MCQ on Our journey in agriculture and vision for the future essay

MCQ on Our journey in agriculture and vision for the future essay ICAR-JEF, ICAR-SRF, ICAR-NET, IBPS-AFO/SO, Pre-PG, BHU Pre-PG, IFFCO-AGT, CCI, FCI, B.sc, M.sc, All Agriculture Competitive Exams.

1. What was the main catalyst for the establishment of the Famine Commission of 1880?
   • A) Drought
   • B) Floods
   • C) Earthquake
   • D) Famine
   • Answer: D) Famine
   • Explanation: The famine that occurred from 1876-78 led to the institution of the Famine Commission of 1880.
2. Who founded the Imperial Agriculture Research Institute in 1905 at Pusa?
   • A) Lord Curzon
   • B) Henry Phipps
   • C) Marquees of Linlithgo
   • D) Indian Government
   • Answer: A) Lord Curzon
   • Explanation: Lord Curzon, the Viceroy of India, founded the Imperial Agriculture Research Institute in 1905 at Pusa.
3. What disaster prompted the relocation of the Institute from Pusa to New Delhi?
   • A) Floods
   • B) Drought
   • C) Earthquake
   • D) Tsunami
   • Answer: C) Earthquake
   • Explanation: The disastrous earthquake in 1936 prompted the relocation of the Institute from Pusa to New Delhi.
4. When did the Institute at New Delhi gain the status of a Deemed University?
   • A) 1936
   • B) 1947
   • C) 1956
   • D) 1958
   • Answer: C) 1956
   • Explanation: Under the University Grants Commission Act 1956, the Institute at New Delhi gained the status of a Deemed University.
5. Which committee was formed in 1921 as per the recommendation of the Indian Central Cotton Commission?
   • A) Indian Central Cotton Committee (ICCC)
   • B) Famine Commission
   • C) Royal Commission
   • D) Cooperative Societies Act Committee
   • Answer: A) Indian Central Cotton Committee (ICCC)
   • Explanation: The Indian Central Cotton Committee (ICCC) was formed in 1921 as per the recommendation of the Indian Central Cotton Commission.
6. When was the Royal Commission appointed to examine the condition of agricultural and rural economy in India?
   • A) 1880
   • B) 1905
   • C) 1921
   • D) 1926
   • Answer: D) 1926
   • Explanation: The Royal Commission was appointed in 1926 to examine the condition of agricultural and rural economy in India.
7. Which act gave the Institute at New Delhi the authority to intensify its teaching and research activities from 1958?
   • A) Cooperative Societies Act
   • B) University Grants Commission Act
   • C) Land Alienation Act
   • D) Famine Commission Act
   • Answer: B) University Grants Commission Act
   • Explanation: Under the University Grants Commission Act 1956, the Institute at New Delhi gained the authority to intensify its teaching and research activities from 1958.
8. What event convinced Lord Curzon of the urgent need to pay attention to agriculture?
   • A) Earthquake
   • B) Floods
   • C) Famine
   • D) Drought
   • Answer: C) Famine
   • Explanation: The horrors of the famine of 1889-90 convinced Lord Curzon of the urgent need to pay attention to agriculture.
9. What was the main building at Pusa named after?
   • A) Lord Curzon
   • B) Indian Government
   • C) Henry Phipps
   • D) Marquees of Linlithgo
   • Answer: C) Henry Phipps
   • Explanation: The main building at Pusa was named after its donor, Henry Phipps, as the Phipps Laboratory.
10. How many Agricultural and Veterinary Colleges were there in India in 1947?
    • A) 22
    • B) 27
    • C) 30
    • D) 35
    • Answer: B) 27
    • Explanation: In 1947, India had about 27 Agricultural and Veterinary Colleges.
11. When was the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) established?
    • A) 1860
    • B) 1929
    • C) 1943
    • D) 1957
    • Answer: B) 1929
    • Explanation: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) was established in 1929 as a Society under the Societies Registration Act.
12. What event deepened the food crisis and became a matter of great concern to the Government of India during World War II?
    • A) Bengal famine in 1943
    • B) Second World War
    • C) Grow More Food campaign
    • D) Formation of Indian Central Coconut Committee
    • Answer: A) Bengal famine in 1943
    • Explanation: The Bengal famine in 1943 deepened the food crisis and became a matter of great concern to the Government of India during World War II.
13. Which campaign was initiated in 1943 to meet the food shortage in India?
    • A) Grow More Food
    • B) Green Revolution
    • C) Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
    • D) Food Security Mission
    • Answer: A) Grow More Food
    • Explanation: The Grow More Food campaign was initiated in 1943 to meet the food shortage in India.
14. When were the Indian Central Coconut Committee and the Indian Central Tobacco Committee formed?
    • A) 1943
    • B) 1945
    • C) 1949
    • D) 1958
    • Answer: B) 1945
    • Explanation: The Indian Central Coconut Committee and the Indian Central Tobacco Committee were formed in 1945.
15. Which coordinated project on maize led to the birth of All India Coordinated Research Projects (AICRPs)?
    • A) Started in 1929
    • B) Developed with assistance from the Rockefeller Foundation in 1957
    • C) Initiated during the Bengal famine
    • D) A result of the Grow More Food campaign
    • Answer: B) Developed with assistance from the Rockefeller Foundation in 1957
    • Explanation: The coordinated project on maize developed with assistance from the Rockefeller Foundation in 1957 led to the birth of All India Coordinated Research Projects (AICRPs).

