Agriculture 2024 Paper II 50 marks Describe

Q6

(a) Describe the process of anaerobic respiration and explain the factors affecting respiration. (20 marks) (b) Discuss banana crop in respect of its varieties, nutrient management, plant protection and post-harvest handling. (20 marks) (c) Discuss the factors which contribute to food insecurity in the country despite of significant improvement in food production and distribution. (10 marks)

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

(a) अवायवीय श्वसन की प्रक्रिया का वर्णन कीजिए और श्वसन को प्रभावित करने वाले कारकों की व्याख्या कीजिए। (20 अंक) (b) केला फसल का इसकी प्रजातियों, पोषक तत्व प्रबंधन, पादप सुरक्षा और कटाई उपरांत संभाल के संदर्भ में वर्णन कीजिए। (20 अंक) (c) खाद उत्पादन एवं वितरण में महत्वपूर्ण सुधार के बावजूद देश में खाद असुरक्षा में योगदान करने वाले कारकों की विवेचना कीजिए। (10 अंक)

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Directive word: Describe

This question asks you to describe. 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 'describe' for part (a) demands detailed exposition of anaerobic respiration pathways, while 'discuss' in parts (b) and (c) requires balanced analysis with multiple perspectives. Allocate approximately 40% of time/words to part (a) given its 20 marks and technical depth; 35% to part (b) covering banana cultivation comprehensively; and 25% to part (c) for food insecurity analysis. Structure with brief introductions for each part, systematic body coverage of all sub-components, and integrated conclusions linking agricultural productivity to food security challenges.

Key points expected

  • Part (a): Glycolysis → pyruvate → ethanol/lactic acid fermentation pathways; factors—temperature (Q10 coefficient), moisture, O2 concentration, substrate type, injury/bruising, and hormonal regulation
  • Part (a): Energy yield comparison (2 ATP vs 38 ATP aerobic); commercial significance in silage making, fruit storage, and anaerobic soil conditions affecting root respiration
  • Part (b): Indian banana varieties—Dwarf Cavendish, Robusta, Poovan, Nendran, Red Banana, Hill Banana; regional distribution and specific uses
  • Part (b): Nutrient management—NPK requirements (200:100:200 g/plant), micronutrients (Zn, Fe, Mn deficiency corrections), fertigation scheduling; IPM for Sigatoka, Panama wilt, nematodes, bunchy top virus; ripening chambers, ethylene treatment, cold chain for post-harvest
  • Part (c): Food insecurity paradox—access inequality, purchasing power decline, dietary diversification failure, regional disparities (eastern India), climate vulnerability, supply chain losses, nutritional security vs calorie security gap
  • Part (c): Policy gaps—PDS limitations, buffer stock mismanagement, export-import paradox, NFSA implementation challenges, and need for POSHAN Abhiyaan integration

Evaluation rubric

DimensionWeightMax marksExcellentAveragePoor
Concept correctness25%12.5Accurately describes EMP pathway, NADH regeneration mechanisms, and distinguishes alcoholic vs lactic acid fermentation; correctly identifies banana as climacteric fruit with precise nutrient ratios; explains food insecurity as multi-dimensional (FAO pillars) beyond production statisticsBasic description of anaerobic respiration without pathway details; general banana cultivation points with some nutrient errors; treats food insecurity mainly as production/distribution problem without structural analysisConfuses anaerobic respiration with anaerobic decomposition; major errors in banana nutrient requirements or pest-disease identification; conflates hunger with food insecurity or ignores access/utilization dimensions
Quantitative reasoning15%7.5Provides specific data: 2 ATP yield vs 36-38 ATP, Q10 values (2-3x per 10°C), banana NPK doses per plant, India's 30% post-harvest losses, FAO hunger prevalence figures, NFSA coverage statisticsMentions approximate ATP yields and general nutrient requirements; vague references to 'high' post-harvest losses without percentages; limited quantitative backing for food insecurity claimsNo quantitative data or seriously incorrect figures (e.g., claiming anaerobic respiration yields more ATP); omits all numerical aspects of nutrient management and food security metrics
Indian context examples20%10Cites ICAR-NRCB (Tiruchirapalli) varieties; references Tamil Nadu as leading producer, Jharkhand/Bihar food insecurity hotspots, FCI buffer stock operations, Operation Greens for bananas, and state-specific anaerobic soil conditions (kharif paddy fields)Mentions India as major banana producer without state specifics; general references to 'poor states' for food insecurity; limited institutional namingGeneric examples without Indian specificity; uses temperate agriculture examples; ignores NFSA, FCI, or any Indian agricultural research context entirely
Diagram / process20%10Clear schematic of glycolysis-fermentation pathway with enzyme labels; banana growth cycle diagram showing growth stages; flowchart of post-harvest handling chain; food insecurity causal loop diagramBasic unlabelled fermentation diagram; descriptive text substitute for banana cycle; list format instead of process flow for post-harvest; linear cause-effect for food insecurityNo diagrams where clearly required (especially part a pathway); disorganized presentation preventing visual understanding; entirely text-based with no structural visualization
Policy / extension angle20%10Links anaerobic respiration to CA storage technology and silage extension; connects banana research to NRCB, tissue culture propagation, and export promotion under APEDA; critiques NFSA, suggests food-based safety nets, biofortification, and decentralized procurementMentions cold storage for banana without policy context; general welfare scheme listing for food security; limited extension methodology discussionNo policy or extension content; purely academic treatment ignoring practical application; fails to connect production knowledge to farmer-level implementation or governance

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