- Which of the following is a perennial fodder crop?
a) Sorghum
b) Maize
c) Cowpea
d) Lucerne (Alfalfa)
Answer: d) Lucerne (Alfalfa)
*Explanation: Lucerne (Medicago sativa) is a perennial legume fodder crop that can last 3-5 years or more with multiple cuttings. Sorghum, maize, and cowpea are annual fodder crops that need to be resown each season.*
- The “King of fodders” is:
a) Sorghum
b) Maize
c) Lucerne (Alfalfa)
d) Berseem
Answer: c) Lucerne (Alfalfa)
*Explanation: Lucerne (alfalfa) is called the “King of fodders” due to its high nutritive value, protein content (15-20%), palatability, and multiple cuttings (6-8 per year). It’s a deep-rooted perennial that provides quality fodder for years.*
- Which fodder crop is known as “Queen of forages”?
a) Sorghum
b) Berseem (Egyptian clover)
c) Cowpea
d) Oats
Answer: b) Berseem (Egyptian clover)
*Explanation: Berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum) is called the “Queen of forages” due to its excellent palatability, high protein content (15-18%), soft stems, and multiple cuttings (4-6). It’s the most important Rabi season fodder legume in North India.*
- The most important fodder crop in India during the Kharif season is:
a) Berseem
b) Lucerne
c) Sorghum (fodder)
d) Oats
Answer: c) Sorghum (fodder)
Explanation: Fodder sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) is the most important Kharif season fodder crop in India, grown extensively for green fodder during rainy season. It’s drought-tolerant, quick-growing, and provides high biomass with multiple cuttings.
- The protein content in leguminous fodders like berseem and lucerne is approximately:
a) 5-8%
b) 10-12%
c) 15-20%
d) 25-30%
Answer: c) 15-20%
*Explanation: Leguminous fodders are rich in protein (15-20%) due to their ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen. Cereal fodders like sorghum and maize have lower protein (6-8%). Feeding a mix of cereal and legume fodders provides balanced nutrition to livestock.*
- The ideal stage for harvesting fodder sorghum is:
a) Seedling stage
b) Boot stage (just before ear emergence)
c) Flowering stage
d) Grain filling stage
Answer: b) Boot stage (just before ear emergence)
Explanation: Fodder sorghum should be harvested at the boot stage (just before ear emergence) for optimum quality. At this stage, it has maximum protein content, digestibility, and palatability. Delayed harvesting leads to lignification and reduced fodder quality.
- Which of the following is a winter (Rabi) season fodder crop?
a) Sorghum
b) Maize
c) Cowpea
d) Oats
Answer: d) Oats
Explanation: Oats (Avena sativa) is a Rabi season cereal fodder crop grown in winter, providing nutritious green fodder during December-March. Other Rabi fodders include berseem, lucerne, and senji (Indian clover).
- The practice of growing two or more fodder crops together is called:
a) Intercropping
b) Mixed fodder cropping
c) Relay cropping
d) Sequence cropping
Answer: b) Mixed fodder cropping
*Explanation: Mixed fodder cropping involves growing cereal (sorghum/maize) and legume (cowpea/guar) fodders together to provide balanced nutrition, higher total yield, and better utilization of resources. Common mixtures: sorghum + cowpea (3:1 or 4:1 ratio).*
- The most suitable time for sowing berseem in North India is:
a) June-July
b) August-September
c) October-November
d) December-January
Answer: c) October-November
*Explanation: Berseem is sown in October-November in North India as a Rabi crop. It requires cool weather for vegetative growth. First cutting is taken 50-60 days after sowing, followed by subsequent cuttings at 25-30 day intervals.*
- Which fodder crop is known for its rapid growth and ability to provide fodder within 45-50 days of sowing?
