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Agriculture

UPSC Agriculture 2021 — Paper I

All 8 questions from UPSC Civil Services Mains Agriculture 2021 Paper I (400 marks total). Every stem reproduced in full, with directive-word analysis, marks, word limits, and answer-approach pointers.

8Questions
400Total marks
2021Year
Paper IPaper

Topics covered

Sustainable agriculture and natural resource management (1)Greenhouse effect and crop diversification (1)Agroforestry and nutrient management (1)Soil fertility and integrated farming systems (1)Agricultural policies and technologies (1)Soil erosion and irrigation management (1)Ecology and irrigation methods (1)Agricultural extension and price policy (1)

A

Q1
50M 150w Compulsory describe Sustainable agriculture and natural resource management

Describe the following in about 150 words each: (a) The major ways for sustainable management of natural resources (10 marks) (b) Improved agro-practices for the production of quality protein maize (10 marks) (c) Social forestry and various schemes related to social forestry (10 marks) (d) The major weeds of rice and their management practices under both upland and lowland conditions (10 marks) (e) Biofertilizers and the major constraints in popularization of biofertilizers (10 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

निम्नलिखित प्रत्येक का लगभग 150 शब्दों में वर्णन कीजिए : (a) प्राकृतिक संसाधनों के सतत प्रबंधन के मुख्य उपाय (10 अंक) (b) गुणवत्तापूर्ण (क्वालिटी) प्रोटीन मक्का के उत्पादन के लिए उन्नत शस्य विधियाँ (10 अंक) (c) सामाजिक वानिकी एवं सामाजिक वानिकी से संबंधित विविध योजनाएँ (10 अंक) (d) धान के मुख्य खरपतवार एवं ऊपरी तथा निचली भूमि अवस्थाओं में इनके प्रबंधन के उपाय (10 अंक) (e) जैव उर्वरक एवं जैव उर्वरक के लोकप्रिय होने में मुख्य बाधाएँ (10 अंक)

Answer approach & key points

Framework: Concept > Practice or process > Data > Indian application. (a) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance | (b) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance | (c) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance | (d) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance | (e) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance Full marks: Precise definitions, specific examples (varieties, schemes, weeds), clear distinction between conditions, and accurate terminology.

  • Define sustainable management of natural resources
  • List 3-4 major ways (e.g., conservation, recycling, policy)
  • Mention specific Indian policy or act (e.g., FRA, Forest Act)
  • Briefly explain the mechanism of one way
  • Mention specific high-protein varieties (e.g., QPM, DTQPM)
  • Specify seed treatment or inoculation (e.g., Rhizobium)
  • Detail fertilizer management (NPK balance)
  • Mention specific spacing or planting time
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Q2
50M discuss Greenhouse effect and crop diversification

(a) What is greenhouse effect? Write in detail about various greenhouse gases and their impact on crop production. (20 marks) (b) What is the role of new agricultural technologies and market policies in crop diversification? Discuss in detail. (20 marks) (c) Discuss the activity and selectivity of herbicides. (10 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

(a) हरित-गृह प्रभाव क्या है? विभिन्न प्रकार की हरित-गृह गैसों के बारे में एवं फसल उत्पादन पर इनके प्रभावों के बारे में विस्तार से लिखिए। (20 अंक) (b) फसल विविधीकरण में नई कृषि तकनीकों एवं बाजार नीतियों की भूमिका क्या है? विस्तारपूर्वक वर्णन कीजिए। (20 अंक) (c) शाकनाशियों की गतिविधि एवं चयनात्मकता का वर्णन कीजिए। (10 अंक)

Answer approach & key points

Framework: Concept > Practice or process > Data > Indian application. (a) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Precise definitions, specific examples, clear linkages between concepts and Indian context.

  • Define greenhouse effect mechanism
  • List CO2, CH4, N2O, CFCs
  • Link gases to specific crop stress
  • Mention heat stress or yield loss
  • Link tech to diversification (e.g., precision ag)
  • Explain market policy role (MSP, subsidies)
  • Mention specific Indian schemes
  • Discuss economic incentives for farmers
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Q3
50M discuss Agroforestry and nutrient management

(a) What do you understand by agroforestry? Discuss various types of agroforestry systems in India with the help of examples. (20 marks) (b) What do you mean by Site-Specific Nutrient Management (SSNM)? Write the steps and recommendations for implementing SSNM in major cereals. (20 marks) (c) Discuss various international conventions and recent global initiatives pertaining to climate change. (10 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

(a) शस्य वानिकी से आप क्या समझते हैं? भारत में शस्य वानिकी की विभिन्न पद्धतियों की उदाहरण सहित विवेचना कीजिए। (20 अंक) (b) साइट-विशिष्ट पोषक-तत्व प्रबंधन (एस० एस० एन० एम०) से आप क्या समझते हैं? मुख्य धान्य फसलों में इसके क्रियान्वयन हेतु विभिन्न चरणों एवं संस्तुतियों को लिखिए। (20 अंक) (c) जलवायु परिवर्तन से संबंधित विभिन्न अंतर्राष्ट्रीय सम्मेलनों एवं अद्यतन वैश्विक पहलों का वर्णन कीजिए। (10 अंक)

Answer approach & key points

Framework: Concept > Practice or process > Data > Indian application. (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (c) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Comprehensive, specific, and well-structured with Indian examples and data.

