Traditional Knowledge Technology MCQ for 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. Which of the following best describes the current state of agriculture in India, according to the
passage?
A) Self-sufficiency achieved through sustainable farming methods.
B) Reliance on exploitative agriculture with increased use of chemicals and machinery.
C) Adoption of traditional farming practices leading to increased productivity.
D) Dependence on indigenous farming techniques to combat environmental challenges.
Answer: B) Reliance on exploitative agriculture with increased use of chemicals and machinery.
Explanation: The passage states that India has moved towards “exploitative” agriculture with
increased dependency on machinery and chemicals, which has proven counterproductive.
2. What is suggested as the best solution to the agricultural challenges mentioned in the passage?
A) Completely abandoning modern technology.
B) Focusing solely on traditional farming practices.
C) Blending modern technology with traditional knowledge.
D) Promoting industrialized agriculture.
Answer: C) Blending modern technology with traditional knowledge.
Explanation: The passage suggests that integrating scientific and traditional knowledge could help
develop sustainable and locally applicable agricultural technologies.
3. Which group is highlighted as possessing valuable indigenous agricultural knowledge?
A) Urban farmers
B) Tribals
C) International researchers
D) Agricultural scientists
Answer: B) Tribals
Explanation: The passage mentions that tribals possess a lot of indigenous agricultural know-how
due to centuries of accumulated experiences.
4. What is the potential consequence of neglecting traditional agricultural practices?
A) Increased agricultural productivity
B) Environmental degradation
C) Decreased reliance on chemicals
D) Preservation of soil and water resources
Answer: B) Environmental degradation
Explanation: Neglecting traditional practices can lead to environmental degradation, as mentioned
in the passage.
5. According to the passage, how long has traditional farming been practiced in India?
A) Since the Industrial Revolution
B) Since the Vedic age (3700 BC)
C) Since the Renaissance
D) Since the 19th century
Answer: B) Since the Vedic age (3700 BC)
Explanation: The passage states that traditional farming has been practiced in India since the Vedic age.
6. What is the main challenge mentioned in the passage regarding the preservation of traditional
agricultural knowledge?
A) Lack of technological advancements
B) Limited availability of resources
C) Lack of appreciation and understanding
D) Government regulations
Answer: C) Lack of appreciation and understanding
Explanation: The passage mentions that many beneficial practices have been lost due to lack of
appreciation, highlighting this as a challenge.
7. What is proposed as a necessary step to ensure wider adoption of indigenous farming practices?
A) Increased government regulations
B) Promotion of urban farming
C) Scientific validation and promotion
D) Abandonment of modern technology
Answer: C) Scientific validation and promotion
Explanation: The passage suggests that traditional practices need to be scientifically validated for
wider adoption.
8. What is the primary emphasis of the passage regarding the integration of modern and traditional
agricultural practices?
A) Economic profitability
B) Environmental sustainability
C) Technological advancement
D) Social equality
Answer: B) Environmental sustainability
Explanation: The passage emphasizes blending modern and traditional knowledge to achieve
environmentally sound and sustainable agricultural practices.
9. What is identified as the fundamental issue for sustainable development in agriculture?
A) Increased use of chemicals
B) Dependency on machinery
C) Environmental degradation
D) Lack of government support
Answer: C) Environmental degradation
Explanation: The passage highlights environmental degradation as a fundamental issue for
sustainable development in agriculture.
10. Which term best describes the approach advocated in the passage for addressing agricultural
challenges?
A) Isolationism
B) Innovation
C) Conservation
D) Industrialization
Answer: B) Innovation
Explanation: The passage advocates for blending modern and traditional knowledge to innovate
sustainable agricultural practices.
Here are 10 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) based on the provided text about traditional crop
protection methods, along with answers and explanations:
11. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a traditional method of crop protection in the
passage?
A) Soaking maize seeds in cow urine
B) Treating rice seedlings with neem kernel extract
C) Spraying cow dung solution on paddy fields
D) Using chemical pesticides for pest control
**Answer:** D) Using chemical pesticides for pest control
**Explanation:** The passage discusses traditional, eco-friendly methods such as soaking seeds in
cow urine, using neem kernel extract, and spraying natural solutions like cow urine and asafoetida,
but does not mention the use of chemical pesticides.
12. What is the purpose of soaking maize seeds in cow urine, according to farmers?
A) To improve germination rate
B) To enhance resistance against insect pests
C) To increase crop yield
D) To prevent fungal diseases
**Answer:** B) To enhance resistance against insect pests
**Explanation:** The passage states that soaking maize seeds in cow urine is believed to increase
resistance against insect pests.
