- The process of separating grains from the harvested crop is called:
a) Harvesting
b) Threshing
c) Winnowing
d) Drying
Answer: b) Threshing
Explanation: Threshing is the process of separating grains from the harvested crop (ears, panicles, pods). It can be done manually (beating, treading) or mechanically (threshers, combine harvesters). Timely threshing prevents grain deterioration.
- The ideal moisture content for safe storage of food grains is:
a) 5-6%
b) 8-10%
c) 12-14%
d) 18-20%
Answer: c) 12-14%
*Explanation: Food grains should be dried to 12-14% moisture for safe storage. Higher moisture leads to fungal growth, heating, insect infestation, and loss of viability. Oilseeds require even lower moisture (8-9%) due to risk of rancidity.*
- The process of separating lighter impurities (chaff, husk) from grains using air current is called:
a) Threshing
b) Winnowing
c) Sieving
d) Milling
Answer: b) Winnowing
Explanation: Winnowing separates lighter materials (chaff, broken straw, dust) from heavier grains using air current (wind or blower). Traditional winnowing uses wind and winnowing basket/fan. Modern cleaners use air screens and aspiration.
- Which of the following is a traditional storage structure used in rural India?
a) Silo
b) Bin
c) Kothar (Kanaja)
d) Warehouse
Answer: c) Kothar (Kanaja)
Explanation: Kothar or Kanaja are traditional storage structures made from wood, bamboo, or mud, used in rural India for storing food grains at household level. Other traditional structures include Bukhari, Kothi, and Mud kothi.
- The major cause of post-harvest losses in India is:
a) Improved storage facilities
b) Inadequate drying, storage pests, and moisture
c) Excess processing
d) High market prices
Answer: b) Inadequate drying, storage pests, and moisture
*Explanation: Post-harvest losses in India (10-15% for food grains) are mainly due to improper drying (high moisture), storage pests (insects, rodents, fungi), and inadequate storage infrastructure. Modern storage technologies can reduce these losses.*
- The “Critical Moisture Content” for safe storage of paddy is:
a) 10%
b) 12%
c) 14%
d) 16%
Answer: c) 14%
*Explanation: Paddy (rice in husk) should be dried to 14% moisture for safe storage. Milled rice requires even lower moisture (12-13%). Higher moisture leads to yellowing, fungal growth (Aspergillus), and loss of milling quality.*
- The process of removing husk from paddy to produce brown rice is called:
a) Polishing
b) Dehusking (Hulling)
c) Milling
d) Parboiling
Answer: b) Dehusking (Hulling)
Explanation: Dehusking (hulling) removes the outer husk from paddy, producing brown rice with bran layers intact. Further polishing removes bran to produce white rice. Modern rice mills use rubber roll shellers for efficient dehusking.
- . The “parboiling” of paddy involves:
a) Direct milling
b) Steaming and drying before milling
c) Polishing only
d) Sun drying only
Answer: b) Steaming and drying before milling
Explanation: Parboiling involves soaking paddy in water, steaming (to gelatinize starch), and drying before milling. This process drives nutrients from bran into endosperm, improves milling recovery, and changes cooking quality. Most Indian rice is parboiled.
- Which of the following is a storage pest of food grains?
a) Earthworm
b) Rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae)
c) Honey bee
d) Silkworm
Answer: b) Rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae)
Explanation: Rice weevil is a major storage pest infesting wheat, rice, maize, and other grains. Adults lay eggs inside grains, larvae feed internally, causing weight loss and quality deterioration. Other storage pests include khapra beetle, lesser grain borer, and pulse beetle.
- The “Modified Atmosphere Storage” (MAS) of grains involves:
a) Adding more oxygen
b) Reducing oxygen and increasing CO₂/nitrogen
c) Increasing temperature
d) Adding moisture
Answer: b) Reducing oxygen and increasing CO₂/nitrogen
*Explanation: MAS (or controlled atmosphere storage) modifies gas composition around stored grains – reducing O₂ (below 2%) and increasing CO₂ (40-60%) or nitrogen. This suppresses insect respiration and fungal growth without chemicals.*
- The “hermetic storage” of grains means:
a) Open storage
b) Airtight storage
c) Cold storage
d) Chemical treatment
Answer: b) Airtight storage
Explanation: Hermetic storage (airtight) uses sealed containers (PICS bags, metal silos, underground pits) to exclude oxygen. Respiration of insects and grains consumes O₂ and produces CO₂, creating a modified atmosphere that kills pests without chemicals.
