UPSC Agronomy Previous Year Questions (PYQs) – Year Wise & Topic Wise

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Agronomy

Cropping patterns in different agro-climatic zones of the country.

  1. Discuss about the cropping patterns of Middle Gangetic Plain and Western Plateau and hills. (20M, CSE 2024)
  2. Discuss the geographic factors used by the National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning (NBSS & LUP) for agroecological zoning in India. (10M, IFoS-2023)
  3. Describe the basis of classification of agro-ecological zones of India. Give the important characteristics and cropping patterns of any two zones. (10M, IFoS-2019)
  4. Enlist the agro climatic zones of India and give their important cropping patterns. (8M, 150W, IFoS-2018)
  5. What are the climatic parameters affecting crop productivity according to which farmers follow the cropping pattern in the western zone of the country? (8M, 150W, IFoS-2017)
  6. Describe the basis of classification of agro-ecological zones of India.
  7. Give the important characteristics of any two zones with their states/regions and major cropping patterns. (8M, 150W, IFoS-2016)
  8. Describe the agricultural regions of India. (10M, 150W, CSE 2015)
  9. How are the agro-climatic zones determined? (10M, 150W, CSE 2015)
  10. Microclimate. (200W, CSE 1990)

Impact of high yielding and short-duration varieties on shifts in cropping patterns.

  1. Explain the term ‘crop diversification’. Discuss the contribution of high- yielding short-duration varieties in crop intensification and diversification in India. (10M, IFoS-2023)
  2. Discuss the reasons for food grain surplus. Describe food grain production and consumption trends in India. (15M, CSE 2019)
  3. Role of hybrids/high yielding varieties to meet national goal of food security (10M, 150W, CSE 2018)
  4. What is the physiological effect of low temperature on seed germination? What are its remedies? (150W, 8M, IFoS-2016)
  5. Discuss the impact of short duration and long duration varieties on deterioration of soil health (20M, CSE 2014)
  6. What is green revolution and its aftereffects on crop production? How can we make grey areas green to meet the challenges of food requirement for the increasing population of the country? (60M, CSE 2000)
  7. Do you think that this was the beginning of revolution in wheat cultivation in India? Discuss in detail. (200W, CSE 1992)
  8. The introduction of high yielding and hybrid varieties of crops has brought about a revolution in Indian agriculture. Comment on this. What measures would you suggest to sustain the green revolution in the country? (200W, CSE 1989)

Concepts of various cropping and farming systems.

