Question : Assertion: Agricultural marketing helps in reducing post-harvest losses.
Reason: It ensures efficient storage, transportation, and distribution of agricultural produce.
Option 1: Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
Option 2: Both assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
Option 3: Assertion is true, but the reason is false.
Option 4: Assertion is false, but the reason is true.
Correct Answer: Both assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
Solution : The correct answer is (b) Both assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
While agricultural marketing can contribute to reducing post-harvest losses, it may not be the sole factor responsible for this outcome. Post-harvest losses can occur due to various reasons such as improper handling, inadequate storage facilities, pests, diseases, and environmental factors.
Efficient agricultural marketing practices can certainly help in minimizing post-harvest losses by ensuring timely transportation, proper storage, and effective distribution of agricultural produce. However, it is important to note that other factors, such as proper post-harvest management techniques, the use of appropriate storage technologies, and good agricultural practices, also play a significant role in reducing losses.
Therefore, both assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
Answer laterQuestion : Which of the following was NOT an objective of land reforms in India?
Option 1: Abolition of intermediaries
Option 2: Tenancy reforms
Option 3: Consolidation of land holdings
Option 4: Privatization of agricultural land
Correct Answer: Privatization of agricultural land
Solution : Privatization of agricultural land was not an objective of land reforms in India. The main objectives included the abolition of intermediaries, tenancy reforms, and consolidation of land holdings to improve agricultural efficiency and equity.
Question : Comprehension:
In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Fill in the blanks with the help of the alternatives given. Select the most appropriate option for each blank.
The locust is an insect that belongs to the family of grasshoppers. These insects are essentially harmless (1)____________they meet certain circumstances under which they (2) __________more abundant and change their behaviour. India, Pakistan and Iran (3)_____________currently thinking over the locust plague threat (4) ____________over their economies. When these locusts meet (5) _____________environmental conditions, they become gregarious and (6) ___________breeding abundantly. With their population becoming (7) __________, they form swarms and keep moving (8) ____________areas damaging the crops. These swarms attacking (9) ___________and thereby devastating the entire agricultural economy is (10) ___________is commonly referred to as locust plague.
Question:
Select the most appropriate option for blank no. 5.
Option 1: suiting
Option 2: suitable
Option 3: suitably
Option 4: suited
Correct Answer: suitable
Solution : The correct choice is the second option.
The word suitable in this context suggests that when these locusts encounter environmental conditions that are appropriate or fitting for their needs, something specific is expected to happen.
It implies a connection between the locusts' behaviour or response and the environmental conditions being well-suited for them.
Therefore, the right answer is suitable.
Question : Which of these is not true about the Green Revolution?
Option 1: It was funded by international agencies.
Option 2: It was a private-sector programme for agricultural modernisation.
Option 3: It was targeted mainly in the wheat and rice-growing areas.
Option 4: It was introduced only in areas that had assured irrigation.
Correct Answer: It was a private-sector programme for agricultural modernisation.
Solution : The correct option is It was a private-sector programme for agricultural modernisation.
The Green Revolution in India was not exclusively a private-sector programme; it involved a combination of public and private efforts to achieve agricultural modernisation. The Indian government played a pivotal role in promoting the Green Revolution.
Question : Post-independence, the class structure in India saw:
Option 1: The disappearance of the landlord class
Option 2: The emergence of a large industrial working class
Option 3: A decrease in the agricultural workforce
Option 4: The growth of the service sector
Correct Answer: The emergence of a large industrial working class
Solution : Post-independence, the class structure in India saw the emergence of a large industrial working class as a result of planned industrialization and urbanization.
Question : Which of the given statements concerning the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED) is correct?
i. NAFED is registered under the Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act.
ii. It was set up to promote Cooperative marketing of agricultural produce to benefit farmers.
iii. It was established in 1956.
Option 1: i, ii and iii
Option 2: Only ii
Option 3: Only ii and iii
Option 4: Only i and ii
Correct Answer: Only i and ii
Solution : The correct answer is Only i and ii.
NAFED stands for the National Agriculture Cooperative Marketing Federation of India. It was established in October of 1958. It is registered under the Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act, and it was set up to promote cooperative marketing of agricultural produce to benefit farmers.