a) Lucerne
b) Berseem
c) Cowpea
d) Teosinte
Answer: c) Cowpea
*Explanation: Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is a quick-growing legume fodder that provides the first cut within 45-50 days of sowing. It’s excellent as a catch crop and for intercropping with cereals. It also fixes atmospheric nitrogen, benefiting soil.*
- The term “hay” refers to:
a) Green fodder
b) Silage
c) Dried fodder (preserved by drying)
d) Fermented fodder
Answer: c) Dried fodder (preserved by drying)
*Explanation: Hay is fodder preserved by drying (usually sun-drying) to reduce moisture content (15-20%) for storage. It’s made from grasses or legumes harvested at optimum stage. Good quality hay is green, leafy, and free from mold.*
- The term “silage” refers to:
a) Green fodder
b) Dried fodder
c) Fermented fodder preserved in anaerobic conditions
d) Freshly cut fodder
Answer: c) Fermented fodder preserved in anaerobic conditions
Explanation: Silage is fodder preserved through anaerobic fermentation (ensiling). Green fodder is chopped, compacted in silos/pits to exclude air, allowing lactic acid bacteria to ferment sugars into acids that preserve the fodder. It’s excellent for year-round fodder availability.
- Which of the following is a dual-purpose crop (grain + fodder)?
a) Sorghum
b) Maize
c) Bajra (Pearl millet)
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Sorghum, maize, and bajra are dual-purpose crops – they can be harvested for grain, and their stover (dry stalks and leaves after grain harvest) is used as dry fodder. Some varieties are specifically bred for dual purpose with good grain yield and stover quality.
- The optimum stage for harvesting maize for silage making is:
a) Tasseling stage
b) Silking stage
c) Dough stage (50-60% grain moisture)
d) Full maturity
Answer: c) Dough stage (50-60% grain moisture)
*Explanation: For silage making, maize should be harvested at the dough stage when kernels are soft (50-60% moisture) and the whole plant has 65-70% moisture. This ensures good fermentation and nutritional quality. Too early (low DM) or too late (too dry) affects silage quality.*
- The most suitable forage crop for waterlogged conditions is:
a) Sorghum
b) Maize
c) Para grass
d) Lucerne
Answer: c) Para grass
Explanation: Para grass (Brachiaria mutica) is highly tolerant of waterlogging and grows well in low-lying, marshy areas. It’s a perennial grass propagated through stem cuttings, providing good quality fodder during rainy season when other crops suffer from waterlogging.
- The crude protein content in cereal fodders (sorghum, maize) is approximately:
a) 4-6%
b) 6-8%
c) 10-12%
d) 15-18%
Answer: b) 6-8%
*Explanation: Cereal fodders like sorghum, maize, and bajra contain 6-8% crude protein, which is lower than legume fodders (15-20%). This is why mixing legumes with cereals in feeding or intercropping in fields provides balanced nutrition to animals.*
- The fodder crop that contains a toxic compound “dhurrin” (hydrocyanic acid) that can poison cattle is:
a) Berseem
b) Lucerne
c) Sorghum (young plants)
d) Cowpea
Answer: c) Sorghum (young plants)
*Explanation: Young sorghum plants contain dhurrin, a cyanogenic glycoside that releases hydrocyanic acid (prussic acid) when chewed, potentially poisoning livestock. This risk is highest in young, stressed plants (drought, frost). Harvesting at proper height (>45 cm) or making hay/silage reduces toxicity.*
- The most suitable grass for pasture development in arid and semi-arid regions is:
a) Para grass
b) Guinea grass
c) Cenchrus (Buffel grass)
d) Napier grass
Answer: c) Cenchrus (Buffel grass)
Explanation: Cenchrus (Buffel grass) is highly drought-tolerant and well-suited for arid and semi-arid regions. It provides good quality forage and establishes well in sandy soils with low rainfall. Other drought-tolerant grasses include Lasiurus and Panicum.
- “Napier grass” is also known as:
a) Elephant grass
b) Guinea grass
c) Para grass
d) Rye grass
Answer: a) Elephant grass
*Explanation: Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) is also called elephant grass due to its tall growth (3-4 m). It’s a high-yielding perennial grass, often hybridized with bajra to produce “BN Hybrid” (Bajra-Napier Hybrid) with excellent yield and quality.*
- The ideal cutting interval for perennial fodder grasses like Napier is:
a) 15-20 days
b) 30-45 days
c) 60-75 days
d) 90-120 days
Answer: b) 30-45 days
*Explanation: Perennial grasses like Napier should be cut every 30-45 days for optimum yield and quality. Cutting at this interval ensures tender, nutritious fodder. Longer intervals lead to lignification and reduced palatability; shorter intervals reduce yield.*
- Which of the following is a temperate forage crop?
a) Sorghum
b) Maize
c) Rye grass
d) Bajra
Answer: c) Rye grass
Explanation: Rye grass (Lolium spp.) is a temperate forage crop grown in cooler regions (hills, temperate climates). It provides high-quality pasture for livestock. In India, it’s grown in the Himalayan region and as a winter annual in some northern plains.