- The optimum temperature range for safe storage of food grains is:
a) 10-15°C
b) 15-25°C
c) 25-35°C
d) 35-45°C
Answer: b) 15-25°C
*Explanation: Cool temperatures (15-25°C) are ideal for grain storage. Higher temperatures (>25°C) accelerate insect breeding, fungal growth, and grain deterioration. Lower temperatures (<15°C) are even better but may not be feasible in tropical conditions without refrigeration.*
- The “drying ratio” for paddy (fresh to dried weight) is approximately:
a) 1:1
b) 2:1
c) 3:1
d) 4:1
Answer: b) 2:1
*Explanation: Freshly harvested paddy has about 22-24% moisture, requiring drying to 14% for storage. The drying ratio is approximately 2:1 – meaning 2 tons of fresh paddy yield about 1 ton of dried paddy (actually about 1.1 tons, as 22% to 14% removes ~10% water).*
- Which of the following is NOT a method of grain drying?
a) Sun drying
b) Mechanical drying (heated air)
c) Solar drying
d) Steeping in water
Answer: d) Steeping in water
Explanation: Steeping in water would increase grain moisture, opposite of drying. Sun drying (traditional), mechanical drying (using heated air in dryers), and improved solar drying (solar tunnels) are all methods to reduce grain moisture for safe storage.
- The “bin” type storage structure is suitable for:
a) Short-term storage only
b) Long-term storage of large quantities
c) Household storage only
d) Perishable products
Answer: b) Long-term storage of large quantities
Explanation: Bins (metal, concrete, or brick) are suitable for long-term, large-scale storage of food grains. They protect from weather, rodents, and birds. Modern bins may have aeration systems for temperature and moisture control.
- The process of “milling” of wheat produces:
a) Rice
b) Flour (atta) and bran
c) Oil
d) Sugar
Answer: b) Flour (atta) and bran
Explanation: Wheat milling involves cleaning, conditioning, and grinding to separate endosperm (flour) from bran and germ. Whole wheat flour (atta) includes all parts, while refined flour (maida) is primarily endosperm with bran and germ removed.
- The main cause of quality loss in stored grains is:
a) Low moisture
b) High moisture and temperature
c) Airtight storage
d) Low temperature
Answer: b) High moisture and temperature
Explanation: High moisture (>14%) combined with warm temperatures (>25°C) creates ideal conditions for mold growth, insect multiplication, and grain deterioration. This is the primary cause of storage losses. Maintaining low moisture and cool temperatures preserves quality.
- The “Fumigation” of stored grains is done to:
a) Add nutrients
b) Control storage pests using gaseous pesticides
c) Improve color
d) Increase moisture
Answer: b) Control storage pests using gaseous pesticides
Explanation: Fumigation uses gaseous pesticides (aluminum phosphide, methyl bromide – now restricted) to penetrate grain bulk and kill hidden insect stages. It’s done in sealed storage structures. Safety precautions are essential as fumigants are toxic to humans.
- Which of the following is a metal silo for grain storage?
a) Kothar
b) Pusa bin
c) Morai
d) Beri
Answer: b) Pusa bin
*Explanation: Pusa bin is a metal silo developed by IARI for household-level storage (1.5-3.0 quintal capacity). It’s made from galvanized iron sheets with airtight lid, protecting grains from moisture, rodents, and insects. Other metal bins include PAU bins.*
- The “Head Rice Yield” in rice milling refers to:
a) Total rice obtained
b) Percentage of whole (unbroken) grains
c) Broken rice percentage
d) Husk percentage
Answer: b) Percentage of whole (unbroken) grains
Explanation: Head rice yield is the percentage of whole, unbroken kernels in milled rice. It’s the most valuable fraction (higher price). Higher head rice yield indicates better milling quality and proper drying/milling practices. Broken rice is less valuable.
