1000 Most Important Agronomy MCQs with Explanation for ICAR JRF, NET, AFO & All Agriculture Exams
“Shifting cultivation” is also known as: a) Jhumming in Northeast India b) Podu in Andhra Pradesh c) Bewar in Madhya Pradesh d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Shifting cultivation is known by various local names in different parts of India: Jhumming in Northeast India, Podu in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, Bewar or Dahiya in Madhya Pradesh, Penda in Chhattisgarh, and Kumri in Western Ghats. It involves clearing forest land, cultivating for a few years, then abandoning it to allow regeneration .
[Based on Haryana ADO Pattern] Taungya system of agroforestry originated in: a) India b) Myanmar (Burma) c) Indonesia d) Philippines
Answer: b) Myanmar (Burma)
Explanation: The Taungya system originated in Myanmar (Burma) in the 19th century. “Taung” means hill and “ya” means cultivation. In this system, forest trees are planted along with agricultural crops during the early years of tree plantation. It was later adopted by many countries as a forest establishment technique .
In the Taungya system, agricultural crops are grown: a) Throughout the tree rotation b) Only during the first few years when trees are small c) After trees are harvested d) Never with trees
Answer: b) Only during the first few years when trees are small
*Explanation: In the Taungya system, agricultural crops are intercropped with tree seedlings only during the initial years (first 2-4 years) when the trees are small and sunlight reaches the ground. Once the trees grow and canopy closes, crops are no longer grown. This ensures both food production and tree establishment .*
Alley cropping (Hedgerow intercropping) involves: a) Planting trees in alleys b) Growing crops in alleys between hedgerows of trees/shrubs c) Planting only grass in alleys d) Creating alleys without any vegetation
Answer: b) Growing crops in alleys between hedgerows of trees/shrubs
Explanation: Alley cropping (also called hedgerow intercropping) involves planting rows of trees or shrubs (usually fast-growing, nitrogen-fixing species) to form hedgerows, with agricultural crops grown in the alleys between them. The hedgerows are pruned periodically to provide green manure and reduce competition with crops .
The most common nitrogen-fixing tree species used in alley cropping in India is: a) Eucalyptus b) Acacia nilotica (Babul) c) Leucaena leucocephala (Subabul) d) Tectona grandis (Teak)
Answer: c) Leucaena leucocephala (Subabul)
Explanation: Leucaena leucocephala (Subabul) is the most common nitrogen-fixing tree used in alley cropping systems in India. It is fast-growing, coppices well, fixes atmospheric nitrogen, produces high biomass for green manure, and provides fodder (though limited by mimosine content). Other species include Gliricidia sepium and Sesbania grandiflora .
Silvopastoral system refers to: a) Trees + Crops b) Trees + Pasture + Animals c) Crops + Animals d) Trees + Fish
Answer: b) Trees + Pasture + Animals
Explanation: Silvopastoral systems integrate trees with forage (pasture) and livestock production. Trees provide shade, fodder (browse), and timber/fuelwood, while livestock graze on the understory pasture. This system improves animal welfare, diversifies farm income, and enhances nutrient cycling .
Agrisilvicultural system refers to: a) Trees + Crops b) Trees + Pasture c) Crops + Animals d) Trees + Fish
Answer: a) Trees + Crops
Explanation: Agrisilviculture is the component of agroforestry that combines trees with agricultural crops. This includes systems like alley cropping, taungya, and multipurpose tree species on farm boundaries or scattered in fields. It is the most common form of agroforestry practiced worldwide .
Agrisilvopastoral system combines: a) Trees + Crops b) Trees + Pasture + Animals c) Trees + Crops + Pasture/Animals d) Crops + Animals
Answer: c) Trees + Crops + Pasture/Animals
Explanation: Agrisilvopastoral systems integrate all three components: woody perennials (trees), herbaceous plants (crops and/or pasture), and livestock. This is the most complex and integrated form of agroforestry, maximizing interactions and benefits from all components .
