- The primary greenhouse gas emitted from agricultural activities is:
a) Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
b) Methane (CH₄)
c) Nitrous oxide (N₂O)
d) Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
Answer: b) Methane (CH₄)
Explanation: Agriculture is a major source of methane from enteric fermentation in ruminants (cattle, buffalo) and rice paddies (anaerobic decomposition). While agriculture also emits N₂O (from fertilizers) and CO₂ (from land use change), methane is the most significant agricultural GHG.
- Which agricultural practice is the largest source of nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions?
a) Rice cultivation
b) Fertilizer application
c) Livestock rearing
d) Biomass burning
Answer: b) Fertilizer application
Explanation: Nitrogen fertilizer application (both synthetic and organic) is the largest source of agricultural N₂O emissions. N₂O is produced through nitrification and denitrification of nitrogen in soils. It has 298 times the global warming potential of CO₂.
- The term “carbon sequestration” in agriculture refers to:
a) Releasing carbon into atmosphere
b) Capturing and storing atmospheric carbon in soil and biomass
c) Burning crop residues
d) Using fossil fuels
Answer: b) Capturing and storing atmospheric carbon in soil and biomass
Explanation: Carbon sequestration in agriculture involves practices that remove CO₂ from the atmosphere and store it as soil organic carbon or biomass. This includes conservation tillage, cover cropping, agroforestry, and organic amendments.
- Which crop is most affected by rising temperatures during the grain filling stage?
a) Rice
b) Wheat
c) Sugarcane
d) Cotton
Answer: b) Wheat
*Explanation: Wheat is highly sensitive to high temperatures during grain filling. Terminal heat stress (temperatures >30°C) reduces grain filling duration and weight, leading to yield losses. This is a major concern with climate change in the Indo-Gangetic plains.*
- The concept of “Climate-Smart Agriculture” (CSA) has three pillars:
a) More food, more profit, more inputs
b) Sustainably increase productivity, adapt to climate change, reduce emissions
c) Organic farming, zero tillage, precision agriculture
d) High yields, high profits, high inputs
Answer: b) Sustainably increase productivity, adapt to climate change, reduce emissions
*Explanation: Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) aims to: (1) sustainably increase agricultural productivity and incomes, (2) adapt and build resilience to climate change, and (3) reduce/remove greenhouse gas emissions where possible.*
- The phenomenon of “CO₂ fertilization” means:
a) Using CO₂ as fertilizer
b) Enhanced plant growth due to increased atmospheric CO₂
c) CO₂ toxicity to plants
d) Fertilizers producing CO₂
Answer: b) Enhanced plant growth due to increased atmospheric CO₂
Explanation: CO₂ fertilization refers to the potential increase in plant photosynthesis and growth due to higher atmospheric CO₂ concentrations. C3 plants (rice, wheat, soybean) generally respond more than C4 plants (maize, sugarcane, sorghum).
- Which region of India is most vulnerable to climate change impacts on agriculture?
a) Indo-Gangetic plains
b) Rainfed dryland areas
c) Coastal regions
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Different regions face different climate risks: Indo-Gangetic plains face heat stress and groundwater depletion; rainfed areas face increased drought frequency; coastal regions face sea-level rise, cyclones, and salinity intrusion. All are vulnerable.
- The “National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture” (NICRA) is a project of:
a) ICAR
b) Ministry of Environment
c) NABARD
d) IMD
Answer: a) ICAR
Explanation: NICRA is a network project of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) launched in 2011 to enhance climate resilience of Indian agriculture through research, technology demonstration, and capacity building.
- Which of the following is a climate-resilient cropping practice?
a) Monocropping of high-yielding varieties
b) Crop diversification
c) Continuous flooding in rice
d) High fertilizer use
Answer: b) Crop diversification
Explanation: Crop diversification (growing multiple crops/varieties) spreads risk, adapts to variable conditions, and enhances resilience to climate extremes. Monocropping, continuous flooding, and high input use increase vulnerability.
- The major impact of sea-level rise on coastal agriculture is:
a) Increased rainfall
b) Salinity intrusion in soils and groundwater
c) Better crop growth
d) Reduced pest incidence
Answer: b) Salinity intrusion in soils and groundwater
Explanation: Sea-level rise leads to saltwater intrusion into coastal aquifers and agricultural lands, increasing soil salinity. This affects crop growth, reduces yields, and can make land unsuitable for cultivation without costly reclamation.