13. Which method is recommended for controlling paddy blast and bacterial blight in paddy fields?
A) Spraying neem oil solution
B) Treating seeds with cow dung extract
C) Soaking seeds in water mixed with asafoetida
D) Spraying a solution of cow dung and water
**Answer:** D) Spraying a solution of cow dung and water
**Explanation:** The passage mentions that spraying a solution of cow dung prepared by mixing it
with water was observed to control paddy blast and bacterial blight in paddy fields.
14. How do farmers address insect holes made by shoot borers and bark eaters in mango trees?
A) Pouring kerosene in the holes
B) Blocking holes with cow dung
C) Placing jaggery in the holes
D) All of the above
**Answer:** D) All of the above
**Explanation:** The passage mentions multiple methods including placing jaggery, pouring
kerosene, and blocking holes with cow dung to address insect holes in mango trees.
15. What is the purpose of mixing common salt with soil near the collar region of mango trees?
A) To improve soil fertility
B) To repel insects
C) To enhance tree growth
D) To prevent infestation of shoot borers
**Answer:** D) To prevent infestation of shoot borers
**Explanation:** The passage states that mixing common salt with soil near the collar region of
mango trees is for the prevention of infestation of shoot borers.
16. Which traditional method is used for controlling ‘bunchy top’ disease in chilies?
A) Dusting of ash
B) Spraying neem oil
C) Using chemical fertilizers
D) None of the above
**Answer:** A) Dusting of ash
**Explanation:** The passage mentions dusting of ash as one of the traditional methods for
controlling ‘bunchy top’ disease in chilies.
17. What traditional method is used for repelling sucking pests in paddy fields?
A) Spraying neem oil solution
B) Using chemical pesticides
C) Spraying cow urine and asafoetida solution
D) None of the above
**Answer:** C) Spraying cow urine and asafoetida solution
**Explanation:** The passage mentions that spraying a solution of cow urine and asafoetida in
water repels sucking pests in paddy fields.
18. Which traditional method involves placing jaggery in insect holes in mango trees?
A) Prevention of infestation of shoot borers
B) Control of bacterial blight
C) Repelling leafhoppers
D) Attracting predators to feed on insects
**Answer:** D) Attracting predators to feed on insects
**Explanation:** Placing jaggery in insect holes is mentioned to attract predators like ants to feed
on insects present in the holes.
19. Which traditional method involves the use of gugul smoke for disease control?
A) Control of paddy blast
B) Prevention of ‘bunchy top’ disease
C) Control of bacterial blight
D) Prevention of infestation of shoot borers
**Answer:** B) Prevention of ‘bunchy top’ disease
**Explanation:** The passage mentions the use of gugul smoke for the prevention of ‘bunchy top’
disease in chilies.
20. What is the primary emphasis of the traditional crop protection methods discussed in the
passage?
A) Use of chemical pesticides
B) Eco-friendly and natural approaches
C) Genetic modification of crops
D) Mechanical methods of pest control
**Answer:** B) Eco-friendly and natural approaches
**Explanation:** The passage emphasizes traditional methods rooted in eco-friendly practices
such as cultural practices, natural extracts, and animal by-products for crop protection.
21. Which material is used to prevent fungal diseases like damping off and die back in chilli plants?
A) Neem cake
B) Cow dung
C) Castor cake
D) Karanj cake
**Answer:** B) Cow dung
**Explanation:** The passage mentions that fresh cow dung is placed near the collar region of
chilli plants to prevent fungal diseases like damping off and die back.
22. What is used as a control measure against soil-borne diseases and termites?
A) Neem cake
B) Castor cake
C) Karanj cake
D) All of the above
**Answer:** D) All of the above
**Explanation:** The passage states that castor cake, karanj cake, or neem cake are used as control
measures against soil-borne diseases and termites.
23. What substance is commonly used in sugarcane fields to control termite problems?
A) Cow dung
B) Common salt
C) Kerosene
D) Neem oil
**Answer:** B) Common salt
**Explanation:** The passage mentions the common use of common salt (100-125 kg/ha) during
intercultural operations in sugarcane fields to control termite problems.
24. Which plant material is effective against termites, white grub, and borers in sprouting sugarcane
sets?
A) Neem leaves
B) Aak (Calotropis spp.) stems
C) Castor stems
D) Karanj stems
**Answer:** B) Aak (Calotropis spp.) stems
**Explanation:** The passage states that putting stems of Aak (Calotropis spp.) in the irrigation
channels is effective against controlling termites, white grub, and borers during sprouting of sets in
sugarcane crops.