Homegardens in Kerala are an example of: a) Monocropping b) Multistoried agroforestry system c) Shifting cultivation d) Plantation agriculture
Answer: b) Multistoried agroforestry system
Explanation: Homegardens in Kerala (and elsewhere in South India) are classic examples of multistoried agroforestry systems. They have 3-4 vertical layers: tall trees (coconut, arecanut), medium trees (fruit trees, spices), shrubs (coffee, banana), and ground-level crops (vegetables, tubers). This maximizes space utilization and provides diverse products year-round .*
Khejri (Prosopis cineraria) based agroforestry system is traditional in which Indian state? a) Punjab b) Rajasthan c) Kerala d) Assam
Answer: b) Rajasthan
Explanation: Khejri (Prosopis cineraria) based agroforestry is a traditional and culturally important system in the arid and semi-arid regions of Rajasthan. Khejri trees are scattered in fields where pearl millet, pulses, or other crops are grown. The tree provides fodder (loppings), fuelwood, shade, and improves soil fertility through nitrogen fixation and leaf litter .
The “Aonla (Emblica officinalis) based agroforestry system” is becoming popular in which region? a) Coastal areas b) Rainfed semi-arid regions of Central India c) High rainfall areas of Northeast d) Cold deserts of Ladakh
Answer: b) Rainfed semi-arid regions of Central India
Explanation: Aonla (Indian gooseberry) based agroforestry systems are gaining popularity in the rainfed semi-arid regions of Central India (Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh). Aonla is a hardy, drought-tolerant tree that can grow on degraded lands. Intercropping with short-duration crops (gram, lentil, mustard) provides income while the tree establishes .
Poplar (Populus deltoides) based agroforestry is highly successful in: a) Kerala b) Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh c) West Bengal d) Tamil Nadu
Answer: b) Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh
*Explanation: Poplar (Populus deltoides) based agroforestry has become a highly successful commercial system in the Indo-Gangetic plains (Punjab, Haryana, Western UP). Poplar is a fast-growing, deciduous tree planted on field boundaries or in blocks. Farmers intercrop wheat, sugarcane, potato, or vegetables during the winter when poplar is leafless, maximizing land productivity. Poplar provides timber (plywood industry) in 6-8 years .*
Eucalyptus based agroforestry is practiced for: a) Timber and pulpwood b) Fodder c) Fruits d) Medicinal purpose
Answer: a) Timber and pulpwood
Explanation: Eucalyptus (especially Eucalyptus tereticornis and E. grandis) is widely planted in agroforestry systems for timber and pulpwood. It is fast-growing and coppices well. However, it is controversial due to high water use and allelopathic effects on associated crops. It is mainly used on farm boundaries rather than intercropped .
The “Wadi” model of agroforestry promoted by BAIF involves: a) Only timber trees b) Fruit trees (mango, cashew) on wasteland with tribal families c) Only eucalyptus plantations d) Shifting cultivation
Answer: b) Fruit trees (mango, cashew) on wasteland with tribal families
Explanation: The “Wadi” model (meaning small orchard in Gujarati) is a successful agroforestry intervention promoted by BAIF (Bharatiya Agro Industries Foundation) in tribal areas. It involves planting fruit trees (mango, cashew, citrus) on tribal wasteland, intercropped with vegetables and pulses. This provides nutrition, income, and reclaims degraded lands .
Gliricidia sepium is a tree species used in agroforestry primarily for: a) Timber b) Green manure and live fencing c) Fruits d) Medicinal bark
Answer: b) Green manure and live fencing
Explanation: Gliricidia sepium (Madre de Cacao) is a fast-growing, nitrogen-fixing tree used extensively in agroforestry for green manure (leaves are high in nitrogen and decompose rapidly), live fencing, and as a support tree for pepper and vanilla. It is also used as shade in coffee and cocoa plantations .
Social forestry aims to: a) Plant trees only in forests b) Involve local communities in tree planting on common lands to meet fuel, fodder, and small timber needs c) Export timber d) Clear forests for agriculture
Answer: b) Involve local communities in tree planting on common lands to meet fuel, fodder, and small timber needs
*Explanation: Social forestry was introduced in India in the 1970s-80s to involve local communities in tree planting on village common lands, road sides, canal banks, and degraded lands. The objective was to meet the fuel, fodder, and small timber needs of rural communities, reducing pressure on natural forests .*
The National Forest Policy of India (1988) emphasizes: a) Maximum timber extraction b) 33% of geographical area under forest/tree cover c) Clearing forests for agriculture d) Export of forest products
Answer: b) 33% of geographical area under forest/tree cover
Explanation: The National Forest Policy, 1988 (revised from 1952) aims to bring 33% of India’s geographical area under forest or tree cover. For hills and mountainous regions, the target is 66%. Agroforestry and social forestry are key strategies to achieve this target outside traditional forest areas .