- Which greenhouse gas has the highest global warming potential?
a) Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
b) Methane (CH₄)
c) Nitrous oxide (N₂O)
d) Water vapor
Answer: c) Nitrous oxide (N₂O)
*Explanation: N₂O has a global warming potential 298 times that of CO₂ over 100 years (CH₄ is 28-34 times). Though emitted in smaller quantities, its high GWP makes it significant. Agriculture is the main source of N₂O through fertilizer use.*
- The practice of “alternate wetting and drying” (AWD) in rice helps in:
a) Increasing yield
b) Reducing methane emissions and water use
c) Increasing pest incidence
d) Reducing nitrogen fixation
Answer: b) Reducing methane emissions and water use
*Explanation: AWD involves irrigating rice only when water level drops below soil surface, rather than continuous flooding. This reduces methane emissions (by creating aerobic conditions), saves water (20-30%), and maintains yields.*
- Which of the following is an adaptation strategy for drought-prone areas?
a) Growing long-duration varieties
b) Growing short-duration, drought-tolerant varieties
c) Increasing fertilizer dose
d) Dense planting
Answer: b) Growing short-duration, drought-tolerant varieties
Explanation: In drought-prone areas, adaptation includes short-duration varieties that escape terminal drought, drought-tolerant varieties, moisture conservation practices, and diversification. Long-duration varieties and dense planting increase risk.
- The impact of climate change on pest dynamics includes:
a) Reduced pest incidence
b) Expansion of pest range to new areas
c) Complete pest elimination
d) No effect on pests
Answer: b) Expansion of pest range to new areas
Explanation: Climate change expands the geographic range of many pests (warmer winters allow survival in new areas), increases generations per year, and may disrupt natural enemy-pest synchrony. This increases pest pressure in many regions.
- The term “carbon footprint” of a product refers to:
a) Physical size of product
b) Total greenhouse gas emissions throughout its life cycle
c) Carbon content in product
d) Packaging material used
Answer: b) Total greenhouse gas emissions throughout its life cycle
Explanation: Carbon footprint measures total GHG emissions (CO₂, CH₄, N₂O) associated with a product from production to disposal. For agricultural products, this includes field emissions, fertilizer production, transport, and processing.
- Which of the following is a mitigation strategy for methane emissions from rice?
a) Continuous flooding
b) Mid-season drainage
c) Increasing organic manure
d) Deep water cultivation
Answer: b) Mid-season drainage
*Explanation: Mid-season drainage (intermittent irrigation/AWD) creates aerobic soil conditions that inhibit methanogenic bacteria, reducing methane emissions by 30-50% compared to continuous flooding. This also saves water without significant yield loss.*
- The “4 per 1000” initiative aims to:
a) Increase crop yields by 4%
b) Increase soil organic carbon by 0.4% annually
c) Reduce emissions by 4%
d) Increase forest area by 4%
Answer: b) Increase soil organic carbon by 0.4% annually
Explanation: The “4 per 1000” initiative (launched at COP21) aims to increase global soil organic carbon by 0.4% per year through practices like conservation agriculture, cover cropping, and agroforestry, potentially offsetting significant anthropogenic CO₂ emissions.
- Which crop is likely to benefit most from elevated CO₂ levels due to its C3 photosynthetic pathway?
a) Maize
b) Sugarcane
c) Sorghum
d) Soybean
Answer: d) Soybean
*Explanation: C3 plants (soybean, rice, wheat) generally show greater response to elevated CO₂ (10-20% yield increase) than C4 plants (maize, sugarcane, sorghum) which have CO₂ concentrating mechanisms and show smaller response (0-5%).*
- The major source of agricultural emissions in India is:
a) Fertilizer use
b) Enteric fermentation (livestock)
c) Rice cultivation
d) Biomass burning
Answer: b) Enteric fermentation (livestock)
Explanation: In India, enteric fermentation from livestock (cattle, buffalo) is the largest source of agricultural GHG emissions due to the large livestock population. Rice cultivation (methane) and fertilizer use (N₂O) are also significant sources.