- The ideal moisture content for harvesting paddy by combine harvester is:
a) 12-14%
b) 16-18%
c) 20-22%
d) 25-28%
Answer: c) 20-22%
*Explanation: For combine harvesting, paddy should have 20-22% moisture. Too dry (<16%) causes excessive grain cracking and losses; too wet (>25%) causes clogging and grain damage. After harvest, immediate drying to 14% is needed.*
- The “bag storage” of grains in warehouses has the disadvantage of:
a) Low cost
b) High labor requirement for handling
c) Good aeration
d) Easy inspection
Answer: b) High labor requirement for handling
Explanation: Bag storage requires significant labor for stacking, turning, and handling. It’s also space-inefficient compared to bulk storage. However, it allows easy inspection, segregation, and doesn’t require specialized infrastructure like bins.
- The “Aeration” in grain storage means:
a) Adding air pollutants
b) Forcing air through grain bulk to control temperature and moisture
c) Sealing from air
d) Adding oxygen
Answer: b) Forcing air through grain bulk to control temperature and moisture
Explanation: Aeration involves moving ambient or cooled air through grain mass to maintain uniform temperature, prevent moisture migration, and remove hot spots. It’s essential in large storage structures to preserve grain quality.
- The “Safe Storage Period” for wheat at 14% moisture and 30°C temperature is approximately:
a) 1-2 months
b) 3-4 months
c) 6-8 months
d) 12-15 months
Answer: c) 6-8 months
*Explanation: At 14% moisture and 30°C (typical tropical conditions), wheat can be safely stored for 6-8 months without significant quality loss. Lower temperatures and moisture extend storage life. This is why cool storage (18-20°C) is recommended for longer periods.*
- The “Pusa Farm Sun Dryer” developed by IARI is used for:
a) Irrigation
b) Grain drying using solar energy
c) Threshing
d) Winnowing
Answer: b) Grain drying using solar energy
Explanation: Pusa Farm Sun Dryer is a low-cost, solar-powered grain dryer consisting of a polythene-covered structure that heats air using solar energy. It reduces grain moisture faster and more hygienically than open sun drying, protecting from dust, birds, and sudden rain.
- The concept of “Precision Agriculture” primarily involves:
a) Using more fertilizers
b) Site-specific crop management using technology
c) Increasing seed rate
d) Traditional farming methods
Answer: b) Site-specific crop management using technology
Explanation: Precision agriculture uses GPS, GIS, remote sensing, and variable rate technology to manage within-field variability. It applies inputs (seeds, fertilizers, water, pesticides) exactly where and when needed, optimizing yields and minimizing environmental impact.
- The “Nano-technology” in agriculture is used for:
a) Increasing farm size
b) Nano-fertilizers, nano-pesticides, and nano-sensors
c) Traditional breeding
d) Manual weeding
Answer: b) Nano-fertilizers, nano-pesticides, and nano-sensors
Explanation: Nanotechnology in agriculture involves engineering materials at nanometer scale. Nano-fertilizers increase nutrient use efficiency, nano-pesticides provide targeted delivery, and nano-sensors detect pests, diseases, and soil conditions early.
- “Hydroponics” is a method of growing plants:
a) In soil
b) In water with nutrient solutions (without soil)
c) In air
d) In sand only
Answer: b) In water with nutrient solutions (without soil)
Explanation: Hydroponics grows plants in nutrient-rich water solutions without soil. Roots are supported in inert media (coco peat, perlite, gravel) or directly in nutrient solution. It allows controlled environment agriculture and higher productivity per unit area.
- “Aeroponics” involves growing plants with:
a) Roots submerged in water
b) Roots suspended in air and misted with nutrient solution
c) Roots in soil
d) Roots in sand
Answer: b) Roots suspended in air and misted with nutrient solution
Explanation: Aeroponics is a soilless growing system where plant roots are suspended in air and periodically misted with nutrient solution. It provides maximum aeration, efficient nutrient uptake, and is used in vertical farming and space research.
- The “System of Root Intensification” (SRI) was originally developed for:
a) Wheat
b) Rice
c) Maize
d) Sugarcane
Answer: b) Rice
Explanation: SRI (System of Rice Intensification) was developed in Madagascar in the 1980s. It uses young seedlings, single planting, wider spacing, organic manure, and intermittent irrigation to enhance root growth and yields with less water and seeds.
- “Vertical Farming” refers to:
a) Farming on slopes
b) Growing crops in vertically stacked layers (indoors)
c) Deep ploughing
d) Tall crops like sugarcane
Answer: b) Growing crops in vertically stacked layers (indoors)
Explanation: Vertical farming grows crops in vertically stacked layers in controlled environments (buildings, shipping containers). It uses LED lighting, hydroponics/aeroponics, and climate control for year-round production with minimal land and water.