  • Define agroforestry as a land-use system
  • Classify systems (e.g., Alley, Silvo-arable, Silvo-pastoral)
  • Provide specific Indian examples for each type
  • Mention benefits (economic, ecological, social)
  • Define SSNM (site-specific nutrient management)
  • List steps (soil testing, crop response, etc.)
  • Give recommendations for major cereals (Rice, Wheat)
  • Mention specific nutrient doses or ratios
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Q4
50M discuss Soil fertility and integrated farming systems

(a) What are the factors responsible for declining soil fertility? Discuss various measures adopted for improving soil productivity. (20 marks) (b) Define Integrated Farming System (IFS). How can IFS improve the income of different landholding groups? (20 marks) (c) Describe the major biological control methods of weeds. (10 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

(a) मृदा उर्वरता की गिरावट के लिए उत्तरदायी कारक कौन-से हैं? मृदा उत्पादकता के सुधार हेतु प्रयुक्त विभिन्न उपायों का वर्णन कीजिए। (20 अंक) (b) समन्वित कृषि पद्धति (आई० एफ० एस०) को परिभाषित कीजिए। समन्वित कृषि पद्धति विभिन्न भूमिधारक समूहों की आय कैसे सुधार सकती है? (20 अंक) (c) खरपतवारों की मुख्य जैविक नियंत्रण विधियों का वर्णन कीजिए। (10 अंक)

Answer approach & key points

(a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) define: precise definition > the distinguishing feature > one example | (c) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance Full marks: Comprehensive, specific, and well-structured answers with named examples and schemes.

  • Factors: nutrient mining, erosion, salinity, organic matter loss
  • Measures: crop rotation, green manuring, composting, mulching
  • Measures: balanced fertilization, soil testing, conservation tillage
  • Linkage of specific measure to specific fertility factor
  • Definition: integration of crop, livestock, fishery, forestry
  • Mechanism: recycling of waste (manure, crop residue)
  • Application to small/marginal farmers (e.g., poultry, kitchen garden)
  • Application to large farmers (e.g., dairy, agroforestry)
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B

Q5
50M 150w Compulsory describe Agricultural policies and technologies

Describe Q. Nos. 5(a), 5(c), 5(d), 5(e) and answer Q. No. 5(b) (in about 150 words each): (a) Technologies and policies for sustained crop production in rainfed agriculture (10 marks) (b) Define Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). Discuss various initiatives to promote ICTs in agriculture. (10 marks) (c) The Minimum Support Price (MSP) and its determination (10 marks) (d) Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and its progress (10 marks) (e) Parameters for determination of quality of irrigation water (10 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

प्र० सं० 5(a), 5(c), 5(d), 5(e) को वर्णित कीजिए और प्र० सं० 5(b) का उत्तर दीजिए (प्रत्येक लगभग 150 शब्दों में) : (a) वर्षा-आधारित कृषि के अंतर्गत सतत फसल उत्पादन के लिए तकनीकें एवं नीतियाँ (10 अंक) (b) सूचना एवं संचार तकनीकों (आई० सी० टी०) को परिभाषित कीजिए। कृषि क्षेत्र में आई० सी० टी० को प्रोत्साहित करने हेतु विभिन्न पहलों की व्याख्या कीजिए। (10 अंक) (c) न्यूनतम समर्थन मूल्य (एम० एस० पी०) एवं उसका निर्धारण (10 अंक) (d) प्रधानमंत्री फसल बीमा योजना (पी० एम० एफ० बी० वाई०) एवं उसकी प्रगति (10 अंक) (e) सिंचाई जल की गुणवत्ता को निर्धारित करने वाले मापदंड (10 अंक)

Answer approach & key points

Framework: Concept > Practice or process > Data > Indian application. (a) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance | (d) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance | (e) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance Full marks: Precise technical terms, named schemes, specific data, balanced analysis

  • Conservation technologies (mulching, zero-till)
  • Water harvesting (check dams, contour bunds)
  • Drought-resistant varieties (e.g., pearl millet)
  • Policy support (PMKSY, crop insurance)
  • Definition of ICTs in agri context
  • Kisan Call Centres (KCCs)
  • e-NAM (market linkage)
  • Digital extension (mKisan, apps)
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Q6
50M explain Soil erosion and irrigation management

(a) Define soil erosion and its different forms. Explain agronomic and mechanical measures to reduce the adverse effects of soil erosion in crop production. (20 marks) (b) What is irrigation potential of India and how can it be increased through rain-water harvesting? (20 marks) (c) Discuss cooperative marketing with successful case studies. (10 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