16. How many All India Coordinated Research projects are currently undertaken by ICAR?

• A) About 20
• B) About 50
• C) About 70
• D) About 100
• Answer: C) About 70
• Explanation: ICAR now has about 70 All India Coordinated Research projects covering various disciplines and commodity crops, livestock, fisheries, home science, and agricultural engineering.

17. How many research institutes does ICAR directly administer?

• A) 10
• B) 20
• C) 30
• D) 32
• Answer: D) 32
• Explanation: ICAR directly administers 32 research institutes in the fields of agriculture, animal sciences, and fisheries.

18. Which institute is known as the premier agricultural research institute in India?

• A) Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI)
• B) National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI)
• C) Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI)
• D) All of the above
• Answer: C) Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI)
• Explanation: The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, is known as the premier agricultural research institute in India.

19. What was the purpose of the Project for Identification of Regional Research on Cotton, Oilseeds, and Millets (PIRRCOM)?

• A) To establish regional research stations
• B) To coordinate research on multiple crops
• C) To develop new crop varieties
• D) To conduct research on soil fertility
• Answer: B) To coordinate research on multiple crops
• Explanation: PIRRCOM aimed to coordinate research on cotton, oilseeds, and millets across different regions.

20. Which committee was formed in 1949 to oversee the production and research related to arecanut?

• A) Indian Central Coconut Committee
• B) Indian Central Tobacco Committee
• C) Indian Central Arecanut Committee
• D) Indian Central Spices and Cashewnut Committee
• Answer: C) Indian Central Arecanut Committee
• Explanation: The Indian Central Arecanut Committee was formed in 1949 to oversee the production and research related to arecanut.

21. When was the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) established?

• A) 1957
• B) 1964
• C) 1975
• D) 1980
• Answer: C) 1975
• Explanation: The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) was established on October 1st, 1975, marking a significant milestone in research management within ICAR.

22. Which institution was recently established as a constituent unit of the Council to provide quality training to personnel involved in agricultural research?

• A) National Academy of Agricultural Management
• B) Indian Agricultural Research Institute
• C) National Dairy Research Institute
• D) Indian Veterinary Research Institute
• Answer: A) National Academy of Agricultural Management
• Explanation: The National Academy of Agricultural Management, established at Hyderabad, is responsible for providing quality training to personnel involved in agricultural research.

23. What is the primary function of Agricultural Universities?

• A) Only teaching
• B) Only research
• C) Only extension education
• D) Integrated teaching, research, and extension education
• Answer: D) Integrated teaching, research, and extension education
• Explanation: Agricultural Universities perform the integrated functions of teaching, research, and extension education.

24. How many Agricultural Universities are responsible for research in most of the states?

• A) 10
• B) 15
• C) 21
• D) 30
• Answer: C) 21
• Explanation: There are 21 Agricultural Universities responsible for research in most of the states.

25. What is the objective of the National Agricultural Research Project (NARP)?

• A) Skill-oriented vocational training
• B) Research capability enhancement of agricultural universities
• C) Providing quality training to agricultural researchers
• D) Implementing national demonstrations
• Answer: B) Research capability enhancement of agricultural universities
• Explanation: The National Agricultural Research Project (NARP) aims to further strengthen the research capabilities of agricultural universities.