- The practice of feeding freshly cut green fodder to animals in stalls is called:
a) Grazing
b) Soiling (zero grazing)
c) Hay making
d) Silage making
Answer: b) Soiling (zero grazing)
Explanation: Soiling or zero grazing involves cutting green fodder daily and feeding it to animals in stalls. This prevents fodder wastage (trampling), allows better utilization, and is common where grazing land is limited or crops need protection.
- The protein content in “BN Hybrid” (Bajra-Napier Hybrid) fodder is approximately:
a) 4-5%
b) 8-10%
c) 12-14%
d) 16-18%
Answer: b) 8-10%
*Explanation: BN Hybrid (Bajra-Napier Hybrid) is a cross between bajra (Pennisetum glaucum) and napier grass (P. purpureum). It yields 8-10% protein, combining the high yield of napier with better quality of bajra. It’s one of the most popular perennial fodders in India.*
- The most important factor affecting the nutritive value of fodder is:
a) Stage of harvesting
b) Fertilizer application
c) Irrigation
d) Variety
Answer: a) Stage of harvesting
Explanation: Stage of harvesting is the most critical factor affecting fodder quality. Harvesting at the right stage (boot stage for cereals, pre-flowering for legumes) ensures maximum protein, digestibility, and minerals. Delayed harvesting increases fiber (lignin) and reduces nutritive value.
- The total green fodder requirement of a dairy animal (cow/buffalo) per day is approximately:
a) 10-15 kg
b) 20-30 kg
c) 40-50 kg
d) 60-70 kg
Answer: c) 40-50 kg
*Explanation: A dairy animal requires about 40-50 kg of green fodder per day (10-15 kg dry matter), along with dry fodder (straw) and concentrates. This varies with animal size, milk production, and fodder quality. Planning fodder production requires estimating this requirement.*
- Organic farming is a system that:
a) Uses only chemical fertilizers
b) Avoids or excludes the use of synthetic inputs
c) Depends entirely on rainfall
d) Uses only high-yielding varieties
Answer: b) Avoids or excludes the use of synthetic inputs
Explanation: Organic farming is a production system that avoids or excludes the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, growth regulators, and livestock feed additives. It relies on crop rotations, organic manures, biological pest control, and mechanical cultivation.
- The term “Green manure” refers to:
a) Chemical fertilizers
b) Plants grown and incorporated into soil to improve fertility
c) Fresh animal manure
d) Compost
Answer: b) Plants grown and incorporated into soil to improve fertility
Explanation: Green manure involves growing specific crops (sunhemp, dhaincha, cowpea) and incorporating them into the soil while green. This adds organic matter, fixes nitrogen (if legumes), and improves soil structure and fertility.
- Which of the following is NOT allowed in certified organic farming?
a) FYM (Farm Yard Manure)
b) Neem cake
c) Urea
d) Vermicompost
Answer: c) Urea
Explanation: Urea is a synthetic chemical fertilizer and is NOT allowed in certified organic farming. Organic farming uses natural inputs like FYM, compost, vermicompost, neem cake, and biofertilizers. Urea falls under prohibited substances list.
- The organization that provides organic certification in India is:
a) FSSAI
b) APEDA (under NPOP)
c) BIS
d) Spices Board
Answer: b) APEDA (under NPOP)
Explanation: APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) is the nodal agency for organic certification in India under the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP). Other certification bodies are accredited by APEDA.
- Vermicompost is produced by the activity of:
a) Bacteria
b) Fungi
c) Earthworms
d) Actinomycetes
Answer: c) Earthworms
Explanation: Vermicompost is organic manure produced through the activity of earthworms (Eisenia fetida, Eudrilus eugeniae). Earthworms consume organic waste and excrete nutrient-rich casts, which is vermicompost. It’s rich in N, P, K, and beneficial microbes.