(a) मृदाक्षरण एवं इसके विभिन्न रूपों को परिभाषित कीजिए। फसलोत्पादन में मृदाक्षरण के प्रतिकूल प्रभावों को कम करने हेतु शस्य एवं यांत्रिक उपायों का वर्णन कीजिए। (20 अंक) (b) भारत की सिंचाई क्षमता क्या है एवं वर्षा-जल संचयन के द्वारा इसको कैसे बढ़ाया जा सकता है? (20 अंक) (c) सफल कैस अध्ययन के द्वारा सहकारी विपणन की विवेचना कीजिए। (10 अंक)

Answer approach & key points

Framework: Concept > Practice or process > Data > Indian application. (a) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (b) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (c) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Comprehensive, specific, and well-structured answers with clear examples and data.

  • Define soil erosion and list forms (sheet, rill, gully, wind).
  • Explain agronomic measures (contour ploughing, mulching, crop rotation).
  • Explain mechanical measures (terracing, check dams, bunds).
  • Link measures to reducing adverse effects in crop production.
  • Define irrigation potential (net area irrigated + potential for expansion).
  • Explain rainwater harvesting (surface, subsurface, rooftop).
  • Link harvesting to increasing irrigation potential.
  • Mention specific Indian context (e.g., micro-irrigation, check dams).
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Q7
50M define Ecology and irrigation methods

(a) Define ecology. Mention its basic concepts and relevance in crop production. (20 marks) (b) How to improve drainage of waterlogged areas? Discuss the advantages and limitations of drip and sprinkler irrigation methods. (20 marks) (c) Discuss various approaches of extension. Describe the recent emerging concepts in transfer of technology. (10 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

(a) पारिस्थितिक विज्ञान को परिभाषित कीजिए। इसकी मूल संकल्पना एवं फसल उत्पादन में प्रासंगिकता का उल्लेख कीजिए। (20 अंक) (b) जलजमाव वाले क्षेत्रों में जलनिकास को कैसे सुधार सकते हैं? बूंद (ड्रिप) तथा छिड़काव (स्प्रिंकलर) सिंचाई विधियों के लाभों एवं परिसीमाओं की व्याख्या कीजिए। (20 अंक) (c) विस्तार के विभिन्न दृष्टिकोणों की विवेचना कीजिए। प्रौद्योगिकी के हस्तांतरण की नवीन उभरती हुई अवधारणाओं का वर्णन कीजिए। (10 अंक)

Answer approach & key points

(a) define: precise definition > the distinguishing feature > one example | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Precise definitions, specific Indian examples, clear distinction between concepts, and balanced discussion of advantages/limitations.

  • Precise definition of ecology (study of organisms and environment)
  • Basic concepts: ecosystem, food chain, nutrient cycling, biodiversity
  • Relevance: soil health, pest management, water conservation
  • Indian application: organic farming, IPM, or specific crop example
  • Drainage methods: open drains, tile drains, sub-surface drains
  • Advantages of drip: water efficiency, reduced evaporation, precision
  • Limitations of drip: clogging, high initial cost, maintenance
  • Advantages of sprinkler: uniformity, soil aeration, flexibility
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Q8
50M critically examine Agricultural extension and price policy

(a) Critically examine the major extension programmes of agricultural sector in India. Suggest different measures to improve technology dissemination and adoption at farmer's field. (20 marks) (b) Discuss the success and failure of agricultural price policy since its inception. Discuss the recent initiatives/changes in agricultural price policy. (20 marks) (c) Discuss the value addition of forest products. (10 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

(a) भारतवर्ष में कृषि क्षेत्र के मुख्य प्रसार कार्यक्रमों का आलोचनात्मक परीक्षण कीजिए। कृषक प्रक्षेत्र पर तकनीकी प्रसार एवं अभिग्रहण में सुधार हेतु विभिन्न उपायों का सुझाव दीजिए। (20 अंक) (b) कृषि मूल्य नीति की इसके प्रारंभ से सफलता एवं असफलता का वर्णन कीजिए। कृषि मूल्य नीति में अद्यतन प्रस्तावों/परिवर्तनों की विवेचना कीजिए। (20 अंक) (c) वन उत्पादों के मूल्य संवर्धन पर चर्चा कीजिए। (10 अंक)

Answer approach & key points

Framework: Concept > Practice or process > Data > Indian application. (a) examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Comprehensive, critical, and well-supported with specific examples and data.

  • Identify major programmes (e.g., Krishi Vigyan Kendras, PM-KVY).
  • Critically evaluate their reach and effectiveness.
  • Suggest specific measures for technology dissemination.
  • Address barriers to adoption at the farmer's field.
  • Discuss the success of agricultural price policy.
  • Discuss the failure of agricultural price policy.
  • Identify recent initiatives or changes in the policy.
  • Provide a balanced view of the policy's impact.
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