- The “drone technology” in agriculture is NOT used for:
a) Crop spraying
b) Aerial imaging and monitoring
c) Ploughing
d) Variable rate application
Answer: c) Ploughing
Explanation: Drones are used for aerial imaging (crop health, pest detection), precision spraying, and variable rate applications. They cannot perform tillage operations like ploughing, which require heavy equipment on ground.
- “Artificial Intelligence” (AI) in agriculture helps in:
a) Predicting crop yields
b) Pest and disease detection through image recognition
c) Advisory systems for farmers
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: AI applications in agriculture include yield prediction using machine learning, disease/pest detection from leaf images, personalized advisories, soil health monitoring, and autonomous farm machinery. It enables data-driven decision making.
- “Blockchain technology” in agriculture is primarily used for:
a) Increasing crop yields
b) Supply chain transparency and traceability
c) Fertilizer production
d) Seed treatment
Answer: b) Supply chain transparency and traceability
Explanation: Blockchain creates an immutable, transparent record of transactions along the food supply chain – from farm to consumer. It enables traceability (tracking origin), ensures food safety, reduces fraud, and builds consumer trust.
- The “Internet of Things” (IoT) in agriculture refers to:
a) Internet browsing by farmers
b) Network of sensors and devices collecting and transmitting farm data
c) Online marketing
d) Social media for farmers
Answer: b) Network of sensors and devices collecting and transmitting farm data
Explanation: IoT in agriculture uses sensors (soil moisture, weather, crop health) connected to the internet to collect real-time data. This enables precision irrigation, fertigation, pest alerts, and automated control of farm operations.
- “Gene Editing” technologies like CRISPR-Cas9 are used in agriculture to:
a) Produce organic food
b) Make precise changes in crop DNA for improved traits
c) Increase fertilizer use
d) Replace traditional breeding
Answer: b) Make precise changes in crop DNA for improved traits
*Explanation: CRISPR-Cas9 and other gene editing tools allow precise, targeted modifications in crop genomes to improve yield, disease resistance, stress tolerance, and quality. Unlike GMOs, they may not introduce foreign DNA and are less regulated in some countries.*
- “Speed breeding” technique in crop improvement involves:
a) Fast growth of plants
b) Extended photoperiod to shorten generation time
c) High fertilizer application
d) Early harvesting
Answer: b) Extended photoperiod to shorten generation time
*Explanation: Speed breeding uses extended photoperiod (up to 22 hours light) in controlled environments to accelerate plant growth and shorten generation time. This allows 4-6 generations per year instead of 1-2, speeding up crop breeding programs.*
- The “Soil Health Card” scheme in India aims to:
a) Provide crop insurance
b) Issue cards with soil nutrient status and recommendations
c) Register land ownership
d) Provide credit
Answer: b) Issue cards with soil nutrient status and recommendations
*Explanation: Soil Health Card scheme (launched 2015) provides farmers with cards showing nutrient status (N, P, K, S, micronutrients) of their soil along with recommended fertilizer doses. This promotes balanced nutrient use and reduces over-fertilization.*
- “Per Drop More Crop” is a component of which government scheme?
a) PMFBY
b) PMKSY (Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana)
c) NFSM
d) PKVY
Answer: b) PMKSY (Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana)
Explanation: “Per Drop More Crop” is a component of PMKSY focusing on water use efficiency through micro-irrigation (drip and sprinkler), precision technologies, and moisture conservation practices. It aims to increase crop yield per unit of water.
- “Custom Hiring Centres” (CHCs) in agriculture provide:
a) Hired labor
b) Farm machinery on rent to small farmers
c) Crop loans
d) Marketing services
Answer: b) Farm machinery on rent to small farmers
Explanation: CHCs offer farm machinery (tractors, harvesters, seed drills) on rent to small and marginal farmers who cannot afford individual ownership. This improves mechanization access, timeliness of operations, and farm efficiency.
- The “National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture” (NMSA) focuses on:
a) Increasing fertilizer subsidies
b) Promoting climate-resilient and sustainable agriculture
c) Expanding irrigation
d) Increasing minimum support price
Answer: b) Promoting climate-resilient and sustainable agriculture
Explanation: NMSA (part of National Action Plan on Climate Change) promotes sustainable agriculture through soil health management, water efficiency, integrated farming, and climate-resilient practices. It aims to adapt agriculture to climate change.