- The concept of “Sustainable Agriculture” emphasizes:
a) Maximum production at any cost
b) Meeting present needs without compromising future generations
c) Only organic farming
d) High-tech mechanization
Answer: b) Meeting present needs without compromising future generations
Explanation: Sustainable agriculture aims to meet current food needs while preserving environmental quality, natural resources, and economic viability for future generations. It balances productivity with ecological and social responsibility.
- Which of the following is a biofertilizer?
a) Urea
b) DAP
c) Rhizobium culture
d) SSP
Answer: c) Rhizobium culture
Explanation: Rhizobium culture is a biofertilizer containing beneficial bacteria that fix atmospheric nitrogen in legume root nodules. Other biofertilizers include Azotobacter, Azospirillum, Phosphobacteria, and Mycorrhizae.
- The C:N ratio of ideal compost should be:
a) 10:1
b) 15:1 – 20:1
c) 30:1 – 40:1
d) 50:1 – 60:1
Answer: b) 15:1 – 20:1
*Explanation: Well-decomposed compost should have a C:N ratio of 15:1 to 20:1. This indicates good decomposition and nutrient availability. Raw materials start with wider C:N ratio (40-80:1), which narrows as decomposition progresses and carbon is lost as CO₂.*
- The “Navdanya” movement in India is associated with:
a) Organic farming and seed conservation
b) Water conservation
c) Dairy development
d) Afforestation
Answer: a) Organic farming and seed conservation
Explanation: Navdanya is a movement founded by Dr. Vandana Shiva promoting biodiversity conservation, organic farming, and seed saving. It has established seed banks and promotes traditional varieties and organic practices across India.
- Which of the following is a method of biological pest control?
a) Spraying chemical pesticides
b) Using resistant varieties
c) Releasing predators/parasitoids (Trichogramma, Chrysoperla)
d) Deep ploughing
Answer: c) Releasing predators/parasitoids (Trichogramma, Chrysoperla)
Explanation: Biological pest control uses living organisms to suppress pests. Trichogramma (egg parasitoid), Chrysoperla (predator), and Neem products are examples. This is a key component of organic pest management.
- The “Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana” (PKVY) is a government scheme promoting:
a) Chemical farming
b) Organic farming
c) Mechanization
d) Horticulture
Answer: b) Organic farming
*Explanation: PKVY is a Central Sector Scheme launched in 2015 to promote organic farming through cluster approach (50-100 ha clusters). It provides financial assistance (Rs. 50,000/ha for 3 years) for certification, inputs, and training.*
- Which of the following is NOT a principle of organic farming?
a) Health
b) Ecology
c) Fairness
d) Maximum chemical use
Answer: d) Maximum chemical use
Explanation: The four principles of organic farming (IFOAM) are: Health (sustain health of soil, plant, animal, human), Ecology (work with living ecological systems), Fairness (ensure fairness to all involved), and Care (practice responsibly to protect present and future).
- The nutrient content of FYM (Farm Yard Manure) on fresh basis is approximately:
a) 0.5% N, 0.2% P2O5, 0.5% K2O
b) 2% N, 1% P2O5, 2% K2O
c) 5% N, 2% P2O5, 5% K2O
d) 10% N, 5% P2O5, 10% K2O
Answer: a) 0.5% N, 0.2% P2O5, 0.5% K2O
*Explanation: FYM is a low-analysis fertilizer containing about 0.5% N, 0.2% P2O5, and 0.5% K2O on fresh basis. Large quantities (10-20 t/ha) are needed to meet crop nutrient requirements. It improves soil physical properties more than supplying nutrients.*
- The “System of Wheat Intensification” (SWI) is based on principles similar to:
a) Green Revolution
b) System of Rice Intensification (SRI)
c) Precision farming
d) Hydroponics
Answer: b) System of Rice Intensification (SRI)
Explanation: SWI applies SRI principles to wheat: young seedlings, wider spacing, organic manuring, and intermittent irrigation. It aims to enhance root growth, tillering, and yield with lower inputs. It’s part of agroecological approaches to crop production.
- Panchagavya, used in organic farming, is a mixture of five products from:
a) Plants
b) Cow
c) Earthworms
d) Microbes
Answer: b) Cow
Explanation: Panchagavya is an organic preparation made from five cow products: cow dung, cow urine, milk, curd, and ghee. It’s fermented and used as a growth promoter, foliar spray, and soil amendment in organic farming.
