh |
| Green Gram (Moong) | Both Kharif & Rabi | ~10% | Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka |
| Lentil (Masur) | Rabi | ~7% | Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal |
- Seasonal Distribution: Rabi pulses account for about 60-65% of total pulse production, while kharif pulses contribute 35-40%.
- Growth Trends: Both kharif and rabi pulse production have increased significantly since 1990s due to improved varieties, better agronomic practices, and government support schemes.
- India's Position: India is the largest producer and consumer of pulses globally, accounting for about 25% of world production.
- Key Initiatives: National Food Security Mission-Pulses (NFSM), Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), and minimum support price (MSP) have boosted pulse production.
With reference to the current trends in the cultivation of sugarcane in India, consider the following statements:
- A substantial saving in seed material is made when ‘bud chip settlings’ are raised in a nursery and transplanted in the main field.
- When direct planting of setts is done, the germination percentage is better with singlebudded setts as compared to setts with many buds.
- If bad weather conditions prevail when setts are directly planted, single-budded setts have better survival as compared to large setts.
- Sugarcane can be cultivated using settlings prepared from tissue culture.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 3 — 1 and 4 only
This question tests knowledge of modern sugarcane cultivation techniques in India. Statements 1 and 4 correctly describe cost-effective and scientifically advanced methods of sugarcane propagation, while statements 2 and 3 incorrectly characterize the performance of single-budded setts.
✅ Statement 1 – Correct: The bud chip method involves raising settlings in a nursery from individual buds before transplanting, resulting in substantial savings in seed material (up to 75-80% reduction) compared to conventional sett planting.
❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: Multi-budded setts have better germination percentage than single-budded setts because multiple buds increase the probability of successful shoot emergence, providing redundancy if one bud fails.
❌ Statement 3 – Incorrect: Under adverse weather conditions, large multi-budded setts have better survival rates because they contain more stored nutrients and moisture reserves, making them more resilient than single-budded setts which are vulnerable to stress.
✅ Statement 4 – Correct: Tissue culture technology is successfully employed in sugarcane cultivation to produce disease-free, genetically uniform settlings that ensure higher yields and rapid multiplication of elite varieties.
📝 Short Notes: Modern Sugarcane Cultivation Methods
| Method | Key Features | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Bud Chip Method | Single buds raised in nursery, then transplanted | 75-80% reduction in seed material; cost-effective; better disease control |
| Tissue Culture | In-vitro propagation of disease-free plantlets | Rapid multiplication; genetic uniformity; disease-free planting material |
| Conventional Sett Method | 3-budded setts directly planted in field | Better germination and survival under stress; traditional and simple |
| Single-budded Setts | Individual buds planted directly | Some seed saving but lower germination and survival compared to multi-budded setts |
- Seed Material Requirement: Conventional method requires 6-10 tonnes/hectare; bud chip method reduces it to 1.5-2 tonnes/hectare
- Germination Factor: Multi-budded setts provide redundancy—if one bud fails, others can sprout
- Stress Tolerance: Larger setts with more buds store more nutrients and moisture, ensuring better survival under drought or pest attack
- Indian Context: India is the second-largest sugarcane producer globally; adoption of modern techniques like bud chip and tissue culture is being promoted to reduce costs and increase productivity
The economic cost of food grains to the Food Corporation of India is Minimum Support Price and bonus (if any) paid to the farmers plus
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 3 — Procurement incidentals and distribution cost
The economic cost of food grains to the Food Corporation of India (FCI) comprises the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and bonus paid to farmers, plus all expenses incurred during procurement and distribution. Procurement incidentals include costs like commission to agents, bagging materials, labor charges, and transportation from collection centers to storage depots. Distribution costs cover transportation to fair price shops, handling charges, storage losses, and delivery expenses. While interest costs and godown charges are part of overall FCI operations, the specific economic cost formula focuses on procurement incidentals and distribution costs as the primary additional components beyond MSP.
📝 Short Notes: FCI Economic Cost Components
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Support Price (MSP) | Base price paid to farmers; announced by government for 23 crops based on CACP recommendations |
| Bonus | Additional payment over MSP by some states to incentivize farmers |
| Procurement Incidentals | Commission to procurement agencies, bagging, stitching, labor, loading/unloading, internal transport to godowns |
| Distribution Cost | Transportation from godowns to FPS, handling charges, transit losses, delivery expenses |
| Economic Cost Formula | Economic Cost = MSP + Bonus + Procurement Incidentals + Distribution Cost |
| Issue Price | Subsidized price at which food grains are sold through PDS; difference between economic cost and issue price is subsidy |
With reference to the cultivation of Kharif crop in India in the last five years, consider the following statements:
- Area under rice cultivation is the highest.
- Area under the cultivation of jowar is more than that of oilseeds.
- Area of cotton cultivation is more than that of sugarcane.