26. What is the purpose of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs)?

• A) Providing quality training to agricultural researchers
• B) Skill-oriented vocational training for farmers and extension workers
• C) Conducting national demonstrations
• D) Implementing operational research projects
• Answer: B) Skill-oriented vocational training for farmers and extension workers
• Explanation: Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) provide skill-oriented vocational training to farmers and extension workers.

27. Which scheme was initiated in 1964-65 to conduct national demonstrations and operational research projects?

• A) Scheme of Professors of Eminence/National Fellows
• B) Agricultural Research Service (ARS)
• C) National Agricultural Research Project (NARP)
• D) National demonstrations and Operational Research Projects
• Answer: D) National demonstrations and Operational Research Projects
• Explanation: The scheme of National demonstrations and Operational Research Projects was initiated in 1964-65.

28. What is the objective of the Scheme of Professors of Eminence/National Fellows?

• A) Conducting national demonstrations
• B) Enhancing research capabilities of agricultural universities
• C) Providing skill-oriented vocational training
• D) Recognizing and supporting distinguished researchers
• Answer: D) Recognizing and supporting distinguished researchers
• Explanation: The Scheme of Professors of Eminence/National Fellows aims to recognize and support distinguished researchers.

29. In what year were Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) sponsored by ICAR?

• A) 1957
• B) 1965
• C) 1975
• D) 1980
• Answer: B) 1965
• Explanation: Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) were sponsored by ICAR in 1965.

30. How many National Research Centres are mentioned in the text?

• A) One
• B) Two
• C) Three
• D) Not specified
• Answer: D) Not specified
• Explanation: The text does not specify the number of National Research Centres.

31. What did President APJ Abdul Kalam emphasize as key elements for achieving “Vision – 2020”?

• A) Effective Legislation and Enforcement
• B) International Collaboration
• C) Effective Implementation with People’s Participation and Effective Communication for People’s Participation
• D) Urbanization and Industrialization
• Answer: C) Effective Implementation with People’s Participation and Effective Communication for People’s Participation
• Explanation: President APJ Abdul Kalam emphasized effective implementation with people’s participation and effective communication as key elements for achieving “Vision – 2020”.

32. According to “Vision – 2020”, what is the concept of “PURA”?

• A) Providing Urban Areas in Rural Settings
• B) Providing Rural Amenities in Urban Areas
• C) Providing Urban Amenities in Rural Areas
• D) Promoting Rural Industries in Urban Centers
• Answer: C) Providing Urban Amenities in Rural Areas (PURA)
• Explanation: “PURA” stands for Providing Urban Amenities in Rural Areas, which is a key element of “Vision – 2020”.

33. Which bill, passed in the Winter Session of 2002, demonstrated India’s commitment to conservation and sustainable utilization of bio-resources?

• A) Environmental Protection Bill
• B) Biological Diversity Bill
• C) Agricultural Development Bill
• D) Sustainable Resource Management Bill
• Answer: B) Biological Diversity Bill
• Explanation: The Biological Diversity Bill 2002, passed in the Winter Session, marked a major milestone in India’s commitment to conservation and sustainable utilization of bio-resources.

34. What are the identified research thrust areas for immediate future in agriculture?

• A) Increasing the productivity of crops only
• B) Micro-propagation of agricultural and horticultural plants only
• C) Forage crops for various agro-climatic regions only
• D) All of the above
• Answer: D) All of the above
• Explanation: The identified research thrust areas for immediate future in agriculture include increasing the productivity of crops, micro-propagation of agricultural and horticultural plants, and forage crops for various agro-climatic regions.

35. What techniques are mentioned for micro-propagation of agricultural and horticultural plants?

• A) Traditional farming methods
• B) Greenhouse cultivation
• C) Tissue culture techniques, biotechnology, etc.
• D) Crop rotation practices
• Answer: C) Tissue culture techniques, biotechnology, etc.
• Explanation: Micro-propagation of agricultural and horticultural plants is achieved through techniques like tissue culture techniques, biotechnology, etc.

36. Which individual proposed the “Vision – 2020” for India in 2003?

• A) Jawaharlal Nehru
• B) Indira Gandhi
• C) APJ Abdul Kalam
• D) Narendra Modi
• Answer: C) APJ Abdul Kalam
• Explanation: President APJ Abdul Kalam proposed the “Vision – 2020” for India in 2003.

37. What is the emphasis of “Vision – 2020” in terms of people’s participation?

• A) Passive involvement
• B) Active involvement
• C) No involvement
• D) Limited involvement
• Answer: B) Active involvement
• Explanation: “Vision – 2020” emphasizes active involvement of people in effective implementation and communication.