- The concept of “Agroforestry” contributes to climate change mitigation by:
a) Increasing fertilizer use
b) Sequestering carbon in trees and soil
c) Reducing crop diversity
d) Increasing water use
Answer: b) Sequestering carbon in trees and soil
*Explanation: Agroforestry systems sequester significant carbon in tree biomass and soil, while also providing adaptation benefits (microclimate moderation, soil conservation). Trees on farms can store 50-200 tons C/ha depending on system and region.*
- The “Methane” emission from rice fields is produced by:
a) Rice plants
b) Methanogenic bacteria in anaerobic conditions
c) Fertilizer application
d) Root exudates
Answer: b) Methanogenic bacteria in anaerobic conditions
Explanation: Methane in rice fields is produced by methanogenic archaea that decompose organic matter under anaerobic (oxygen-free) conditions created by flooding. The methane is then transported to the atmosphere through the rice plants.
- Which of the following is NOT a climate-resilient agricultural practice?
a) Conservation agriculture
b) Direct seeding of rice
c) Continuous flooding in rice
d) Laser land leveling
Answer: c) Continuous flooding in rice
Explanation: Continuous flooding in rice is NOT climate-resilient – it emits methane, wastes water, and increases vulnerability to water scarcity. Conservation agriculture, direct seeding, and laser leveling improve resilience through water saving, soil health, and resource efficiency.
- The impact of increased temperature on crop duration is:
a) Increased duration
b) Decreased duration (faster maturation)
c) No change
d) Variable depending on crop
Answer: b) Decreased duration (faster maturation)
Explanation: Higher temperatures generally accelerate crop development, reducing the time from sowing to maturity. This shorter duration reduces the time for biomass accumulation and grain filling, often leading to lower yields.
- The term “climate vulnerability” in agriculture refers to:
a) Ability to cope with climate change
b) Degree to which a system is susceptible to climate impacts
c) Greenhouse gas emissions from farming
d) Adaptation measures adopted
Answer: b) Degree to which a system is susceptible to climate impacts
Explanation: Vulnerability is a function of exposure (degree of climate stress), sensitivity (degree to which system is affected), and adaptive capacity (ability to adjust). Highly vulnerable systems have high exposure/sensitivity and low adaptive capacity.
- The “KAPP” (Knowledge Application for Promoting Prosperity) initiative in Bihar promotes:
a) Chemical farming
b) Climate-resilient agricultural practices
c) Organic farming only
d) Export-oriented agriculture
Answer: b) Climate-resilient agricultural practices
Explanation: KAPP (supported by the World Bank) promotes climate-resilient practices in Bihar including drought-tolerant varieties, direct seeded rice, conservation agriculture, and weather advisories to help farmers adapt to climate variability.
- The study of weather and climate and its relationship to agriculture is called:
a) Agronomy
b) Agricultural meteorology (Agrometeorology)
c) Climatology
d) Ecology
Answer: b) Agricultural meteorology (Agrometeorology)
Explanation: Agricultural meteorology (agrometeorology) is the branch of science dealing with the relationship between weather/climate conditions and agricultural production. It helps in crop planning, weather forecasting for agriculture, and mitigating weather-related risks.
- The “Monsoon” in India is primarily caused by:
a) Western disturbances
b) Differential heating of land and sea
c) Cyclones
d) Jet streams
Answer: b) Differential heating of land and sea
Explanation: The Indian monsoon is driven by differential heating of land (Indian subcontinent) and sea (Indian Ocean). During summer, land heats faster than ocean, creating low pressure that draws moisture-laden winds from the ocean, causing rainfall.
- The instrument used to measure rainfall is called:
a) Thermometer
b) Barometer
c) Raingauge
d) Anemometer
Answer: c) Raingauge
Explanation: A raingauge measures the amount of rainfall (in mm or cm) at a location. The standard non-recording type is Symon’s raingauge. Automatic weather stations have tipping bucket or weighing type recording raingauges.
- The temperature at which condensation begins in the atmosphere is called:
a) Dew point
b) Wet bulb temperature
c) Dry bulb temperature
d) Critical temperature
Answer: a) Dew point
Explanation: Dew point is the temperature at which air becomes saturated with water vapor and condensation begins. It’s an important agrometeorological parameter related to dew formation, frost risk, and cloud formation.
