CIVILS MAINS 2015 AGRICULTURE PAPER (OPTIONS)

SECTION A

Q1. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:10x5=50

Why is watershed management important in dryland agriculture?
How is soil erosion caused
Discuss the farm management problems in the Indian context.
How is "contract farming" playingan important role in agrifood chain in the Indian context.
How are the agro-climatic zones determined?

Q2. Elaborate the environmental pollution along with the role of afforestation in Minimizing their effects. 20
Discuss about the factors affecting the efficacy of herbicides. 20
How does soil acidity affect the crops?

Q3. Differentiate and elaborate the following: 10x5=50

Integrated nutrient management and Integrated pest management.
Intensive agriculture and sustainable agriculture.
Agroforestry and Agrostology
Frontline demonstration and method demonstration.
Lime requirement and Leaching requirement

Q4. Discuss nitrogen transformation and its management in submerged soil for rice production. 20
Write aboout the needs and techniques of forage conservation. 15
Write the approaches of biological weed control with suitable examples. 15

SECTION B

Q5. Answer the following questions in about words each 10x5=50

Describe the agricultural regions of India.
What benefits are derived from organic matter in soil?
Elaborate the problems of residual toxicity of herbicide and its management.
Detail the role of co-operative marketing.
What is the importance of Krishi Vigyan Kendra in the context of rural livelihood?

Q6. Give the criteria of essentiality of plant nutrients. List theessential mineral elements required in plant nutrition. State the principal functions of Ca, Mg and S. 20
Write the concept of soil moisture constraints. Write the role and availability of moisture to plants. 15
Explain multiple cropping, its significance and constraints experienced by farmers. 15


Q7. Is curing in tobacco beneficial? Describe the various curing processes adopted in tobacco growing regions of India. 20
Explain EI Nino effect, its causes and impact on Indian Agriculture. 15
Why is Broad Based Extension multidirectional What difficulties arise in its implementation 15

Q8. Elaborate the ways to increase fertilizer use efficiency. 20
Why is crop diversification more beneficial than traditional monoculture system? 20
Compare direct seeding and transplanting of rice. 10