  1. Explain different types of farming. Discuss the factors affecting types of farming. (20M, CSE 2024)
  2. Explain the term conventional and conservation tillage. Give account of their comparative effects on soil properties and greenhouse gas emissions. (20M, CSE 2024)
  3. Differentiate between intercropping and mixed cropping. Explain the terms ‘additive series’, ‘replacement series’ and ‘land equivalent ratio’ with examples. (15M, IFoS-2023)
  4. How can the cropping intensity and farm profitability be enhanced with the incorporation of different types of speciality corn in existing cropping systems.? (10M CSE 2023 150W)
  5. Describe the multi-storied cropping system. Discuss in detail its advantages and feasibility inhorticultural crops. (15M, IFoS-2022)
  6. Discuss the factors considered for selection of a cropping system. Suggest efficient and productive cropping systems for Indo-Gangetic plains. (15M, IFoS-2022)
  7. Describe the role of diversification and intensification of the cropping systems in enhancing farm productivity and nutritional security. (8M, IFoS-2022)
  8. Define Integrated Farming System (IFS). How can IFS improve the income of different landholding groups? (20M, CSE 2021)
  9. Discuss Integrated Farming System (IFS) with suitable examples. How can IFS improve livelihoods of small and marginal farmers? (15M, IFoS 2021)
  10. What is Land equivalent Ratio (LER)? Give advantages and disadvantages of LER. (15M, IFoS 2021)
  11. Rice-wheat crop rotation is very common in north Indian Agriculture. Discuss and describe the advantages and disadvantages of this crop rotation according to the principles of crop rotation. (CSE 2020)
  12. What is diversified system of farming? How it is beneficial to small and marginal farmers in India? (10M, 150W, CSE 2020)
  13. Choice of crops and cropping systems is governed by length of growing season critically comment. (10M, CSE 2019)
  14. Differentiate catch crop and Trap crop (20M, CSE 2019)
  15. Discuss the importance of diversification and intensification in modern agriculture. (8M, 150W, IFoS-2019)
  16. Discuss the importance and scope for drought-tolerant varieties in crops. (8M, 150W, IFoS-2019)
  17. Explain the concept and benefits of multiple, multi-storey, relay and intercropping. (10M, IFoS-2019)
  18. What is multiple cropping? Give its significance in increasing the crop production. (8M,150W, IFoS-2018)
  19. Diversification and intensification are important in present day agriculture. Explain. (8M, 150W, IFoS-2017)
  20. Describe cropping system, Intercropping and Relay cropping in agriculture, with examples. (10M, 150W, IFoS-2017)
  21. Farming system vs Mixed farming (10M, 150W, 2016)
  22. Describe Decoy crop vs Trap crop (10M, CSE 2016)
  23. Differentiate between multi-storey cropping and relay cropping. Write their importance. (8M,150W, IFoS-2016)
  24. What is crop diversification? What are the factors affecting it? (8M, 150W, IFoS-2016)
  25. Important characteristics of dryland and rainfed farming. (10M, 200W, IFoS-2016)
  26. Discuss inter-cropping to meet food production sustainability. (8M, IFoS-2015)
  27. Describe the basis of crop and management requirement for success of multiple cropping and relay cropping. (10M, IFoS-2015)
  28. Explain multiple cropping, its significance and constraints experienced by farmers (15M, CSE 2015)
  29. Why is crop diversification more beneficial than traditional monoculture system (20M, CSE 2015)
  30. Differentiate and elaborate Intensive agriculture and Sustainable agriculture (10M, CSE 2015)
  31. What are the elements of weather affecting crop production? Explain the adjustment of cropping system in the aberrant weather conditions. (8M,150W, IFoS-2014)
  32. Rice- wheat crop rotation is very popular in North India. Is this rotation in accordance with principles of crop rotation? Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of crop rotation. (10M, IFoS-2014)
  33. What is multi storied cropping? State the principles of multi storied cropping. Also state the important
    factors that limit the adoption of multi storied cropping. (10M, IFoS-2014)
  34. What are the advantages of integrated farming system? Discuss about resource recycling in different integrated farming systems in India (10M, 150W, CSE 2013)
  35. Explain Crop diversification (10M, 150W, CSE 2013)
  36. Short notes on Ley farming (10M, 150W, CSE 2013)
  37. Explain Intercropping (10M, 150W, CSE 2013)
  38. Differentiate cropping system and cropping pattern (15M, CSE 2012)
  39. Intensification and Diversification of agriculture (15M, 200W, CSE 2012)
  40. What are principles of agricultural regions? Give importance of intercropping system. (12M, 150W, CSE 2012)
  41. In the context of Integrated Farming System (IFS), describe feasible enterprise diversification for dry land areas with special reference to small landholdings (30M, CSE 2010)
  42. Differentiate Cropping Scheme and Cropping Pattern (10M, CSE 2009)
  43. Short notes on Tillage (20M, 200W, CSE 2009)
  44. Integrated crop management (ICM) (200W, 20M, CSE 2008)
  45. Short notes on Cropping and farming system (20M, 200W, CSE 2006)
  46. What is sustainable agriculture? Give its limitations and strategies to achieve food security for the 21st century (60M, CSE 2006)
  47. Short notes on Sustainable agriculture (20M, 200W, CSE 2003)
  48. Short notes on Land Equivalent Ratio (20M, 200W, CSE 2002)
  49. Short notes on Crop Diversification (20M, 200W, CSE 2002)
  50. Why is rice-wheat cropping sequence considered important among other crop sequences in the country? Describe briefly the limiting factors and remedial measures associated with this crop sequence for their higher production. (60M, CSE 2002)
  51. Define intercropping. Give the definition of different systems of intercropping each with 3 examples. Discuss the effect of component crops on each other. (60M, CSE 2001)
  52. Prepare a production plan for a family farm of 0.5 hectare having four fields irrigated by hired tube well water in which domestic needs govern the cropping system (60M, CSE 2001)
  53. Intercropping of sugar beet with sugarcane (15M, CSE 2001)
  54. Short notes on recent methods of line sowing (20M, 200W, CSE 2001)
  55. Short notes on summer sown pigeon pea-wheat rotation (15M, CSE 2001)
  56. Short notes on Wheat after potato and wheat with potato (15M, CSE 2001)
  57. Short critical notes on Multi-storey Cropping (20M, 200W, CSE 1999)
  58. Short critical notes on Inter cropping and mixed cropping (20M, 200W, CSE 1998)
  59. Short critical notes on Contour farming (20M, 200W, CSE 1998)
  60. Define maximum economical yield (MEY) Describe the important inputs and operations in wheat after toria. (60M, CSE 1997).
  61. Short critical notes on Farming system approach (20M, 200W, CSE 1996)
  62. Cropping system (200W, CSE 1995)
  63. Ley farming Vs alley cropping (200W, CSE 1993)
  64. Cropping System vs. Farming System. (200W, CSE 1992)
  65. Mixed cropping vs. Relay cropping. (200W, CSE 1992)
  66. Multiple cropping patterns. (200W, CSE 1990)
  67. Discuss the differences between the traditional and modern approaches to tillage. What are the problems of tillage research? (CSE 1990)
  68. Major cropping patterns in India (200W, CSE 1989)

Organic and Precision farming.