“Van Mahotsava” (Forest Festival) was started in India in the year: a) 1947 b) 1950 c) 1960 d) 1972
Answer: b) 1950
Explanation: Van Mahotsava (Tree Plantation Week) was started in 1950 by K.M. Munshi, the then Union Minister for Agriculture and Food, to create awareness about tree planting and increase forest cover. It is celebrated annually in the first week of July .
“Farm forestry” is a component of social forestry where: a) Trees are planted on forest land b) Farmers plant trees on their own farmland c) Trees are planted in cities d) Trees are planted only by government
Answer: b) Farmers plant trees on their own farmland
Explanation: Farm forestry encourages farmers to plant trees on their own agricultural land (boundaries, bunds, or block plantations) to meet their needs for fuel, fodder, timber, and to generate additional income. It is a key component of social forestry and agroforestry .
Which tree species is commonly planted under social forestry programs in arid regions of Rajasthan? a) Teak (Tectona grandis) b) Sal (Shorea robusta) c) Rohida (Tecomella undulata) d) Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla)
Answer: c) Rohida (Tecomella undulata)
Explanation: Rohida (Tecomella undulata), also known as Marwar teak or desert teak, is a tree species native to the Thar Desert and commonly planted in social forestry programs in arid Rajasthan. It is highly drought-tolerant, provides quality timber (used for furniture), and has medicinal properties. It is the state flower of Rajasthan .
The “Joint Forest Management” (JFM) program involves: a) Government managing forests alone b) Local communities and Forest Department jointly managing forests c) Private companies managing forests d) International agencies managing forests
Answer: b) Local communities and Forest Department jointly managing forests
*Explanation: Joint Forest Management (JFM) was introduced in India in 1990 (based on 1988 Forest Policy) as a strategy where local village communities (through Forest Protection Committees) and the Forest Department jointly manage forest resources. Communities get usufruct benefits (non-timber forest products, a share of timber) in return for protecting the forest .*
The “Green India Mission” (GIM) under NAPCC aims to: a) Increase forest cover by 5 million hectares b) Increase timber production only c) Clear forests for development d) Plant only exotic species
Answer: a) Increase forest cover by 5 million hectares
*Explanation: The Green India Mission (GIM) is one of the eight missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). It aims to protect, restore, and enhance India’s forest cover and respond to climate change. The target is to increase forest/tree cover by 5 million hectares and improve quality of another 5 million hectares .*
The “National Agroforestry Policy” of India was launched in: a) 2000 b) 2005 c) 2014 d) 2019
Answer: c) 2014
Explanation: India became the first country in the world to launch a comprehensive National Agroforestry Policy in 2014. The policy aims to promote agroforestry for increasing farm income, ensuring food security, meeting wood demand, and addressing climate change concerns. It addresses constraints like tree felling regulations, marketing, and research gaps .
Which organization is the nodal agency for agroforestry research in India? a) IARI, New Delhi b) NRCAF, Jhansi (National Research Centre for Agroforestry) c) FRI, Dehradun d) IGFRI, Jhansi
Answer: b) NRCAF, Jhansi (National Research Centre for Agroforestry)
Explanation: The National Research Centre for Agroforestry (NRCAF), now called the ICAR-Central Agroforestry Research Institute (CAFRI), is located in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh. It is the nodal institute for agroforestry research in India, developing technologies, tree-crop interactions, and promoting agroforestry practices .
