Q8
(a) Explain different types of farming. Discuss the factors affecting types of farming. 20 marks (b) Explain the term water use efficiency in relation to crop production. Discuss the role of pressurised irrigation methods to achieve the objectives of more crop per drop programme. 20 marks (c) Briefly discuss the factors affecting soil erosion. Write down the agronomic measures for soil conservation. 10 marks
हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें
(a) खेती के विभिन्न प्रकारों की व्याख्या कीजिए । खेती के प्रकारों को प्रभावित करने वाले कारकों का वर्णन करिए । 20 (b) फसल उत्पादन के परिप्रेक्ष्य में जल उपयोग दक्षता की व्याख्या करिए । प्रति बूंद अधिक फसल के योजना के लक्ष्य को प्राप्त करने के लिए दबावयुक्त सिंचाई विधियों की भूमिका का वर्णन करिए । 20 (c) मृदा अपरदन को प्रभावित करने वाले कारकों का संक्षेप में वर्णन करिए । मृदा संरक्षण के लिए सस्यीय विधियाँ लिखिए । 10
Directive word: Explain
This question asks you to explain. The directive word signals the depth of analysis expected, the structure of your answer, and the weight of evidence you must bring.
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How this answer will be evaluated
Approach
The directive 'explain' demands conceptual clarity with causal linkages across all three parts. Allocate approximately 40% of word budget to part (a) [20 marks], 35% to part (b) [20 marks], and 25% to part (c) [10 marks]. Structure: brief integrated introduction → systematic treatment of (a) types then factors, (b) WUE definition then pressurised irrigation, (c) erosion factors then agronomic measures → concluding synthesis on sustainable intensification.
Key points expected
- Part (a): Classification of farming types (subsistence/commercial, intensive/extensive, arable/pastoral/mixed, shifting/ley/organic/contract) with factors (physical, economic, social, technological, institutional)
- Part (a): Indian examples—shifting cultivation in NE states, contract farming in Punjab potatoes, organic farming in Sikkim
- Part (b): Water use efficiency components (WUEt, WUEi, WP) and their measurement; distinction between intrinsic and extrinsic WUE
- Part (b): Pressurised irrigation—drip (point source, inline, subsurface) and sprinkler (fixed, semi-permanent, centre-pivot) with specific water savings (30-70%), fertigation integration, PMKSY/Per Drop More Crop linkage
- Part (c): Erosion factors—rainfall erosivity (R), soil erodibility (K), slope length/steepness (LS), cover management (C), support practices (P) in USLE context
- Part (c): Agronomic measures—contour farming, strip cropping, cover crops, mulching, crop rotation, agroforestry (alley cropping, shelterbelts), zero tillage
Evaluation rubric
| Dimension | Weight | Max marks | Excellent | Average | Poor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concept correctness | 25% | 12.5 | Precise definitions across all parts: for (a) distinguishes shifting vs. sedentary with ecological rationale; for (b) correctly differentiates WUEt (transpiration efficiency) from WP (water productivity) and explains pressurised irrigation mechanisms (pressure-compensating emitters, coefficient of uniformity); for (c) accurately applies USLE/RUSLE factors with correct mathematical relationships | Broadly correct definitions but conflates related concepts (e.g., mixes extensive farming with commercial farming; treats drip and sprinkler as identical; lists erosion factors without RUSLE linkage) | Fundamental errors: confuses intensive with commercial farming, defines WUE as merely 'less water use', describes mechanical terracing as 'agronomic' measure, or omits core concepts entirely |
| Quantitative reasoning | 15% | 7.5 | Specific data points: for (b) cites 40-70% water savings in drip vs. flood irrigation, 90-95% distribution efficiency, application efficiency comparisons; for (c) quotes soil loss tolerance (T value 2.5-12.5 t/ha/yr), C factor reductions with cover crops; demonstrates unit awareness (mm, m³/ha, kg/m³) | Vague quantitative references ('significant water savings', 'reduces erosion') without specific figures or units; mentions efficiency percentages without defining numerator/denominator | No quantitative content; incorrect or invented statistics; confuses absolute and relative measurements |
| Indian context examples | 20% | 10 | Rich geographically distributed examples: for (a) jhum in Nagaland/Mizoram with jhum cycle years, contract farming models (PepsiCo in Punjab, ITC e-Choupal), Sikkim organic mission; for (b) Gujarat drip success (sugarcane, cotton), Maharashtra Jalyukt Shivar, Karnataka solar-powered drip; for (c) ICAR-CSWCRTI research stations (Dehradun, Bellary), watershed projects (Neeru-Chettu in AP), ravine reclamation in Chambal/Yamuna | Generic Indian references without specificity (mentions 'Punjab farming', 'Gujarat irrigation') or repetitive use of same state; misses regional diversity | No Indian examples; uses exclusively foreign illustrations (Midwest US farming, Israeli irrigation) without Indian adaptation; factually wrong locations |
| Diagram / process | 20% | 10 | Minimum 2-3 relevant diagrams: for (a) farming type classification matrix or transect diagram; for (b) schematic of drip emitter hydraulics, WUE improvement flowchart, or comparative water application diagrams; for (c) USLE equation structure, contour farming cross-section, or vegetative barrier spacing diagram; all properly labelled with directional arrows and scale | One generic diagram (e.g., simple sprinkler sketch) or poorly labelled figures; describes diagrams in text without drawing; diagrams present but not integrated with explanation | No diagrams; irrelevant or incorrect diagrams (e.g., nitrogen cycle for irrigation question); diagrams copied without understanding (mislabelled parts) |
| Policy / extension angle | 20% | 10 | Explicit policy linkages: for (a) National Policy for Farmers 2007, contract farming acts (Model Act 2018); for (b) PMKSY (Per Drop More Crop), MIS subsidies (55-75%), Jal Jeevan Mission, water use efficiency targets in NAPCC; for (c) National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture, watershed development (WDC-PMKSY), Soil Health Card scheme, SLUSI; discusses extension challenges (small holding fragmentation for pressurised irrigation, adoption barriers) | Mentions flagship schemes by name without elaborating mechanism; lists policies without connecting to question specifics; ignores implementation gaps | No policy references; outdated schemes only (pre-2010); confuses schemes (e.g., treats MGNREGA as soil conservation programme without specificity) |
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