  1. Give the specific features of organic farming and natural farming Briefly discuss the preparations and role of biodynamics and cow pat pit in organic crop production. (20M CSE 2023)
  2. What is “precision farming”? Write its different aspects for resource conservation. (10M, CSE 2022)
  3. Describe precision agriculture and conservation agriculture. (10M, CSE 2020)
  4. Define organic farming. Give an account of social, economic, and environmental dimensions of organic farming. (20M, CSE 2019)
  5. Discuss the economics of organic farming of varied agro-ecological zones of the country. (8M, 150W, IFoS-2019)
  6. What do you mean by precision farming? Give an account of smart agricultural technologies used in precision farming. (20M, CSE 2019)
  7. Describe Role of organic farming for sustainability and profitability (10M, 150W, CSE 2018)
  8. Explain the principles of conservation agriculture. Describe the practices and impact of conservation agriculture in Indian scenario. (10M, CSE 2018)
  9. What is organic farming? How does it help in sustaining the soil fertility and crop productivity? (20M, CSE 2017)
  10. Describe Precision farming (10M, 150W, CSE 2017)
  11. Describe the importance of organic farming with respect to nutritional value addition (10M, 150W, CSE 2014)
  12. What is organic farming? Should a country like India go for organic farming? Discuss the scope and limitations of organic farming in India. (10M, IFoS-2014)
  13. What is tillage? Why is zero tillage getting more importance at present? (10M, IFoS-2014)
  14. Define sustainable agriculture. What are the criteria of sustainability in agriculture system? What are the various approaches to achieve sustainability? (25M, 400W, CSE 2013)
  15. Protected agriculture (10M, CSE 2016, 2013)
  16. Short notes on Potential of organic farming in North-Eastern India (15M, 150W, CSE 2010)
  17. Short notes on Precision in agriculture (20M, 200W, CSE 2007)
  18. Short notes Organic farming (20M, 200W, CSE 2006, 2001, 1994)

Package of practices for production of important

A. Cereals
B. Pulses
C. Oil seeds
D. Fibres
E. Sugar
F. Commercial
G. Fodder crops.

A. Cereals

  1. Describe the cultivation of maize in respect of the following:
    1. Types of maize
    2. Earthing up
    3. Water management
    4. Weed management
    5. Harvesting (15M, IFoS-2023)
  2. Describe the importance of millets in Indian Agriculture. (10 M, CSE 2022)
  3. What is the significance of Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) and System of Rice Intensification (SRI)? Describe the package of practices for direct seeded rice. (20M, CSE 2022)
  4. Improved agro-practices for the production of quality protein maize. (10M, 150W, CSE 2021)
  5. What is the importance of millets in climate resilient agriculture? (10M, IFoS 2020)
  6. How to increase the yield of wheat under late sown condition? (20M, CSE 2019)
  7. Describe the comparative package of practices for direct seeded aerobic rice and S.R.I. (20M, CSE 2018)
  8. Describe the technologies for seeded and transplanted rice production (20M, CSE 2017)
  9. Describe the package and practices, viz., planting pattern, sowing time and spacing, weeds and nutrients management and productivity of the following crops:
    1. Chickpea (10M, IFoS-2017)
    2. Wheat (10M, IFoS-2017)
    3. Lucerne (10M, IFoS-2017)
    4. Sunflower (10M, IFoS-2017)
  10. Give the recommended package of practices for wheat, maize, pigeon-pea and potato under the following heads:
    1. Time of sowing/ season (10M, IFoS-2016)
    2. Spacing pattern (10M, IFoS-2016)
    3. Seed Rate (10M, IFoS-2016)
    4. Nutrient management (10M, IFoS-2016)
    5. Weed control (10M, IFoS-2016)
  11. Compare direct seeding and transplanting of rice (10M, CSE 2015)
  12. How does untimely rains become hazardous to wheat crop? Discuss prevention methods to save grains from spoilage. (8M, IFoS-2015)
  13. Do you observe any changes in foliage of paddy plant due to change in environmental conditions? Discuss. (8M, IFoS-2015)
  14. Describe rice-wheat cropping system, depletion of nutrient and soil health. (8M, IFoS-2015)
  15. How is cereals production increasing in the country inspite of climate change. (10M, IFoS-2015)
  16. Describe the management of paddy-wheat cropping system having forecast poor rain (10M, 150W, CSE 2014)
  17. Short notes on Major constraints in Rice-Rice and Rice-Wheat cropping system in India (15M, 150W, CSE 2010)
  18. Role of Rice- Wheat cropping system with respect to food and nutrition security in future. (200W, 20M, CSE 2008)
  19. Give in tabular form sowing time, seed rate, spacing, fertilizer, irrigation, and average yield in India of jowar, sunflower, peas, soybean, mustard, and groundnut for higher production (60M, CSE 2005)
  20. Give in tabular form seeding time, seeding rate, spacing, fertilizer and average yield per hectare in India of maize, wheat, cotton, potato, pigeon pea and groundnut for higher production (60M, CSE 2003)
  21. Discuss the weed menace in upland rice and suggest management methods (60M, CSE 1998)
  22. Short critical notes on Pudding in rice (20M, 200W, CSE 1996)
  23. Short critical notes on Role of solar radiation in rice (20M, 200W, CSE 1996)
  24. Lodging in cereal (200W, CSE 1995)
  25. There is vast untapped potential for raising rice yields in Eastern India. Discuss nine major measures for increasing productivity of rice in the region. (CSE 1991)
  26. On the basis of constraint analysis, what are the measures suggested to maximise yield of rice in Eastern India? (CSE 1989)