- Area under sugarcane cultivation has steadily decreased.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 1 — 1 and 3 only
This question tests knowledge of the relative area under cultivation of major Kharif crops in India. Based on agricultural statistics from the last five years, rice has the largest cultivated area among all Kharif crops, and cotton cultivation area significantly exceeds that of sugarcane.
✅ Statement 1 – Correct: Rice has the highest area under cultivation among Kharif crops, ranging around 430-441 lakh hectares annually.
❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: The area under jowar (sorghum) cultivation is significantly less than the area under oilseeds cultivation.
✅ Statement 3 – Correct: Cotton cultivation area is more than double that of sugarcane, with cotton around 120-125 lakh hectares versus sugarcane around 50-55 lakh hectares.
❌ Statement 4 – Incorrect: Sugarcane cultivation area has shown fluctuations rather than a steady decrease over the period.
📝 Short Notes: Kharif Crops in India
- Kharif Season: Crops sown in June-July (with monsoon onset) and harvested in September-October.
- Major Kharif Crops (by area): Rice (highest, ~440 lakh ha), Maize, Bajra, Jowar, Cotton, Sugarcane, Groundnut, Soybean, Tur (Arhar).
- Rice Dominance: Rice occupies nearly 40% of total Kharif crop area, being the staple food crop.
- Cotton vs Sugarcane: Cotton requires less water and has larger area coverage (~120-125 lakh ha) compared to water-intensive sugarcane (~50-55 lakh ha).
- Oilseeds: Include groundnut, soybean, sunflower, etc., collectively covering more area than individual cereals like jowar.
- Regional Variations: Rice predominates in eastern and southern India; cotton in western and central regions; sugarcane in UP, Maharashtra.
Consider the following:
- Areca nut
- Barley
- Coffee
- Finger millet
- Groundnut
- Sesamum
- Turmeric
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has announced the Minimum Support Price for which of the above?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 2 — 2, 4, 5 and 6 only
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) announces Minimum Support Price (MSP) for 22 mandated crops, which include cereals, pulses, oilseeds, and commercial crops. Among the given options, only Barley (cereal), Finger millet (cereal), Groundnut (oilseed), and Sesamum (oilseed) are covered under the MSP regime. Areca nut, Coffee, and Turmeric are plantation/spice crops not included in the MSP list.
✅ Statement 1 (Areca nut) – Incorrect: Areca nut is a plantation crop and is not included in the 22 mandated crops for MSP.
✅ Statement 2 (Barley) – Correct: Barley is one of the seven cereals for which MSP is announced.
✅ Statement 3 (Coffee) – Incorrect: Coffee is a plantation/beverage crop not covered under MSP.
✅ Statement 4 (Finger millet) – Correct: Finger millet (Ragi) is a cereal included in the MSP list.
✅ Statement 5 (Groundnut) – Correct: Groundnut is one of the seven oilseeds covered under MSP.
✅ Statement 6 (Sesamum) – Correct: Sesamum is an oilseed for which MSP is announced.
✅ Statement 7 (Turmeric) – Incorrect: Turmeric is a spice crop not among the 22 mandated crops for MSP.
📝 Short Notes: Minimum Support Price (MSP) Crops
| Category | Crops Covered under MSP | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Cereals | Paddy, Wheat, Maize, Sorghum (Jowar), Pearl Millet (Bajra), Barley, Finger Millet (Ragi) | 7 |
| Pulses | Gram (Chana), Tur (Arhar), Moong, Urad, Lentil (Masur) | 5 |
| Oilseeds | Groundnut, Rapeseed-Mustard, Soyabean, Sesamum, Sunflower, Safflower, Nigerseed | 7 |
| Commercial Crops | Copra, Cotton (Medium Staple & Long Staple), Sugarcane (FRP) | 3 |
| Total Crops | 22 + Sugarcane (FRP) | |
- CCEA Role: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs announces MSP based on recommendations from the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP).
- Excluded Crops: Plantation crops (coffee, tea, rubber, areca nut), spices (turmeric, cardamom), and most horticultural crops are not covered under MSP.
- MSP Objective: To provide assured prices to farmers and protect them from price fluctuations, ensuring minimum remuneration for their produce.
Consider the following statements:
- The quantity of imported edible oils is more than the domestic production of edible oils in the last five years.
- The Government does not impose any customs duty on all the imported edible oils as a special case.
Which of the two statements given above is/are correct?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 1 — 1 only
This question tests knowledge about India's edible oil economy. Statement 1 correctly identifies India's heavy dependence on imported edible oils, while Statement 2 incorrectly claims that no customs duty is imposed on imported edible oils.
✅ Statement 1 – Correct: India is the world's largest importer of edible oils, with imports accounting for 60-65% of total consumption in recent years, significantly exceeding domestic production (35-40%).
❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: The Government of India does impose customs duties on imported edible oils (including Basic Customs Duty and Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess), which are periodically adjusted to protect domestic oilseed farmers and manage prices.
📝 Short Notes: Edible Oils in India
- Import Dependence: India imports about 60-65% of its edible oil requirements, making it the world's largest importer of edible oils.