25. What traditional method is mentioned for controlling termites in fields?
A) Spraying neem oil
B) Placing Aak stems in irrigation channels
C) Using common salt during intercultural operations
D) Applying kerosene
**Answer:** D) Applying kerosene
**Explanation:** The passage mentions the common use of kerosene against the control of
termites in fields.
26. According to the passage, what is a unique feature of ancient indigenous knowledge about
weather forecasting?
A) It is based on modern scientific methods.
B) It is holistic and multidimensional in nature.
C) It relies solely on astrology.
D) It originated recently.
**Answer:** B) It is holistic and multidimensional in nature.
**Explanation:** The passage highlights that ancient indigenous knowledge about weather
forecasting is holistic and multidimensional, unlike modern scientific methods which are reductional
and uni-dimensional.
27. Who are mentioned as often being correct in their weather predictions?
A) Modern meteorologists
B) Village astrologers (Pundits)
C) Ancient astronomers
D) Scientific minded rationalists
**Answer:** B) Village astrologers (Pundits)
**Explanation:** The passage states that village astrologers (Pundits) are often correct in their
weather predictions.
28. What has sidelined and neglected ancient indigenous knowledge according to the passage?
A) Technological advancements
B) Government regulations
C) Lack of interest from farmers
D) Modern scientific methods
**Answer:** D) Modern scientific methods
**Explanation:** The passage mentions that ancient indigenous knowledge has been sidelined and
neglected by modern scientific methods.
29. What is the primary emphasis of traditional methods mentioned for disease control in
agriculture?
A) Use of chemical pesticides
B) Incorporation of organic materials
C) Adoption of genetic modification
D) Implementation of mechanical methods
**Answer:** B) Incorporation of organic materials
**Explanation:** The passage emphasizes the use of organic materials such as cow dung, plant
extracts, and natural substances for disease control in agriculture.
30. Which approach to weather forecasting is highlighted as being multidimensional and holistic?
A) Modern scientific methods
B) Ancient indigenous knowledge
C) Astrological predictions
D) Reductional methods
**Answer:** B) Ancient indigenous knowledge
**Explanation:** The passage contrasts ancient indigenous knowledge, which is described as
holistic and multidimensional, with modern reductional methods of weather forecasting.
31. What does it indicate if the nanow (downward pointed) ends of all the four eggs of a rain bird are
downwards?
A) Good rainfall throughout the season
B) Less rainfall throughout the season
C) No rainfall at all
D) Indication of hailstorm
**Answer:** A) Good rainfall throughout the season
**Explanation:** According to the passage, if the nanow ends of all the four eggs of a rain bird are
downwards, it indicates good rainfall throughout the season.
32. Which tree’s adventitious roots sprouting signals the imminent arrival of rains within 2-4 days?
A) Banyan tree
B) Neem tree
C) Babul tree
D) Ber tree
**Answer:** A) Banyan tree
**Explanation:** The passage mentions that when the adventitious roots of the banyan tree start
sprouting, local people assume that rains will appear within 2-4 days.
33. How long after flowering in the babul tree is rain expected to come?
A) 2-4 days
B) 5-7 days
C) 10-15 days
D) 20-25 days
**Answer:** C) 10-15 days
**Explanation:** The passage states that rains will appear after 10-15 days of flowering in the
babul tree.
34. What indicates the arrival of rain within 10-15 days in the case of neem trees?
A) Ripening and falling of neem kernels
B) Sprouting of buds
C) Appearance of rain birds
D) Sprouting of adventitious roots
**Answer:** A) Ripening and falling of neem kernels
**Explanation:** According to the passage, rain is expected to come after 10-15 days when neem
kernels ripen and start falling.
35. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a predictor of rain in the passage?
A) Damsel fly flying close to the ground
B) Frogs making noise
C) Ants moving in a line
D) Eagle soaring high in the sky
**Answer:** D) Eagle soaring high in the sky
**Explanation:** The passage mentions damsel fly, frogs, and ants as predictors of rain, but not
eagles.
36. What weather conditions are associated with good rainfall according to the farmers’
observations?
A) Southerly winds
B) Easterly winds
C) Westerly winds
D) Northerly winds
**Answer:** C) Westerly winds
**Explanation:** Farmers observe that westerly winds/clouds mean good rainfall, according to the
passage.
37. How is castration performed in males according to indigenous practices?
A) Using surgical tools
B) Destroying the spermatic cord with a stone/hammer
C) Administering injections
D) Applying topical ointments
**Answer:** B) Destroying the spermatic cord with a stone/hammer
**Explanation:** The passage mentions that castration in males is done by destroying the
spermatic cord with a stone/hammer.
