All 8 questions from UPSC Civil Services Mains Agriculture 2021 Paper II (400 marks total). Every stem reproduced in full, with directive-word analysis, marks, word limits, and answer-approach pointers.
8Questions
400Total marks
2021Year
Paper IIPaper
Topics covered
Genetics and plant breeding concepts (1)Cell biology, heterosis and male sterility (1)Clonal selection, centre of origin and pollination mechanisms (1)Seed treatment, DNA fingerprinting and water absorption (1)Seed viability, pest management and post-harvest technology (1)Enzymes, plant stress and vernalization (1)Economic thresholds, horticulture and protected cultivation (1)Food production, hunger and dietary guidelines (1)
A
Q1
50M150wCompulsorydescribeGenetics and plant breeding concepts
Answer the following questions in about 150 words each : 10×5=50
(a) What do you mean by gene pool concept and genetic erosion ? Classify the gene pool of a crop. 10
(b) Describe the advantages and disadvantages of mass selection, simple recurrent selection and clonal selection. 10
(c) Explain the importance of somatic hybridization in agriculture. 10
(d) 'Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)' issue is a sensitive topic in agriculture. Concisely describe this with your conclusions. 10
(e) Write short notes on the following : 10
(i) Asexual Reproduction
(ii) Progeny Test
(iii) Seed Bank
(iv) Genetically Modified Crop
हिंदी में पढ़ें
निम्नलिखित प्रश्नों में से प्रत्येक का उत्तर लगभग 150 शब्दों में दीजिए : 10×5=50
(a) जीन पूल अवधारणा तथा आनुवंशिक क्षरण से आप क्या समझते हैं ? फसल के जीन पूल को वर्गीकृत कीजिए । 10
(b) सामूहिक चयन, सरल आवर्तक चयन तथा क्लोनल चयन के लाभों तथा हानियों का वर्णन कीजिए । 10
(c) कृषि में कायिक (दैहिक) संकरण के महत्व को समझाइए । 10
(d) कृषि में 'बौद्धिक संपदा अधिकार (आई.पी.आर.)' का मुद्दा एक संवेदनशील विषय है । इस कथन का संक्षेप में अपने निष्कर्ष के साथ वर्णन कीजिए । 10
(e) निम्नलिखित पर संक्षिप्त टिप्पणियाँ लिखिए : 10
(i) अलैंगिक प्रजनन
(ii) संतति परीक्षण
(iii) बीज बैंक
(iv) आनुवंशिक रूप से संशोधित फसल
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Concept > Practice or process > Data > Indian application. (a) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (b) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance | (c) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (d) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close | (e) write short notes: define > 3-4 key features > one example > one-line significance Full marks: Precise definitions, clear classification, specific examples, and balanced conclusions.
Define gene pool as total genetic diversity in a species
Define genetic erosion as loss of genetic variability
Classify into primary, secondary and tertiary gene pools (Harlan and de Wet)
Mention causes of erosion like monoculture or habitat loss
Advantages/disadvantages of mass selection (simple, low cost)
Advantages/disadvantages of simple recurrent selection (progressive gain)
Advantages/disadvantages of clonal selection (genetic uniformity)
Mention specific crop types for each (e.g., wheat vs potato)
Define somatic hybridization (protoplast fusion)
Explain overcoming sexual incompatibility barriers
Mention transfer of cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS)
Cite a specific example (e.g., Pomato or disease resistance)
Define IPR in the context of plant breeding
Mention the PPV&FR Act, 2001, TRIPS Article 27.3(b) or UPOV
Discuss the conflict between IPR and farmers' rights
Provide a balanced conclusion on the sensitivity of the issue
Define asexual reproduction and its use in crops
Explain the progeny test for evaluating genotypes
Define a seed bank and its purpose (conservation)
Define a GM crop and give one example (e.g., Bt cotton)
50MdescribeCell biology, heterosis and male sterility
(a) Define cell. How is a plant cell different from an animal cell ? Describe a typical cell structurally and functionally, with a suitable diagram. 15
(b) Describe the physiological and molecular basis of heterosis. 15
(c) Classify types of male sterility and self-incompatibility system in plants. Describe the limitations of cytoplasmic genetic male sterility system in hybrid seed production. 20
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) कोशिका को परिभाषित कीजिए । पादप कोशिका जन्तु कोशिका से कैसे अलग है ? एक प्राकृतिक कोशिका का संरचनात्मक तथा कार्यात्मक आधार पर एक उपयुक्त आरेख सहित वर्णन कीजिए । 15
(b) संकर ओज के कार्यिकीय तथा आणविक आधारों का वर्णन कीजिए । 15
(c) पौधों में नर बंध्यता के प्रकारों तथा स्व-असंगति पद्धति को वर्गीकृत कीजिए । संकर बीज उत्पादन में कोशिकाद्रव्य आनुवंशिक नर बाँझपन प्रणाली की बाधाओं का वर्णन कीजिए । 20
Answer approach & key points
(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 Full marks: Comprehensive, accurate, with diagrams and specific examples
Precise definition of cell as basic unit of life
Comparison of plant vs animal cell (cell wall, chloroplasts, vacuole)
Structural description of typical cell (nucleus, ER, mitochondria)
50MdescribeClonal selection, centre of origin and pollination mechanisms
(a) What is clone ? What do you understand by clonal selection ? Describe the various steps involved in clonal selection. 15
(b) What do you understand by centre of origin ? Discuss the law of homologous series of variation. 15
(c) Describe self-pollination, cross-pollination and often cross-pollination. Discuss different mechanisms for facilitating self-pollination and cross-pollination. 20
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) क्लोन क्या है ? क्लोनीय चयन से आप क्या समझते हैं ? क्लोनीय चयन में सम्मिलित विभिन्न चरणों का वर्णन कीजिए । 15
(b) उत्पत्ति केन्द्र से आप क्या समझते हैं ? विचरण के संदर्भ में समजातीय श्रेणी (होमोलोगस सीरीज) नियम की चर्चा कीजिए । 15
(c) स्वपरागण, परपरागण तथा प्रायः परपरागण का वर्णन कीजिए । स्वपरागण तथा परपरागण को बढ़ावा देने वाली विभिन्न तंत्र प्रक्रियाओं की विवेचना कीजिए । 20
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 Full marks: Precise definitions, clear stepwise processes, specific mechanisms named, and relevant examples.