- The “South-West Monsoon” in India normally arrives in:
a) March-April
b) June-July
c) September-October
d) December-January
Answer: b) June-July
*Explanation: The South-West Monsoon normally arrives in Kerala around June 1st (onset date varies) and covers the entire country by mid-July. It’s the main rainy season (Kharif) for Indian agriculture, providing 75-90% of annual rainfall in most regions.*
- The term “PET” in agrometeorology stands for:
a) Potential Evapotranspiration
b) Primary Evaporation Temperature
c) Plant Energy Transfer
d) Precipitation Efficiency Test
Answer: a) Potential Evapotranspiration
Explanation: Potential Evapotranspiration (PET) is the amount of water that would be lost from a well-vegetated surface with adequate moisture at all times. It represents the atmospheric demand for water and is used in irrigation scheduling and water balance studies.
- Which of the following is a Kharif crop requiring high temperature and humidity?
a) Wheat
b) Rice
c) Chickpea
d) Mustard
Answer: b) Rice
*Explanation: Rice is a Kharif crop requiring high temperature (25-30°C) and high humidity with abundant water. Wheat, chickpea, and mustard are Rabi crops requiring cool temperatures and grown in winter with less humidity.*
- The “North-East Monsoon” brings rainfall to which part of India?
a) North India
b) Western India
c) Tamil Nadu and Southeast coast
d) Northeastern states
Answer: c) Tamil Nadu and Southeast coast
Explanation: The North-East Monsoon (October-December) brings rainfall mainly to Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and coastal Andhra Pradesh. While most of India receives rain from South-West Monsoon, these areas get significant rain from the retreating monsoon.
- The instrument used to measure wind speed is called:
a) Wind vane
b) Anemometer
c) Hygrometer
d) Lysimeter
Answer: b) Anemometer
Explanation: Anemometer measures wind speed (km/h or m/s). Wind vane indicates wind direction. Both are essential for understanding wind patterns affecting evapotranspiration, pollination, and pest dispersal.
- The “Global Positioning System” (GPS) is used in agriculture for:
a) Weather forecasting
b) Precision farming (field mapping, guidance)
c) Soil testing
d) Pest identification
Answer: b) Precision farming (field mapping, guidance)
Explanation: GPS in agriculture enables precision farming through accurate field mapping, variable rate application, tractor guidance, and yield monitoring. It allows site-specific management based on within-field variability.
- The ideal temperature range for germination of most tropical crops is:
a) 5-10°C
b) 15-20°C
c) 25-35°C
d) 40-45°C
Answer: c) 25-35°C
*Explanation: Most tropical crops (rice, maize, sorghum, cotton, groundnut) germinate optimally at 25-35°C. Temperate crops (wheat, barley, oats) germinate at lower temperatures (15-25°C). Temperature extremes reduce germination percentage and rate.*
- The term “Heat Units” or “Growing Degree Days” (GDD) is used to:
a) Measure soil temperature
b) Predict crop development stages
c) Calculate fertilizer requirement
d) Estimate pest incidence
Answer: b) Predict crop development stages
Explanation: Growing Degree Days (GDD) accumulate daily temperature above a base temperature. Different crops and varieties require specific GDD to reach maturity. This helps predict harvesting time, plan planting dates, and select appropriate varieties for a location.
- Which of the following is a Rabi crop requiring low temperature during vegetative growth?
a) Rice
b) Maize
c) Wheat
d) Groundnut
Answer: c) Wheat
*Explanation: Wheat requires low temperatures (10-15°C) during vegetative growth (tillering) and moderate temperatures (20-25°C) during grain filling. High temperatures (>30°C) during grain filling cause terminal heat stress and yield loss.*
- The “La Niña” phenomenon is associated with:
a) Warming of Pacific Ocean
b) Cooling of Pacific Ocean (opposite of El Niño)
c) Increased monsoon rainfall in India
d) Both b and c
Answer: d) Both b and c
Explanation: La Niña (cooling of central and eastern Pacific) is opposite of El Niño (warming). La Niña is generally associated with better monsoon rainfall in India, while El Niño often correlates with below-normal monsoon.
