(Download) UPSC MAIN EXAM : 2019 AGRICULTURE (Paper-1)

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(Download) CS (MAIN) EXAM:2019 AGRICULTURE (Paper I)

Exam Name: CS (MAIN) EXAM:2019 AGRICULTURE (Paper I)
Marks: 250
Time Allowed : Three Hours

SECTION ‘A’

Q1.Describe the following in about 150 words each : 10x5=50 marks

1.(a) Biofortification
1.(b) Effect of agricultural inputs on soil pollution.
1.(c) What are the effects of ozone layer depletion ?
1.(d) Agroforestry systems in Indo-Gangetic plains.
1.(e) Current status of biological weed management.

2.(a) Differentiate the following with example : 5x4=20

Catch crop and trap crop
Narrow spectrum and broad spectrum herbicides.
Fodder and forage crops.
Social forestry and agroforestry.

2.(b) Define organic farming. Give an account of social, economic and environmental dimensions of organic farming.
2.(c) Choice of crops and cropping systems is governed by length of growing season : critically comment.

3.(a) How to increase the yield of wheat under late sown conditions ?
3.(b) What do you mean by precision farming? Give an account of smart agricultural technologies used in precision farming.
3.(c) Calculate weed index in wheat crop with the given information and draw the inference.

4.(a) Explain the utility of remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) in agriculture.
4.(b) Describe Ratoon sugarcane management practices for enhancing cane yield and quality.
4.(c) Explain the effects of climate change on crop production.

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SECTION 'B'

Q5. Describe the following in about 150 words each : 10x5=50 marks

5.(a) Leaf colour chart and its use for nitrogen management in rice crop.
5.(b) Agronomic manipulation for preventing soil erosion.
5.(c) Soil health card.
5.(d) Biodrainage and its limitations.
5.(e) e-NAM (National Agriculture Market) and its advantages.

6.(a) Describe contract farming in India and its relevance in present scenario.
6.(b) Differentiate between saline and sodic soils. Give an account of agro-techniques for management of these soils.
6.(c) What do you mean by carbon-sequestration ? Give the role of cropping systems for improving c-sequestration.

7.(a) Give an elaborate account of agronomic measures of watershed management. 20
7.(b) What is the present status of pulse production in India? Narrate the constraints and strategies for increasing the pulse production.
7.(c) Give the contributions of Self-help Groups for rural livelihood security. 10

8.(a) What are the reasons for low availability of phosphorus nutrient ? Give an account of agronomic practices to improve the phosphorus-use efficiency.
8.(b) Give an account of modern communication technologies for agricultural trans formation.
8.(c) What are the components of drip irrigation system ? Enumerate the benefits of drip-fertigation.