Define clone as genetically identical population
Define clonal selection as selection of superior clones
Step: Selection of superior individual from population
Step: Vegetative propagation to maintain genetic identity
Define centre of origin (Vavilov's concept)
State law of homologous series of variation
Explain that variation is predictable and parallel
Mention that related species show similar variations
Define self-pollination (autogamy)
Define cross-pollination (xenogamy)
Define often cross-pollination (partial outcrossing, e.g., sorghum, cotton, pigeonpea)
50MdescribeSeed treatment, DNA fingerprinting and water absorption
(a) What is the role and importance of "Seed treatment campaign" in India in the context of quality crop establishment ? 15
(b) What is DNA fingerprinting ? Discuss its applied aspects in modern agriculture. 15
(c) Describe the mechanisms involved in absorption of water in plants. Explain the factors affecting the water absorption rate in plants. 20
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) भारत में गुणवत्ता फसल की स्थापना के संदर्भ में "बीज उपचार अभियान" की भूमिका तथा महत्व क्या है ? 15
(b) डी.एन.ए. फिंगरप्रिंटिंग क्या है ? आधुनिक कृषि में इसके प्रयोगात्मक पहलुओं की विवेचना कीजिए । 15
(c) पौधों में जल अवशोषण करने वाली क्रियाविधियों का वर्णन कीजिए । पौधों में जल अवशोषण दर को प्रभावित करने वाले कारकों की व्याख्या कीजिए । 20
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Concept > Practice or process > Data > Indian application. (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance Full marks: Precise definitions, specific examples (chemicals, markers, pathways), clear structure, and strong Indian context where relevant.
50M150wCompulsorydescribeSeed viability, pest management and post-harvest technology
Answer the following questions in about 150 words each : 10×5=50
(a) Define seed viability. Describe in brief the metabolic aspects of seed germination. 10
(b) Define 'Pests' and 'Pesticides' in relation to pest management. Give a brief account of types and need for pesticide formulations. 10
(c) Narrate the role of post harvest technology in minimising losses in fruits and vegetables. 10
(d) What is "Plant Quarantine" ? Describe the plant quarantine measures with suitable examples in Indian context. 10
(e) Discuss the importance of green-house in agriculture. 10
हिंदी में पढ़ें
निम्नलिखित प्रश्नों में से प्रत्येक का उत्तर लगभग 150 शब्दों में दीजिए : 10×5=50
(a) बीज की अंकुरण-क्षमता को परिभाषित कीजिए । बीज अंकुरण के चयापचय पहलुओं का संक्षेप में वर्णन कीजिए । 10
(b) पीड़क प्रबंधन के संबंध में 'पीड़क' तथा 'पीड़कनाशी' को परिभाषित कीजिए । पीड़कनाशी सूत्रीकरण के प्रकारों तथा आवश्यकता का संक्षेप में विवरण दीजिए । 10
(c) फलों एवं सब्जियों के नुकसान को कम करने में कटाई उपरांत प्रौद्योगिकी की भूमिका का वर्णन कीजिए । 10
(d) "पादप संगरोध" क्या है ? भारतीय परिप्रेक्ष्य में पादप संगरोध के उपायों का उचित उदाहरणों के साथ वर्णन कीजिए । 10
(e) कृषि में ग्रीन-हाउस के महत्व की विवेचना कीजिए । 10
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Concept > Practice or process > Data > Indian application. (a) define: precise definition > the distinguishing feature > one example | (b) define: precise definition > the distinguishing feature > one example | (c) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance | (d) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance | (e) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Precise definitions, specific examples, clear structure, Indian context where required.