38. What is done to animals suffering from respiratory distress according to indigenous practices?
A) Administering oral medication
B) Applying topical creams
C) Branding with a hot iron rod on the neck
D) Immersing in water
**Answer:** C) Branding with a hot iron rod on the neck
**Explanation:** The passage mentions that in case of respiratory distress, animals are branded
with a hot iron rod on the neck.
39. What is used for treating bloat in animals according to indigenous practices?
A) Antibiotics
B) Indigenous materials like cow dung or karanj oil
C) Herbal supplements
D) Vaccines
**Answer:** B) Indigenous materials like cow dung or karanj oil
**Explanation:** The passage states that treatment of bloat is done by drenching indigenous
materials like cow dung or karanj oil.
40. What is the primary emphasis of indigenous practices mentioned for animal management?
A) Use of modern veterinary medicine
B) Utilization of natural and locally available materials
C) Application of advanced surgical techniques
D) Implementation of genetic modification techniques
**Answer:** B) Utilization of natural and locally available materials
**Explanation:** The passage emphasizes the use of natural and locally available materials such as
cow dung, karanj oil, and hot iron rods for animal management.
41. Which mixture is used for treating foot and mouth disease (FMD)?
A) Buttermilk + mustard oil + ground rapseed
B) Ground bark of roheda tree mixed with water
C) Small fish wrapped with bread
D) Butter milk + common salt + onion + raw custard apple
**Answer:** C) Small fish wrapped with bread
**Explanation:** According to the passage, a small fish wrapped with a piece of bread is fed to the
diseased animal until it is completely cured of FMD.
42. What is used for deworming animals according to the text?
A) Drenching with copper sulfate
B) Applying kerosene on the body
C) Feeding seeds of datura
D) Boiling flowers of mahua tree
**Answer:** A) Drenching with copper sulfate
**Explanation:** The passage mentions drenching with copper sulfate, dilute neem solution, and
sesame leaves crushed and mixed with water as measures for deworming.
43. How are external parasites controlled according to indigenous practices?
A) Feeding sesame leaves
B) Applying kerosene on the body
C) Drenching with copper sulfate
D) Feeding seeds of datura
**Answer:** B) Applying kerosene on the body with cotton gauze
**Explanation:** The passage states that kerosene is applied on the body of animals with the help
of cotton gauze for the control of external parasites.
44. What is fed to cows and buffaloes one month prior to calving to facilitate normal parturition?
A) Match sticks wrapped in bread
B) Seeds of datura
C) Crushed wheat soaked in water mixed with jaggery and ghee oil
D) Boiled flowers of khakra
**Answer:** C) Crushed wheat soaked in water mixed with jaggery and ghee oil
**Explanation:** The passage mentions feeding crushed wheat soaked in water mixed with jaggery
and ghee oil to cows and buffaloes one month prior to calving to facilitate normal parturition.
45. What is used for the treatment of anestrus in buffaloes?
A) Small fish wrapped with bread
B) Seeds of datura
C) Boiled flowers of mahua tree
D) Ground bark of haru tree mixed with water
**Answer:** B) Seeds of datura
**Explanation:** The passage mentions feeding seeds of datura as one of the measures for the
treatment of anestrus in buffaloes.
46. What is the primary emphasis of the indigenous practices mentioned for animal health
management?
A) Use of modern pharmaceuticals
B) Incorporation of traditional herbs and materials
C) Adoption of advanced surgical techniques
D) Implementation of genetic modification techniques
**Answer:** B) Incorporation of traditional herbs and materials
**Explanation:** The passage emphasizes the use of traditional herbs and materials such as
kerosene, sesame leaves, neem solution, etc., for animal health management.
47. What is the purpose of using a mixture of bark of roheda tree ground and mixed with water?
A) Deworming animals
B) Treating foot and mouth disease
C) Controlling external parasites
D) Facilitating normal parturition
**Answer:** B) Treating foot and mouth disease
**Explanation:** According to the passage, the bark of roheda tree ground and mixed with water is
used for treating foot and mouth disease.
48. Which mixture is used for controlling anestrus in buffaloes?
A) Buttermilk + mustard oil + ground rapseed
B) Match sticks wrapped in bread
C) Seeds of datura
D) Boiled flowers of mahua tree
**Answer:** D) Boiled flowers of mahua tree
**Explanation:** The passage mentions that dry flowers of mahua tree boiled in water are fed for 5 days for the treatment of anestrus in buffaloes.
