Crops & Top Producing States — Set 7

Correct Answer: B. Rice

Rice occupies the largest area under cultivation among food grains in India, covering about 44 million hectares. It is followed by wheat, which covers about 30 million hectares of cultivated land.

Correct Answer: B. Provide soil test information and fertilizer recommendations

The Soil Health Card scheme distributes cards containing soil test results and fertilizer recommendations to farmers. It helps optimize fertilizer use, improve productivity, and promote sustainable soil management practices.

Correct Answer: C. Watermelon

Watermelon is cultivated as a summer crop in India during March to June. Other summer crops include mung bean, cucumber, and melons, which require warm temperatures and adequate moisture.

Correct Answer: B. Produce organic fertilizer (vermicompost) and improve soil health

Vermiculture (earthworm farming) produces nutrient-rich vermicompost that improves soil structure, enhances microbial activity, and increases crop productivity. It is an eco-friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers.

Correct Answer: B. Crop production

Crop production is the primary source of agricultural income in India, contributing about 55-60% of total agricultural output. Livestock farming contributes 30%, while fisheries and forestry together contribute about 10-15%.

Correct Answer: B. Support organic farming through cluster approach

PKVY supports organic farming through a cluster-based approach, providing incentives to farmers for organic certification and production. It promotes sustainable agriculture while reducing chemical inputs.

Correct Answer: C. Sugar production

The primary use of sugarcane in India is sugar production. Sugarcane is also used for ethanol production (biofuel), jaggery production, and bagasse (fibrous residue) for paper and energy generation.

Correct Answer: C. Increase pest attacks and reduce water availability

Climate change poses significant threats to Indian agriculture, including unpredictable rainfall patterns, increased temperatures, pest proliferation, and water scarcity. These factors reduce crop productivity and increase farming challenges.

Correct Answer: B. Banana

Banana is the most important fruit crop in India by production volume, with annual production exceeding 30 million tonnes. Mango follows as the second most important, being the national fruit with about 20 million tonnes annual production.

Correct Answer: B. Prevent soil erosion and improve water retention

Strip cropping involves growing different crops in alternating strips across a slope to reduce water runoff and soil erosion. It improves water infiltration, maintains soil fertility, and reduces the impact of wind erosion.