- “Organic Farming” certification in India is primarily governed by:
a) FSSAI
b) NPOP (National Programme for Organic Production)
c) BIS
d) Spices Board
Answer: b) NPOP (National Programme for Organic Production)
Explanation: NPOP, operated by APEDA, is the main organic certification program in India. It sets standards for organic production, accreditation of certification bodies, and promotes organic exports. Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) is another certification route for domestic market.
- The “Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana” (RKVY) is a:
a) Crop insurance scheme
b) Umbrella scheme for holistic agricultural development
c) Fertilizer subsidy scheme
d) Marketing scheme
Answer: b) Umbrella scheme for holistic agricultural development
Explanation: RKVY (launched 2007) is a flagship scheme providing flexibility to states for planning and executing agricultural projects based on local needs. It covers diverse areas from crop production to infrastructure, marketing, and value addition.
- “Doubling Farmers’ Income” (DFI) by 2022 was a target set by:
a) NITI Aayog
b) Government of India
c) ICAR
d) NABARD
Answer: b) Government of India
*Explanation: The Government of India set a target to double farmers’ real income by 2022-23 (from 2015-16 base). The strategy focuses on productivity gains, cost reduction, diversification, price realization, and risk mitigation through seven sources of income growth.*
- The “e-NAM” (National Agriculture Market) platform facilitates:
a) Online fertilizer sales
b) Transparent online trading of agricultural commodities
c) Crop insurance
d) Seed distribution
Answer: b) Transparent online trading of agricultural commodities
*Explanation: e-NAM (launched 2016) is a pan-India electronic trading portal that unifies APMC mandis, enabling online bidding, transparent price discovery, and single license for trading across states. It aims to improve price realization for farmers.*
- “Solar farming” or “Agrivoltaics” refers to:
a) Growing crops under solar panels
b) Using solar energy for irrigation
c) Both a and b – co-locating crop production and solar power generation
d) Solar drying of crops
Answer: c) Both a and b – co-locating crop production and solar power generation
Explanation: Agrivoltaics involves installing solar panels above crops on same land. Panels generate electricity while providing partial shade that can benefit certain crops, reduce water loss, and increase land productivity. It’s a climate-smart approach.
- The “Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Padhati” (BPKP) is a scheme promoting:
a) Chemical farming
b) Natural farming (Zero Budget Natural Farming)
c) Hydroponics
d) Precision farming
Answer: b) Natural farming (Zero Budget Natural Farming)
Explanation: BPKP is a sub-scheme of PMKSY promoting natural farming based on ZBNF principles – using locally available inputs (Jeevamrutha, Bijamrita), no synthetic fertilizers/pesticides, and integration of crops, trees, and livestock.
- “Sensitive Zone” farming in high-density areas refers to:
a) Organic farming near cities
b) Farming practices restricted near water bodies or protected areas
c) High-tech farming
d) Terrace farming
Answer: b) Farming practices restricted near water bodies or protected areas
Explanation: Sensitive zone farming involves restrictions on chemical use, waste disposal, and certain practices near reservoirs, rivers, national parks, or urban areas to protect water quality, biodiversity, and public health.
- “Biofortification” of crops means:
a) Increasing crop yield
b) Breeding crops for higher nutrient content (vitamins, minerals)
c) Using more fertilizers
d) Organic certification
Answer: b) Breeding crops for higher nutrient content (vitamins, minerals)
Explanation: Biofortification develops crop varieties with enhanced micronutrient content (iron, zinc, vitamin A) through breeding or biotechnology. Examples: iron-rich pearl millet, zinc-rich wheat, vitamin A-rich orange sweet potato. It addresses hidden hunger.
- The “National Innovation on Climate Resilient Agriculture” (NICRA) focuses on:
a) Increasing fertilizer use
b) Developing climate-resilient technologies and varieties
c) Expanding irrigation
d) Promoting organic farming
Answer: b) Developing climate-resilient technologies and varieties
Explanation: NICRA (ICAR project) develops and demonstrates climate-resilient technologies including drought/tolerant varieties, conservation agriculture, water-efficient practices, and climate advisories to help farmers cope with climate variability.