Question : What was the primary purpose of establishing cantonments in India during the colonial period?
Option 1: To promote trade
Option 2: To provide educational facilities
Option 3: To serve as military bases
Option 4: To develop agricultural land
Correct Answer: To serve as military bases
Solution : Cantonments were established primarily to serve as military bases, providing strategic locations for the British army and ensuring control over the region.
Question : Case Study 14: Supporting Rural Entrepreneurs
A group of entrepreneurs decided to establish a cooperative society in a rural area to produce organic agricultural products. They sought support from government schemes to finance their project and provide training to farmers.
Question:
How does the cooperative society benefit rural farmers?
Option 1: By reducing the demand for organic products
Option 2: By providing training and financing
Option 3: By promoting traditional farming methods
Option 4: By selling agricultural products overseas
Correct Answer: By providing training and financing
Solution : The correct answer is (b) By providing training and financing
The establishment of a cooperative society in a rural area for the production of organic agricultural products, along with seeking support from government schemes for financing and training, would likely benefit rural farmers by enhancing their skills, knowledge, and access to financial resources. This support can contribute to the overall development and sustainability of agriculture in the rural community.
Question : Comprehension:
Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
The Black Drongo also known as the King Crow, is a small Asian bird of the drongo family. Previously, it was seen as a subspecies of the African Fork-tailed Drongo but is now recognised as a full species. It is a common resident breeder in much of tropical southern Asia from southwest Iran through India and Sri Lanka to southern China and Indonesia. It is a wholly black bird with a distinctive forked tail and measures 28 cm in length.
Feeding on insects, it is commonly found in open agricultural areas and light forest areas throughout its range, perching conspicuously on a bare perch or along power or telephone lines.
The species is famous for its aggressive behaviour towards much larger birds, such as crows, and never hesitates to dive-bomb any birds of prey that invade its territory. Smaller birds often nest in the well-guarded vicinity of a nesting Black Drongo.
The Black Drongo has been introduced to some Pacific islands, where it has thrived and become abundant to the point of threatening and causing the extinction of native and endemic bird species there.
Drongos fly with strong flaps of the wing and are capable of fast manoeuvres that enable them to capture flying insects. With short legs, they sit upright on thorny bushes, bare perches or electricity wires. They may also perch on grazing animals.
The Black Drongo is found predominantly in open country and usually perches and hunts close to the ground. They are mostly aerial predators of insects but also glean from the ground or off vegetation.
They are found as summer visitors to northeastern Afghanistan and northern Pakistan but are mainly resident south from the Indus Valley up to Bangladesh and into India and Sri Lanka.
Question:
What was the impact of trying to introduce the species to the Pacific islands?
Option 1: They decreased in numbers drastically.
Option 2: They returned to the lands of their origin.
Option 3: They proved to be a threat to the local birds.
Option 4: They did not survive in the changed climate conditions.
Correct Answer: They proved to be a threat to the local birds.
Solution : The third option is the correct choice.
The impact of introducing the Black Drongo species to some Pacific islands was that they thrived and became abundant to the point of threatening and causing the extinction of native and endemic bird species there.
The passage states that the Black Drongo has been introduced to these islands, and as a result of its successful establishment and proliferation, it poses a threat to the local bird species.
Question : Case Study 10: Entrepreneurship and Economic Growth
A group of young graduates decided to start a tech startup. They developed an innovative mobile application that connects farmers directly to consumers, eliminating the need for middlemen. This resulted in better prices for farmers and affordable produce for consumers.
Question:
The startup's app contributes to economic growth by:
Option 1: Increasing the cost of agricultural products
Option 2: Creating more middlemen
Option 3: Promoting direct farmer-consumer interactions
Option 4: Limiting the reach of agricultural products
Correct Answer: Promoting direct farmer-consumer interactions
Solution : The correct answer is (c) Promoting direct farmer-consumer interactions
The mobile application, by connecting farmers directly to consumers and eliminating the need for middlemen, promotes direct interactions between farmers and consumers. This can lead to economic growth by creating more efficient and transparent markets, ensuring fair prices for farmers and providing consumers with affordable produce. The direct interaction facilitated by the app contributes to a more sustainable and inclusive agricultural ecosystem.