The “Sub-Mission on Agroforestry” (SMAF) was launched under which scheme? a) NMSA (National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture) b) RKVY c) NFSM d) PMKSY
Answer: a) NMSA (National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture)
*Explanation: The Sub-Mission on Agroforestry (SMAF) was launched in 2016-17 under the National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA). It aims to encourage farmers to plant trees on farmland, providing financial assistance for quality planting material, plantation, and awareness generation .*
The “Bamboo Mission” (National Bamboo Mission) was restructured in: a) 2000 b) 2006 c) 2014 d) 2018
Answer: d) 2018
*Explanation: The National Bamboo Mission was restructured in 2018-19 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme to promote the holistic growth of the bamboo sector. It focuses on developing bamboo plantations (including on farmland), improving post-harvest management, and linking producers with markets. The removal of bamboo from the “Tree” category in the Indian Forest Act facilitated its cultivation on non-forest land .*
Bamboo is technically classified as: a) Tree b) Grass c) Shrub d) Herb
Answer: b) Grass
*Explanation: Botanically, bamboo is a grass belonging to the family Poaceae (subfamily Bambusoideae). It is not a tree, though it has woody stems. This classification is important because the Indian Forest Act, 1927, was amended in 2017 to remove bamboo from the definition of “tree,” allowing its cultivation and felling on non-forest land without permits .*
The term “MFP” in forestry stands for: a) Major Forest Products b) Minor Forest Products (also called Non-Timber Forest Products – NTFPs) c) Medium Forest Products d) Managed Forest Products
Answer: b) Minor Forest Products (also called Non-Timber Forest Products – NTFPs)
Explanation: MFP or Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) include all biological materials other than timber extracted from forests for human use. Examples: tendu leaves, gum, resins, honey, medicinal plants, bamboo, canes, lac, etc. They are crucial for rural livelihoods, especially for tribal communities .
Tendu leaves (Diospyros melanoxylon) are commercially important for: a) Making plates b) Beedi (Indian cigarette) wrapping c) Medicinal use d) Dye extraction
Answer: b) Beedi (Indian cigarette) wrapping
Explanation: Tendu leaves (from the tree Diospyros melanoxylon) are a major NTFP in India, used for wrapping beedis (Indian cigarettes). Collection and trade of tendu leaves provide significant employment and income to tribal communities in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Jharkhand .
Gum arabic is obtained from which tree species common in Rajasthan? a) Prosopis cineraria (Khejri) b) Acacia senegal (Kummat) c) Tecomella undulata (Rohida) d) Azadirachta indica (Neem)
Answer: b) Acacia senegal (Kummat)
Explanation: Gum arabic, a valuable NTFP used in food, pharmaceuticals, and industries, is obtained from Acacia senegal (locally called Kummat or Kumat). It is found in arid regions of Rajasthan and Gujarat. Acacia nilotica (Babul) also yields gum but of lower quality .
Lac is a resinous secretion produced by the insect: a) Bombyx mori b) Kerria lacca (Laccifer lacca) c) Apis indica d) Tachardia lacca
Answer: b) Kerria lacca (Laccifer lacca)
Explanation: Lac is a resinous secretion produced by the lac insect Kerria lacca (formerly Laccifer lacca). It is cultivated on host trees like Palas (Butea monosperma), Ber (Ziziphus mauritiana), and Kusum (Schleichera oleosa). Lac is used in dyes, varnishes, sealing wax, and the food industry. India is a major lac producer .
The host tree for rearing lac insect in North India is primarily: a) Teak b) Sal c) Palas (Butea monosperma) d) Eucalyptus
Answer: c) Palas (Butea monosperma)
Explanation: Palas (Butea monosperma), also known as Flame of the Forest or Dhak, is the primary host tree for lac cultivation in North India (Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh). Other hosts include Ber (Ziziphus) and Kusum (Schleichera). The insect infests tender shoots and secretes resinous lac .
The “Ramet” and “Samvet” schemes relate to: a) Agroforestry b) Lac cultivation c) Social forestry d) Bamboo cultivation
Answer: b) Lac cultivation
Explanation: Ramet and Samvet are schemes/initiatives related to lac cultivation and processing, likely referring to technologies or methods developed by the Indian Lac Research Institute (now ICAR-Indian Institute of Natural Resins and Gums) for improved lac production .
Mahua (Madhuca longifolia) is an important tree species in tribal areas because: a) It provides only timber b) It provides flowers (edible, liquor), seeds (oil), and timber c) It has no economic value d) It is an exotic species
Answer: b) It provides flowers (edible, liquor), seeds (oil), and timber
Explanation: Mahua (Madhuca longifolia) is a multi-purpose tree of immense importance to tribal communities in Central India. Flowers are eaten fresh, dried, and used to make liquor (country brew); seeds yield edible oil (Mahua oil) used for cooking and industrial purposes; and wood is used for furniture and construction. It is a key component of traditional agroforestry .