- The instrument used to measure solar radiation is called:
a) Thermometer
b) Pyranometer
c) Anemometer
d) Hygrometer
Answer: b) Pyranometer
Explanation: A pyranometer measures solar radiation (sunlight intensity) in watts per square meter. This data is crucial for understanding crop photosynthesis, evapotranspiration, and selecting crops suitable for a location’s radiation regime.
- The term “evapotranspiration” refers to:
a) Evaporation from soil only
b) Transpiration from plants only
c) Combined loss of water from soil and plants
d) Rainfall amount
Answer: c) Combined loss of water from soil and plants
Explanation: Evapotranspiration (ET) is the sum of evaporation from soil surface and transpiration from plants. It’s a key parameter in irrigation scheduling, water balance studies, and assessing crop water requirements.
- Which of the following is a weather hazard for agriculture?
a) Optimum rainfall
b) Moderate temperature
c) Drought
d) Adequate sunshine
Answer: c) Drought
Explanation: Drought (prolonged dry period) is a major weather hazard causing crop failure, yield loss, and economic distress. Other hazards include floods, cyclones, hailstorms, frost, heat waves, and cold waves.
- The “Indian Meteorological Department” (IMD) was established in:
a) 1875
b) 1901
c) 1947
d) 1965
Answer: a) 1875
Explanation: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) was established in 1875 and is the principal government agency for meteorological observations, weather forecasting, and climate services in India. It provides crucial agrometeorological advisories to farmers.
- The term “photoperiodism” refers to:
a) Response of plants to light intensity
b) Response of plants to day length (duration of light)
c) Response of plants to temperature
d) Response of plants to water
Answer: b) Response of plants to day length (duration of light)
Explanation: Photoperiodism is the physiological response of plants to the length of day (light period). Short-day plants (rice, soybean) flower when day length is less than critical; long-day plants (wheat, mustard) flower when day exceeds critical length.
- The “GRAM” (Gramin Agriculture) weather forecasting system provides:
a) Long-term climate projections
b) District-level agrometeorological advisories
c) Crop insurance data
d) Fertilizer recommendations
Answer: b) District-level agrometeorological advisories
Explanation: The GRAM (Gramin Krishi Mausam Seva) system of IMD provides district-level weather forecasts and crop-specific advisories to farmers through various media, helping them make informed decisions on farm operations.
- Which of the following is a short-day plant?
a) Wheat
b) Mustard
c) Rice
d) Radish
Answer: c) Rice
Explanation: Rice is typically a short-day plant, flowering when day length is shorter than a critical period (though day-neutral varieties also exist). Wheat and mustard are long-day plants; radish is also a long-day plant for bolting.
- The “El Niño” phenomenon is associated with:
a) Cooling of Indian Ocean
b) Warming of Pacific Ocean (equatorial region)
c) Increased monsoon in India
d) Cold waves in North India
Answer: b) Warming of Pacific Ocean (equatorial region)
Explanation: El Niño is the warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean. It’s associated with changes in global weather patterns and often (but not always) correlates with below-normal monsoon rainfall in India.
- The critical temperature for frost damage in crops is:
a) 10°C
b) 5°C
c) 0°C or below
d) 15°C
Answer: c) 0°C or below
*Explanation: Frost damage occurs when temperatures drop to 0°C or below, causing ice formation in plant tissues. This damages cell membranes, leading to wilting and death. Frost-sensitive crops (potato, tomato, sugarcane) are severely affected.*
- The term “lysimeter” is used to measure:
a) Rainfall
b) Evapotranspiration
c) Wind speed
d) Soil temperature
Answer: b) Evapotranspiration
Explanation: A lysimeter is a device that measures actual evapotranspiration from a vegetated soil column. It consists of a tank filled with soil, planted with crop, and weighed or measured for water balance to determine ET accurately.
- The “Western Disturbances” bring rainfall to which part of India during Rabi season?
a) South India
b) Eastern India
c) Northwest India
d) Northeast India
Answer: c) Northwest India
Explanation: Western Disturbances are extra-tropical storms originating in the Mediterranean region that bring winter rainfall (November-March) to northwest India (Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh). This rainfall benefits Rabi crops like wheat.
