Agriculture 2023 Paper II 50 marks 150 words Compulsory Enumerate

Q1

Answer the following questions in about 150 words each : 10×5=50 (a) Enumerate the functions of Endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus. 10 (b) Explain inbreeding depression and its effect in crops. Also explain the degrees of inbreeding depression. 10 (c) Briefly discuss the requirements for production of certified seeds. 10 (d) Give the classification of soil water. Briefly discuss soil moisture availability with respect to soil type. 10 (e) Write down about the origin and domestication of rice. 10

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

निम्नलिखित प्रश्नों में से प्रत्येक का उत्तर लगभग 150 शब्दों में दीजिए : 10×5=50 (a) अंतर्द्रव्यी जालिका तथा गॉल्जी उपकरण के कार्यों को बताइए । 10 (b) अंतःप्रजनन अवसादन तथा फसलों में इसके प्रभाव की व्याख्या कीजिए । अंतःप्रजनन अवसादन की डिग्रियों की व्याख्या भी कीजिए । 10 (c) प्रमाणित बीज उत्पादन हेतु आवश्यकताओं की संक्षिप्त चर्चा कीजिए । 10 (d) मृदा जल का वर्गीकरण दीजिए । मृदा प्रकार के संदर्भ में मृदा नमी की उपलब्धता पर संक्षिप्त चर्चा कीजिए । 10 (e) धान की उत्पत्ति तथा इसके स्थानीकरण के बारे में लिखिए । 10

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Directive word: Enumerate

This question asks you to enumerate. The directive word signals the depth of analysis expected, the structure of your answer, and the weight of evidence you must bring.

See our UPSC directive words guide for a full breakdown of how to respond to each command word.

How this answer will be evaluated

Approach

The directive 'enumerate' for part (a) demands systematic listing with brief elaboration; for parts (b)-(e), directives vary (explain, discuss, give, write down). Allocate approximately 30 words per sub-part (150 words total), spending roughly equal time on each since all carry 10 marks. Structure: concise definition → 2-3 key functions/processes → specific example where applicable. Avoid lengthy introductions; prioritize precision and coverage across all five sub-parts.

Key points expected

  • Part (a): ER functions (protein synthesis, lipid synthesis, detoxification, calcium storage); Golgi functions (protein modification, packaging, lysosome formation, secretion)
  • Part (b): Definition of inbreeding depression (loss of vigor due to homozygosity); effects (yield reduction, sterility, increased mortality); degrees (mild, moderate, severe with crop examples)
  • Part (c): Certified seed requirements (source of foundation seed, field standards, genetic purity, isolation distance, seed standards, labeling, inspection)
  • Part (d): Soil water classification (gravitational, capillary, hygroscopic); moisture availability in sandy vs. clay vs. loamy soils with field capacity and wilting point
  • Part (e): Rice origin (Oryza sativa from O. rufipogon/O. nivara); two centers of origin (India/Indochina and China); domestication evidence from Ganga plains, Yangtze valley

Evaluation rubric

DimensionWeightMax marksExcellentAveragePoor
Concept correctness25%12.5Accurately distinguishes rough ER (protein synthesis) from smooth ER (lipid synthesis); correctly defines inbreeding depression as due to increased homozygosity of deleterious recessives; identifies Oryza sativa subspecies indica and japonica with correct geographical originsMixes some ER/Golgi functions or gives partially correct definitions; mentions inbreeding depression without genetic mechanism; vague on rice domestication centersConfuses ER with Golgi apparatus; defines inbreeding depression incorrectly as outbreeding; major factual errors on soil water classification or rice origin
Quantitative reasoning15%7.5Cites specific isolation distances for certified seed production (e.g., 3-5m for self-pollinated crops); mentions field standards like 0.10% off-types; provides moisture constants (field capacity, PWP) with approximate percentages for soil typesMentions isolation distances without specificity; vague on genetic purity percentages; general reference to 'high' or 'low' moisture availability without numerical contextNo quantitative data; completely misses numerical standards for seed certification or soil moisture parameters
Indian context examples20%10Cites Indian seed certification agencies (NSC, SSCs); mentions inbreeding depression in Indian maize hybrids or sorghum; references rice domestication evidence from Lahuradewa, Koldihwa, or Ganga plains; links soil water to Indian soil orders (Vertisols, Alfisols)Generic mention of 'Indian agriculture' without specific examples; mentions rice cultivation in India without archaeological evidence; no specific seed certification referenceCompletely absent Indian context; treats all examples as generic or Western-centric
Diagram / process20%10Describes secretory pathway flow (ER → vesicles → Golgi → secretion) as sequential process; outlines seed production chain (nucleus → foundation → certified → truth-labeled); sketches soil water retention curve conceptuallyLists functions without process flow; mentions seed classes without hierarchical relationship; describes soil water types without availability mechanismNo process description; fragmented listing without logical connection between components
Policy / extension angle20%10References Seed Act 1966, Seed Policy 2002, or PPV&FR Act 2001 for certified seeds; mentions ICAR seed production protocols; links inbreeding depression to hybrid seed production policy; connects soil water management to PMKSY or watershed developmentMentions 'government regulations' without specific acts; vague reference to seed quality control; no policy linkage for soil water or rice improvementNo policy or institutional framework mentioned; purely descriptive without governance or extension relevance

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