The scientific name of Teak, India’s premier timber tree, is: a) Tectona grandis b) Dalbergia sissoo c) Shorea robusta d) Acacia nilotica
Answer: a) Tectona grandis
Explanation: Teak (Tectona grandis) is India’s most important timber tree, valued for its durability, strength, and workability. It is widely planted in agroforestry systems (especially in Central and South India) and natural forests. It is a deciduous tree belonging to the family Verbenaceae .
Shisham (Dalbergia sissoo) is a: a) Coniferous tree b) Nitrogen-fixing timber tree c) Fruit tree d) Medicinal herb
Answer: b) Nitrogen-fixing timber tree
Explanation: Shisham (Dalbergia sissoo), also known as Indian Rosewood, is a premium timber tree that also fixes atmospheric nitrogen through root nodulation (legume family). It is widely planted in North India (Punjab, Haryana, UP) on farm boundaries and in block plantations. It provides high-quality timber for furniture and plywood .
The scientific name of Sal, a major timber species of Eastern India, is: a) Shorea robusta b) Tectona grandis c) Dalbergia sissoo d) Acacia nilotica
Answer: a) Shorea robusta
Explanation: Sal (Shorea robusta) is a dominant tree species in the forests of Eastern India (West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh). It is valued for its hard, durable timber used in construction, railway sleepers, and furniture. It is also an important species for forest regeneration and biodiversity .
Neem (Azadirachta indica) is valued in agroforestry for: a) Timber only b) Medicinal properties, pest-repellent (azadirachtin), and shade c) Fruits only d) Firewood only
Answer: b) Medicinal properties, pest-repellent (azadirachtin), and shade
*Explanation: Neem (Azadirachta indica) is a versatile tree widely planted in agroforestry systems. It is valued for: (1) Medicinal properties (all parts used in traditional medicine), (2) Pest-repellent action (azadirachtin in seeds is a natural pesticide), (3) Shade, (4) Timber, and (5) Soil improvement through leaf litter. It is drought-tolerant and suitable for semi-arid regions .*
The “National Action Plan on Climate Change” (NAPCC) includes how many national missions? a) 4 b) 6 c) 8 d) 10
Answer: c) 8
Explanation: The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) was launched in 2008 and includes eight national missions: (1) National Solar Mission, (2) National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency, (3) National Mission on Sustainable Habitat, (4) National Water Mission, (5) National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem, (6) National Mission for a Green India, (7) National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture, and (8) National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change .
The “Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority” (CAMPA) is responsible for: a) Cutting forests b) Utilizing funds for compensatory afforestation and related activities c) Exporting timber d) Importing wood
Answer: b) Utilizing funds for compensatory afforestation and related activities
Explanation: CAMPA was established to manage funds collected from industries/agencies that divert forest land for non-forest purposes. These funds are used for compensatory afforestation, forest conservation, and related activities to compensate for the loss of forest land and biodiversity .
The “Forest Rights Act” (FRA), 2006 recognizes the rights of: a) Forest officers b) Forest-dwelling tribal communities and other traditional forest dwellers c) Timber merchants d) Urban developers
Answer: b) Forest-dwelling tribal communities and other traditional forest dwellers
*Explanation: The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 (FRA) recognizes the rights of forest-dwelling communities to land and resources that they have been traditionally occupying and using. This includes individual rights to cultivated land, community rights to NTFPs, and rights to protect forests .*
“Miyawaki method” of afforestation involves: a) Planting trees at low density b) Planting diverse native species at high density to create multi-layered forests in small areas c) Planting only exotic species d) Clearing existing vegetation
Answer: b) Planting diverse native species at high density to create multi-layered forests in small areas
*Explanation: The Miyawaki method, developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, involves planting diverse native tree species at very high density (3-5 plants per square meter) on small plots. This mimics natural forest succession, resulting in rapid growth and a dense, multi-layered forest in 20-30 years instead of 100+ years. It is gaining popularity in India for urban afforestation .*
The “CRZ” norms affect agroforestry in: a) Hilly areas b) Coastal areas (Coastal Regulation Zone) c) Desert areas d) Forest areas
Answer: b) Coastal areas (Coastal Regulation Zone)
Explanation: CRZ (Coastal Regulation Zone) norms regulate activities along India’s coastline to protect coastal ecosystems. These norms affect agroforestry and other land uses in coastal areas, with restrictions on construction, tree felling, and certain agricultural practices in ecologically sensitive zones .