- Major Sources: Palm oil (from Indonesia and Malaysia), soybean oil, and sunflower oil are the primary imports.
- Domestic Production: India produces mainly groundnut oil, mustard oil, and a smaller quantity of palm oil, accounting for 35-40% of consumption.
- Customs Duty Policy: The government periodically revises customs duties on imported edible oils to balance consumer prices and farmer interests. Duties include Basic Customs Duty (BCD) and Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess (AIDC).
- Key Oilseeds: Major oilseeds grown in India include groundnut, rapeseed-mustard, soybean, sunflower, safflower, and sesame.
- Government Initiatives: National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP) aims to increase domestic production and reduce import dependence.
With reference to organic farming in India, consider the following statements:
- The National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) is operated under the guidelines and directions of the Union Ministry of Rural Development.
- The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) functions as the Secretariat for the implementation of NPOP.
- Sikkim has become India's first fully organic State.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 2 — 2 and 3 only
The National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) is operated under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, not the Ministry of Rural Development, making statement 1 incorrect. Statement 2 is correct as APEDA serves as the Secretariat for NPOP implementation, and statement 3 is correct as Sikkim became India's first fully organic state in 2016.
❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: NPOP is operated under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, not the Ministry of Rural Development.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: APEDA functions as the Secretariat for the implementation of NPOP under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
✅ Statement 3 – Correct: Sikkim became India's first fully organic state in 2016, converting all its cultivable land to organic farming.
📝 Short Notes: Organic Farming in India
- National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP): Launched in 2001 under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to provide framework for accreditation of certification bodies and standards for organic production.
- APEDA's Role: Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority acts as the Secretariat for NPOP implementation and promotes export of organic products.
- Sikkim's Achievement: Became India's first fully organic state in 2016 by converting approximately 76,000 hectares of agricultural land to certified organic farming.
- Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY): Launched in 2015 under the Ministry of Agriculture to promote organic farming through cluster approach and PGS certification.
- Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER): Central Sector Scheme to support certified organic production in northeastern states.
Consider the following statements : The nation-wide ‘Soil Health Card Scheme’ aims at
- expanding the cultivable area under irrigation.
- enabling the banks to assess the quantum of loans to be granted to farmers on the basis of soil quality.
- checking the overuse of fertilizers in farmlands.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 2 — 3 only
The Soil Health Card Scheme primarily aims to promote balanced and judicious use of fertilizers by providing farmers with soil nutrient status information. This helps in checking the overuse of fertilizers in farmlands, thereby improving soil health and reducing environmental damage.
❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: Expanding cultivable area under irrigation is not an objective of the Soil Health Card Scheme; it focuses on soil nutrient management, not irrigation expansion.
❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: Banks do not use soil health cards to assess loan quantum; agricultural loans are based on factors like land ownership, crop type, credit history, and repayment capacity, not soil quality data.
✅ Statement 3 – Correct: The scheme aims to check overuse of fertilizers by informing farmers about actual soil nutrient requirements, thereby promoting judicious fertilizer application and preventing soil degradation.
What is/are the advantage/advantages of implementing the ‘National Agriculture Market’ (NAM) scheme?
- It is a pan-India electronic trading portal for agricultural commodities.
- It provides the farmers access to the nationwide market, with prices commensurate with the quality of their produce.
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 3 — Both 1 and 2
The National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) is a pan-India electronic trading portal that integrates existing APMCs into a unified national market for agricultural commodities. It provides farmers access to nationwide markets with transparent price discovery based on quality parameters, thereby enabling them to get better prices for their produce.
✅ Statement 1 – Correct: e-NAM is indeed a pan-India electronic trading portal that connects agricultural mandis across the country through an online platform, facilitating electronic trading of agricultural commodities.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: The scheme provides farmers access to a wider market beyond their local mandis, with prices determined based on quality standards and real-time price discovery, helping them get remunerative prices commensurate with the quality of their produce.
In India, markets in agricultural products are regulated under the -
Detailed Explanation:
Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) Acts enacted by State Governments regulate agricultural markets in India by establishing and managing market yards and market committees.
Each state divides its geographical area into market areas under the jurisdiction of Market Committees, where wholesale marketing activities require authorization from the committee.
Consider the following statements:
- The Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme was launched during 1996-97 to provide loan assistance to poor farmers.
- The Command Area Development Programme was launched in 1974-75 for the development of water-use efficiency.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Detailed Explanation:
❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: The Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP) was launched in 1996-97 to provide central loan assistance to states for accelerating completion of ongoing irrigation projects, not to provide loan assistance to poor farmers.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: The Command Area Development Programme (CADP) was launched in 1974-75 to improve water-use efficiency and agricultural productivity in command areas of major and medium irrigation projects.
The Fair and Remunerative Price of Sugarcane is approved by the -
Detailed Explanation:
Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for sugarcane is approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by the Prime Minister.
The Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) recommends the FRP based on cost of production, input costs, and various economic factors, but the final approval rests with CCEA.