49. What method is used for controlling external parasites in animals?
A) Drenching with copper sulfate
B) Applying kerosene on the body with cotton gauze
C) Feeding small fish wrapped with bread
D) Boiling flowers of khakra
**Answer:** B) Applying kerosene on the body with cotton gauze
**Explanation:** The passage states that kerosene is applied on the body of animals with cotton
gauze for the control of external parasites.
50. How are animals dewormed using indigenous practices?
A) Feeding match sticks wrapped in bread
B) Drenching with copper sulfate
C) Applying sesame leaves crushed with water
D) Wrapping small fish with bread
**Answer:** C) Applying sesame leaves crushed with water
**Explanation:** The passage mentions that sesame leaves are crushed, mixed with water, and
then strained for deworming animals.
51. What method is used to feed crushed sorghum for 2-3 days?
A) Mixing with bread or concentrate
B) Boiling with water
C) Soaking in water
D) Sprinkling on top of regular feed
**Answer:** C) Soaking in water
**Explanation:** The passage mentions that crushed sorghum is soaked in water and fed to
animals for 2-3 days.
52. How is poultry droppings utilized in feeding animals?
A) Mixing with bread or concentrate
B) Sprinkling on top of regular feed
C) Boiling with water
D) Directly feeding without any processing
**Answer:** A) Mixing with bread or concentrate
**Explanation:** According to the passage, poultry droppings are mixed with bread or concentrate
before being fed to animals.
53. What is the treatment for pneumonia in animals according to indigenous practices?
A) Feeding cactus
B) Administering antibiotics
C) Burning cactus and mixing its ash with water for drenching
D) Applying a tuber sooran ground with water
**Answer:** C) Burning cactus and mixing its ash with water for drenching
**Explanation:** The passage mentions that for pneumonia, cactus is burnt, and the ash mixed
with water is drenched to the animal twice.
54. How are fractures treated in animals according to indigenous practices?
A) Administering local poultry breed eggs
B) Applying khakra leaves bandaged with bamboo splints
C) Feeding boiled crushed maize
D) Administering a tuber sooran ground with water
**Answer:** B) Applying khakra leaves bandaged with bamboo splints
**Explanation:** The passage mentions that in case of fractures, khakra leaves are bandaged all
over the affected part and splints of bamboo are tied around it.
55. What is the method to manage excessive salivation (FMD) in animals?
A) Feeding boiled crushed maize
B) Administering local poultry breed eggs
C) Drenching a tuber sooran ground with water
D) Applying cactus ash mixed with water
**Answer:** C) Drenching a tuber sooran ground with water
**Explanation:** According to the passage, excessive salivation (FMD) is managed by drenching a
tuber sooran ground with water.
56. How is milk production increased according to indigenous practices?
A) Feeding boiled crushed maize
B) Feeding leaves of sem and chan ber
C) Feeding crushed sorghum soaked in water
D) Administering poultry droppings mixed with bread or concentrate
**Answer:** B) Feeding leaves of sem and chan ber
**Explanation:** The passage mentions that feeding leaves of sem and chan ber increases milk
production.
57. What is used for the control of foot and mouth disease (FMD)?
A) Dipping the foot of the animal in its urine
B) Applying powdered camphor on the tail
C) Feeding ground neem leaves
D) Feeding sprouted whole wheat
**Answer:** A) Dipping the foot of the animal in its urine
**Explanation:** According to the passage, dipping the foot of the animal in its urine is used for
the control of foot and mouth disease (FMD).
58. Which method is used for overcoming tail neurosis?
A) Dipping the tail in hot water
B) Applying powdered camphor on the tail
C) Feeding ground neem leaves
D) Feeding sprouted whole wheat
**Answer:** B) Applying powdered camphor on the tail
**Explanation:** The passage mentions applying powdered camphor on the tail for overcoming tail
neurosis.
59. What is utilized for treating internal parasites?
A) Dipping the foot of the animal in its urine
B) Applying powdered camphor on the tail
C) Feeding ground neem leaves
D) Feeding sprouted whole wheat
**Answer:** C) Feeding ground neem leaves
**Explanation:** According to the passage, feeding ground neem leaves is utilized for treating
internal parasites.
60. What is the method for treating anoestrus in animals?
A) Dipping the foot of the animal in its urine
B) Applying powdered camphor on the tail
C) Feeding ground neem leaves
D) Feeding sprouted whole wheat
**Answer:** D) Feeding sprouted whole wheat
**Explanation:** The passage mentions feeding sprouted whole wheat for 10-15 days
continuously for treating anoestrus in animals.