- The term “BD” (Biodynamic) preparations are associated with:
a) Organic farming
b) Biodynamic agriculture
c) Hydroponics
d) Aeroponics
Answer: b) Biodynamic agriculture
Explanation: Biodynamic agriculture is an advanced form of organic farming developed by Rudolf Steiner. It uses specific preparations (BD preparations) made from herbs, minerals, and cow manure, applied in homeopathic quantities, considering cosmic rhythms.
- Which of the following is a botanical pesticide?
a) Malathion
b) Endosulfan
c) Neem oil
d) DDT
Answer: c) Neem oil
Explanation: Neem oil (from Azadirachta indica) is a botanical pesticide containing azadirachtin that acts as antifeedant, repellent, and growth disruptor. It’s allowed in organic farming. Malathion, Endosulfan, and DDT are synthetic chemical pesticides.
- The main challenge in organic farming compared to conventional farming is:
a) Higher immediate yields
b) Lower yields during conversion period
c) Lower produce prices
d) Easier pest management
Answer: b) Lower yields during conversion period
*Explanation: During the conversion period (2-3 years) from conventional to organic farming, yields typically decrease as soil biology and fertility rebuild. After conversion, yields often stabilize close to conventional levels, with higher prices compensating for any reduction.*
- The “Zero Budget Natural Farming” (ZBNF) model in India was promoted by:
a) M.S. Swaminathan
b) Subhash Palekar
c) Verghese Kurien
d) Norman Borlaug
Answer: b) Subhash Palekar
Explanation: Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) was developed and promoted by Subhash Palekar. It emphasizes farming without purchased inputs (zero budget), using locally available materials like Jeevamrutha, Bijamrita, and mulching.
- Which of the following is a green manure crop?
a) Wheat
b) Rice
c) Sunhemp (Crotalaria juncea)
d) Maize
Answer: c) Sunhemp (Crotalaria juncea)
*Explanation: Sunhemp is a popular green manure crop grown and incorporated into soil to add organic matter and nitrogen. It can accumulate 80-100 kg N/ha in 45-60 days. Other green manure crops include dhaincha (Sesbania), cowpea, and guar.*
- The term “humus” refers to:
a) Fresh organic matter
b) Partially decomposed organic matter
c) Fully decomposed, stable organic matter
d) Compost
Answer: c) Fully decomposed, stable organic matter
Explanation: Humus is the stable, dark-colored organic material formed after complete decomposition of plant and animal residues. It’s resistant to further decomposition, improves soil structure, water holding capacity, and nutrient retention.
- The “Kisan Organic Guarantee Scheme” is related to:
a) Crop insurance
b) Organic certification
c) Minimum support price
d) Export subsidy
Answer: b) Organic certification
Explanation: The Participatory Guarantee System (PGS-India) or Kisan Organic Guarantee Scheme is a quality assurance initiative that certifies organic products through participation of farmers, consumers, and local stakeholders, reducing certification costs.
- The ideal temperature range for rapid composting is:
a) 10-20°C
b) 30-40°C
c) 50-60°C
d) 70-80°C
Answer: c) 50-60°C
*Explanation: During active composting, thermophilic microorganisms raise temperature to 50-60°C, which accelerates decomposition, kills weed seeds and pathogens. Turning the pile maintains aeration and temperature. After the thermophilic phase, temperature drops.*
- Which of the following is NOT a component of organic farming?
a) Crop rotation
b) Green manuring
c) Monocropping with high analysis fertilizers
d) Biological pest control
Answer: c) Monocropping with high analysis fertilizers
Explanation: Monocropping and high analysis chemical fertilizers are NOT components of organic farming. Organic farming emphasizes crop rotations, diversity, organic nutrient sources, and biological pest control.
- The “National Project on Organic Farming” (NPOF) was launched in:
a) 2000
b) 2004
c) 2010
d) 2015
Answer: b) 2004
Explanation: The National Project on Organic Farming (NPOF) was launched in 2004 during the 10th Five Year Plan to promote organic farming through capacity building, technology development, and financial support for organic input production units.