“Mangrove” forests are important for: a) Timber production b) Coastal protection, biodiversity, and fisheries c) Paper industry d) Fruit production
Answer: b) Coastal protection, biodiversity, and fisheries
*Explanation: Mangrove forests are salt-tolerant ecosystems found in intertidal coastal zones. They provide critical ecosystem services: (1) Coastal protection (buffer against storms, tsunamis, erosion), (2) Biodiversity habitat (nursery for fish, crustaceans, birds), (3) Support for coastal fisheries, and (4) Carbon sequestration. Sundarbans in West Bengal is the largest mangrove forest in India .*
The “Uppsala” model in agroforestry refers to: a) A tree planting pattern b) An agroforestry diagnosis and design methodology c) A timber harvesting technique d) A nursery management system
Answer: b) An agroforestry diagnosis and design methodology
Explanation: The Uppsala model (developed at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala) is a methodology for diagnosis and design of agroforestry systems. It involves analyzing the existing land use system, identifying problems and opportunities, and designing improved agroforestry interventions tailored to local conditions .
The “evergreen agriculture” concept promoted by ICRAF involves: a) Growing only evergreen trees b) Integrating trees into crop fields to maintain green cover throughout the year c) Planting only coniferous trees d) Eliminating all crops
Answer: b) Integrating trees into crop fields to maintain green cover throughout the year
Explanation: “Evergreen agriculture” (or evergreen farming) is a concept promoted by ICRAF (World Agroforestry Centre) that involves integrating trees (especially nitrogen-fixing trees) into crop fields to maintain a green cover on the land throughout the year. This improves soil fertility, provides fodder, fuel, and food, and enhances resilience to climate change .
Which of the following is NOT an advantage of agroforestry systems? a) Diversified farm income b) Improved soil fertility c) Complete elimination of all pests d) Carbon sequestration
Answer: c) Complete elimination of all pests
Explanation: Agroforestry provides many benefits including diversified income, improved soil fertility through nutrient cycling and nitrogen fixation, microclimate moderation, biodiversity conservation, and carbon sequestration. However, it does NOT completely eliminate pests. While tree-crop interactions can reduce pest pressure (through habitat diversification and natural enemy conservation), pests still occur and need management. Claims of “complete elimination” are unrealistic .
The multiple cropping practice of sowing green gram seeds in the grain filling stage of rice is called: a) Parallel cropping b) Sequential cropping c) Ratoon cropping d) Relay cropping
Answer: d) Relay cropping
*Explanation: This question appeared in the Kerala PSC Agricultural Officer Exam 2022 (Question Code 31/2022). Relay cropping involves planting the second crop (green gram) before harvesting the first crop (rice at grain filling stage). This allows better utilization of residual moisture and time, especially in rice fallows of Kerala and other parts of South India .*
Which among the following are considered as plant adaptations to drought? Seed hardening ii. Reduced leaf area iii. Rapid phenological development iv. Early stomatal closure
a) ii, iii and iv b) i, iii and iv c) ii and iv d) All the above
Answer: d) All the above
Explanation: All four are valid drought adaptation mechanisms: Seed hardening (pre-sowing treatment improves germination under stress), reduced leaf area (decreases transpiration), rapid phenological development (drought escape by completing life cycle quickly), and early stomatal closure (reduces water loss). This question tests comprehensive understanding of plant stress physiology .
Among the following, which is NOT considered as a principle in ‘System of Rice Intensification’ (SRI)? a) Wider spacing of 25 cm × 25 cm b) Transplanting young seedlings (8-12 days old) c) Planting single seedling per hill d) Weed management with herbicides
Answer: d) Weed management with herbicides
*Explanation: SRI principles include: young seedlings (8-12 days), single seedling per hill, wider spacing (25×25 cm or more), intermittent irrigation, and mechanical weeding (conoweeder). Herbicide use is NOT a principle of SRI, which emphasizes organic/natural methods. This question distinguishes between SRI principles and conventional practices .*