38. What is the significance of the concept “Providing Urban Amenities in Rural Areas (PURA)”?

• A) Ruralization of urban areas
• B) Urbanization of rural areas
• C) Improving rural infrastructure to match urban standards
• D) Promoting industrialization in rural settings
• Answer: C) Improving rural infrastructure to match urban standards
• Explanation: “PURA” aims to provide urban amenities in rural areas, thus improving rural infrastructure to match urban standards.

39. How does “Vision – 2020” envision achieving its goals?

• A) Through top-down governance
• B) Through international aid
• C) Through effective implementation with people’s participation
• D) Through privatization of agriculture
• Answer: C) Through effective implementation with people’s participation
• Explanation: “Vision – 2020” aims to achieve its goals through effective implementation with people’s participation.

40. What does the Biological Diversity Bill 2002 aim to address?

• A) Conservation and sustainable utilization of bio-resources
• B) Promotion of industrial agriculture
• C) Urbanization of rural areas
• D) Protection of endangered species
• Answer: A) Conservation and sustainable utilization of bio-resources
• Explanation: The Biological Diversity Bill 2002 aims to address the conservation and sustainable utilization of bio-resources.

41. What is the focus of achieving sustainable agriculture according to the provided text?

• A) Maximizing crop productivity
• B) Integration of farming systems
• C) Developing drought-tolerant crop varieties
• D) Expanding urban amenities in rural areas
• Answer: B) Integration of farming systems
• Explanation: The text emphasizes achieving sustainable agriculture through integrated farming systems, indicating a focus on holistic approaches to farming.

42. Which technique is mentioned for increasing the productivity of crops in the provided text?

• A) Traditional farming methods
• B) Tissue culture techniques
• C) Conventional fertilization methods
• D) Mechanical harvesting
• Answer: B) Tissue culture techniques
• Explanation: The text suggests the use of tissue culture techniques among others for increasing crop productivity.

43. What is the concept emphasized in President APJ Abdul Kalam’s vision for India in 2020?

• A) Maximizing rural amenities
• B) Sustainable agriculture
• C) Urbanization of rural areas
• D) Expansion of industrial sectors
• Answer: B) Sustainable agriculture
• Explanation: President APJ Abdul Kalam’s vision for India in 2020 emphasizes the need for sustainable agriculture.

44. What does PURA stand for according to the provided text?

• A) Providing Urban Resources to Agriculture
• B) Public Urban Resource Allocation
• C) Providing Urban Amenities in Rural Areas
• D) Perpetual Urban Agricultural Reform
• Answer: C) Providing Urban Amenities in Rural Areas
• Explanation: PURA stands for Providing Urban Amenities in Rural Areas, as mentioned in the text.

45. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a focus area for agricultural research in the text?

• A) Developing low-cost technologies
• B) Strengthening post-harvest research
• C) Enhancing urban infrastructure
• D) Production of quality seeds
• Answer: C) Enhancing urban infrastructure
• Explanation: Enhancing urban infrastructure is not mentioned as a focus area for agricultural research in the provided text.

46. What is emphasized in the research thrust area of optimal cropping systems in dryland agriculture?

• A) Maximizing irrigation usage
• B) Implementing monoculture practices
• C) Utilizing resources efficiently based on regional conditions
• D) Introducing high water-demanding crops
• Answer: C) Utilizing resources efficiently based on regional conditions
• Explanation: Optimal cropping systems in dryland agriculture emphasize utilizing resources efficiently based on regional conditions.

47. What is the focus of organic farming as mentioned in the text?

• A) Use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides
• B) Maximizing crop yields
• C) Integration of farming systems
• D) Avoidance of synthetic inputs and focus on natural methods
• Answer: D) Avoidance of synthetic inputs and focus on natural methods
• Explanation: Organic farming focuses on avoiding synthetic inputs and instead relies on natural methods.

48. Which technology is NOT mentioned for wasteland development in the provided text?

• A) Agroforestry
• B) Biocontrol agents
• C) Soil moisture conservation
• D) Agri-horticulture
• Answer: B) Biocontrol agents
• Explanation: While biocontrol agents are mentioned for eco-friendly pest management, they are not specifically mentioned for wasteland development.

49. What is the emphasis of developing low-cost packing and processing technologies in the text?

• A) Enhancing crop productivity
• B) Reducing post-harvest losses
• C) Improving seed quality
• D) Implementing advanced irrigation methods
• Answer: B) Reducing post-harvest losses
• Explanation: Developing low-cost packing and processing technologies aims to reduce post-harvest losses in agricultural and horticultural commodities.

