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(Download) UPSC IAS Mains 2015: Agriculture (Paper -1 & 2) Optional Question Paper

Subject: Agriculture (Paper -1 & 2) Optional

Exam Date: 23rd December 2015

Agriculture (Paper-1)

SECTION-A

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

(a) Why is watershed management important in dryland agriculture ?
(b) How is soil erosion caused ?
(c) Discuss the farm management problems in the Indian context.
(d) How is ‘contract farming' playing an important role in agrifood chain in the Indian context ?
(e) How are the agro-climatic zones determined ?

2.(a) Elaborate the environmental pollutions along with the role of afforestation in minimizing their effects. 20 marks
(b) Discuss about the factors affecting the efficacy of herbicides. 20 marks
(c) How does soil acidity affect the crops ? 10 marks

(3) Differentiate and elaborate the following: 10x5=50 marks

(a) Integrated nutrient management and Integrated pest management
(b) Intensive agriculture and Sustainable agriculture
(c) Agroforestry and Agrostology
(d) Frontline demonstration and Method demonstration
(e) Lime requirement and Leaching requirement

4.(a) Discuss nitrogen transformation and its management in submerged soil for rice production. 20 marks
(b) Write about the needs and techniques of forage conservation. 15 marks
(c) Write the approaches of biological weed control with suitable examples. 15 marks

SECTION B

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

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

6.(a) Give the criteria of essentiality of plant nutrients. List the essential mineral elements required in plant nutrition. State the principal functions of N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S. 20 marks
(b) Write the concept of soil moisture constraints. Write the role and availability of moisture to plants. 15 marks
(c) Explain multiple cropping, its significance and constraints experienced by farmers. 15 marks

7.(a) Is curing in tobacco beneficial ? Describe the various curing processes adopted in tobacco growing regions of India. 20 marks
(b) Explain El Nino effect, its causes and impact on Indian agriculture. 15 marks
(c) Why is Broad Based Extension (BBE) multidirectional ? What difficulties arise in its implementation ? 15 marks

8.(a) Elaborate the ways to increase fertilizer use efficiency. 20 marks
(b) Why is crop diversification more beneficial than traditional monoculture system? 20 marks
(c) Compare direct seeding and transplanting of rice. 10 marks

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Agriculture (Paper-2)

SECTION-A

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

(a) Classify the mutation. Explain the application of mutation breeding.
(b) Write the package and practices of Gladiolus cultivars citing method of propagation, soil, climatic conditions, harvesting and yield.
(c) What are Enzymes ? Write the properties and factors affecting enzyme's activity.
(d) Explain the constraints in procurement and distribution policies in India.
(e) What do you mean by C3, C4 and CAM mechanisms?

2. Answer each of the following questions : 12.5x4=50 marks

(a) Discuss the impact of rapid increase in population on food and agriculture.
(b) Write the diagnostic symptoms of Blister Blight of Tea. Explain the causal organism and management of the disease in tea plantation.
(c) What is meant by linkage and crossover ? Write their significance in recombination breeding.
(d) What do you mean by genetically modified crop plants ? Write its advantages and disadvantages.

3. Answer each of the following questions : 12.5x4=50 marks

(a) Define cole crops. Explain on what basis cole crops are grouped.
(b) Explain the law of homologous series. How is it helpful in genetic resources, conservation and utilization ?
(c) What do you mean by nutrient deficiency ? Explain the micro-nutrient deficiency in context of work capacity of women and children.
(d) What is stress physiology ? Write the physiology of seed germination and development.

4. Answer each of the following questions : 12.5x4=50 marks

(a) What is photoperiodism? Write at least one example of shortday plant, longday plant and day neutral plant.
(b) Write the distribution of mango malformation in India. What are the causes of different malformations ? Suggest to combat the malformation.
(c) Write the essential nutrients required by plants for growth and development. Explain the boron deficiency symptom in Cauliflower and Litchi.
(d) What are the components of DNA and RNA ? Give the characteristic difference of the DNA and RNA:

SECTION-B

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

(a) What are objectives of seed testing ? Write the testing procedure adopted in paddy and wheat cròps.
(b) Name three important stored grain pests of Rice. Describe the biology and management of any one of them.
(c) Define Quarantine. Explain the plant quarantine regulation with respect to wart disease of Potato and bunchy top disease of Banana.
(d) What do you mean by Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS)? Who are specially focussed group covered under this programme ?
(e) Write the importance of prunning and Training in fruit crops. Describe the procedure adopted in Grapes.

6. Answer each of the following questions : 12.5x4=50 marks

(a) What are the reasons for food grain surplus in India ? Write the steps taken by the government to save the food grains.
(b) Write the package and practices of Potato cultivation under the heads of soil and climatic condition, seed rate, nutrients requirement, time of planting, earthing and yield.
(c) Define respiration and state why is this process essential for plants.
(d) Discuss the importance of conservation of plant genetic resources for crop improvements.

7. Answer each of the following questions : 12.5x4=50 marks

(a) What are fungicides? How fungicides are classified on the basis of chemical nature ?
(b) Name the process by which carbohydrates are synthesized in plants. Narrate its mechanism.
(c) Write the production technology of Marigold as it is one of the important flowers cultivated throughout the year
(d) What is cell ? Explain the structure and function of the cell.