Precise definition of seed viability
Metabolic changes: respiration and water uptake
Enzymatic activity and mobilization of reserves
Sequence of metabolic events in germination
Definition of Pests in management context
Definition of Pesticides
Types of pesticide formulations (e.g., EC, WP, SC)
Need for formulations (stability, application ease)
Role of pre-cooling and cold storage
Packaging and handling techniques
Processing methods (canning, drying, freezing)
Link to minimising post-harvest losses
Definition of Plant Quarantine
Import/Export inspection measures
Specific Indian context (e.g., DIP Act 1914, PQ Order 2003, DPPQS)
50MdescribeEnzymes, plant stress and vernalization
(a) What are enzymes ? Describe "Key-lock theory" with respect to mode of enzyme action. 15
(b) What is plant physiological stress ? Describe morphological and physiochemical changes taking place in plants under drought condition. 15
(c) What do you understand by vernalization ? Describe its practical application in crops. 20
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) किण्वक क्या हैं ? किण्वक क्रियाविधि के संदर्भ में "की-लॉक थ्योरी" का वर्णन कीजिए । 15
(b) पादप दैहिकीय प्रतिबल (तनाव) क्या है ? सूखा होने की दशा में पौधों में होने वाले आकारिकीय तथा दैहिक-रासायनिक परिवर्तनों का वर्णन कीजिए । 15
(c) वसंतीकरण से आप क्या समझते हैं ? फसलों में इसके प्रयोगात्मक उपयोग का वर्णन कीजिए । 20
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 Full marks: Precise definitions, clear mechanism explanation, specific crop examples, and correct terminology.
Define enzymes as biological catalysts/proteins
State Emil Fischer's Key-lock theory
Explain substrate fits active site like key in lock
50MdescribeEconomic thresholds, horticulture and protected cultivation
(a) What do you mean by "Economic Injury Level" (EIL) and "Economic Threshold Level" (ETL) ? Describe their roles in classifying the pests in relevance to Integrated Pest Management (IPM). 15
(b) Describe the importance of fruit cultivation in India. Discuss the role of horticulture with respect to poverty alleviation and nutritional security. 15
(c) What is protected cultivation ? What are its problems and prospects in comparison to open cultivation ? 20
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) "आर्थिक क्षति स्तर" (ई.आई.एल.) तथा "आर्थिक सीमा स्तर" (ई.टी.एल.) से आप क्या समझते हैं ? समेकित पीड़क प्रबंधन (आई.पी.एम.) के संदर्भ में पीड़क वर्गीकरण में इनकी भूमिकाओं का वर्णन कीजिए । 15
(b) भारत में फलों की खेती के महत्व का वर्णन कीजिए । गरीबी उन्मूलन तथा पोषण सुरक्षा के संबंध में बागवानी की भूमिका की चर्चा कीजिए । 15
(c) संरक्षित खेती क्या है ? बाह्य (खुली) खेती की तुलना में संरक्षित खेती की समस्याएं तथा संभावनाएं क्या हैं ? 20
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) compare: paired headings or table > key differences > significance > conclusion Full marks: Precise definitions, clear distinctions, specific examples, and strong analytical links to IPM, poverty, and cultivation methods.
Define EIL as pest level causing economic damage
Define ETL as the density at which control must start to prevent the pest reaching the EIL
Explain ETL is used to trigger control measures
Link EIL/ETL to IPM decision-making process
State importance of fruit cultivation in Indian agriculture
Explain role of horticulture in poverty alleviation
Explain role of horticulture in nutritional security
Provide specific examples of fruits or schemes
Define protected cultivation (e.g., polyhouse, net house)
50McommentFood production, hunger and dietary guidelines
(a) What is the food production and consumption pattern of India in the last fifty years ? 15
(b) What do you mean by 'hunger' and 'hidden hunger' ? Comment on various strategies in combating hunger. 15
(c) What are the different "National Dietary Guidelines" of India ? What is your opinion on balanced diet of Indians ? 20
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) भारत में पिछले पचास वर्षों का खाद्य उत्पादन तथा उपभोग प्रतिरूप क्या है ? 15
(b) 'भुख' तथा 'प्रच्छन्न भुख' से आप क्या समझते हैं ? भुख से मुकाबला करने के लिए विभिन्न रणनीतियों पर टिप्पणी कीजिए । 15
(c) भारत में विभिन्न "राष्ट्रीय आहारीय दिशानिर्देश" क्या हैं ? भारतीयों में संतुलित आहार पर आपकी राय क्या है ? 20
Answer approach & key points
(a) trace: start point > the stages in sequence > end point > what changed | (b) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close | (c) evaluate: criteria > evidence > balanced judgment Full marks: Comprehensive, data-driven, specific to Indian context, clear structure.
Green Revolution impact on cereal production
Shift in consumption from cereals toward milk, eggs, fruit, vegetables and edible oils
Post-harvest losses and supply chain issues
Current status of food security
Definition of 'hunger' (caloric deficit)
Definition of 'hidden hunger' (micronutrient deficiency)