50. Which sector is mentioned as needing research on new irrigation methods and drought-tolerant crop varieties?

• A) Livestock farming
• B) Fisheries
• C) Forestry
• D) Crop agriculture
• Answer: D) Crop agriculture
• Explanation: Research on new irrigation methods and drought-tolerant crop varieties is specifically mentioned for crop agriculture in the text.

51. What is the focus of research on non-conventional energy resources?

• A) Increasing crop productivity
• B) Enhancing medicinal plant processing
• C) Developing alternative energy sources
• D) Expanding agricultural extension services
• Answer: C) Developing alternative energy sources
• Explanation: Research on non-conventional energy resources focuses on developing alternative energy sources beyond traditional ones like fossil fuels.

52. What is emphasized in the research area of productivity and processing of medicinal plants?

• A) Maximizing crop yields
• B) Commercial exploitation in domestic and foreign markets
• C) Development of agri-clinics
• D) Integration of farming systems
• Answer: B) Commercial exploitation in domestic and foreign markets
• Explanation: The focus is on research for enhancing productivity and processing of medicinal plants for commercial exploitation in both domestic and foreign markets.

53. What is the purpose of setting up agri-clinics and agri-business centers?

• A) Conducting soil and water quality tests
• B) Providing marketing services for farmers
• C) Training farmers in primary processing techniques
• D) All of the above
• Answer: D) All of the above
• Explanation: Agri-clinics and agri-business centers are established to provide various services including soil and water quality testing, marketing assistance, and training in primary processing techniques.

54. According to the provided text, what is considered the key to success in agricultural technology adoption?

• A) Maximizing government subsidies
• B) Involvement of the entire community
• C) Adoption of traditional farming methods
• D) Expansion of agricultural lands
• Answer: B) Involvement of the entire community
• Explanation: The text suggests that the key to success lies in the involvement of the entire community in adopting agricultural technology.

55. What is the aim of stabilizing agro technologies for medicinal herbs, as mentioned in the text?

• A) Enhancing crop yields
• B) Reducing post-harvest losses
• C) Improving medicinal plant processing
• D) Expanding market share in domestic and foreign markets
• Answer: D) Expanding market share in domestic and foreign markets
• Explanation: The aim is to stabilize agro technologies for medicinal herbs and place them strategically in the value chain to expand market share in domestic and foreign markets.

56. What significant development occurred in addition to the interest within actual farmers, as mentioned in the text?

• A) Formation of women Self Help Groups
• B) Increase in government subsidies
• C) Introduction of new agricultural technologies
• D) Expansion of agricultural lands
• Answer: A) Formation of women Self Help Groups
• Explanation: In addition to the interest within actual farmers, the formation of women Self Help Groups occurred for joint cooperative efforts to improve quality of life.

57. What is the focus of the mission Second Green Revolution mentioned in the text?

• A) Maximizing agricultural subsidies
• B) Increasing agricultural productivity through technological advances
• C) Promoting traditional farming methods
• D) Expanding agricultural lands
• Answer: B) Increasing agricultural productivity through technological advances
• Explanation: The focus of the mission Second Green Revolution is on increasing agricultural productivity through technological advances.

58. How do farmers benefit from agro-processing, according to the text?

• A) Increased access to government loans
• B) Enhanced crop yields
• C) Considerable earnings and substantial returns on investment
• D) Expansion of agricultural lands
• Answer: C) Considerable earnings and substantial returns on investment
• Explanation: Farmers benefit from agro-processing through considerable earnings and substantial returns on their investment.

59. What agreement is referenced in the text regarding agriculture?

• A) Kyoto Protocol
• B) Paris Agreement
• C) Agreement on Agriculture of the World Trade Organisation (WTO)
• D) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• Answer: C) Agreement on Agriculture of the World Trade Organisation (WTO)
• Explanation: The text references the Agreement on Agriculture of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in the context of agriculture.

70. What is the significance of grooming technology according to the text?

• A) Maximizing government subsidies
• B) Enhancing crop yields
• C) Facilitating entry of money into technological project realization
• D) Expansion of agricultural lands
• Answer: C) Facilitating entry of money into technological project realization
• Explanation: Grooming technology facilitates the entry of money into technological project realization, which is crucial for success in agricultural endeavors.