B. Pulses

  1. Describe the improved cultivation practices of Chickpea under the following heads: (20M, CSE 2024)
    1. Improved varieties
    2. Seed rate and row to row spacing
    3. Nutrient management
    4. Weed management
    5. Insect-pest and disease management.
  2. What are the factors responsible for low production and productivity of pulses in India? Discuss strategies adopted for enhancing the pulse production and productivity. (10M, CSE 2024)
  3. Discuss the major factors for achievement of self-sufficiency in pulse production in India. (10M, IFoS 2020)
  4. What are the major causes of low productivity of oilseed and pulse crops in India? Suggest strategies for increasing the production and productivity of oilseed crops in the country. (20M, CSE 2020)
  5. What is the present status of pulse production in India? Narrate the constraints and strategies for increasing the pulse production. (20M, CSE 2019)
  6. Give the improved agro-techniques for rice and chickpea with respect to time of sowing / season, method of sowing / spacing, seed rate, nutrients and weed control. (20M, IFoS-2019)
  7. Discuss the major constraints in pulse production in India. (10M, IFoS-2018)
  8. Constraints of pulse production in India and measures to improve their production and productivity (10M,200W, IFoS-2016)
  9. Write a brief note on the importance of pulses for sustainable future. Describe the international pulse year with its main objectives and strategies to enhance the production and availability of pulses (20M, CSE 2016)
  10. Describe the package of practices for raising a short duration pigeon pea. Discuss good agricultural practices (GAP) and their implications (20M, CSE 2016)
  11. Explain package of practices for production of pigeonpea. (8M, IFoS-2015)
  12. Describe the package of practices for production of pigeon pea (20M, CSE 2014)
  13. Write in tabular form, recommended package of practices for wheat, hybrid maize, groundnut, pigeon pea, sunflower with respect to varieties, sowing time, seed rate, spacing and expected yield / ha. (60 M. CSE 2008)
  14. Elaborate the constraints of pulse production in India. Suggest suitable strategies to overcome these constraints (60M, CSE 2007)
  15. Write in tabular form seed rate, sowing time, fertilizer schedule, irrigation management and average yield of barley, cotton, lentil, sugarcane, oat and toria crops for higher production (60M, CSE 2006)
  16. Give at least two names each of important pulses and oilseed crops grown in Kharif (autumn) and Rabi (winter) seasons. Discuss the constraints holding back production of pulses and oilseeds in India. Suggest measures to increase their production. (60M, CSE 2004)
  17. Give in tabular form sowing time, seed rate, spacing, fertilizer and irrigation schedules of paddy, wheat, pigeon pea, mustard, linseed, and berseem for their higher productivity (60M, CSE 2002)
  18. Summer sown pigeon pea-wheat rotation (15M, CSE 2001)
  19. Differentiate Synergistic and Legume effect in crops (15M, 2001)
  20. What are the limiting factors of production responsible in pulses and oilseed crops? Suggest suitable steps needed to enhance their production in the country (60M, CSE 2000)
  21. Un-stability in pulse production (CSE 1995)
  22. Why is the yield of pulse crops low compared to cereals? Suggest suitable measures to improve pulse production in the country. Write major package of practices for increasing production in arhar and gram (60M, CSE 1994)
  23. What constitutes improved management technology for increasing chickpea production in deep black soils (Vertisol)? (CSE 1991)
  24. What are the unique features of pulse crops which make them indispensable, if not difficult to replace? Discuss the constraints to the production of pulse crops and suggest ways and means of overcoming them. (CSE 1990)

C. Oil seeds

  1. Elaborate the strategy for increasing production of vegetable oil in India. (8M, IFoS-2023)
  2. Discuss the following in relation to groundnut: (20M CSE 2023)
    1. Role of macro and micro nutrients.
    2. Pegging
    3. Critical growth stages for irrigation
    4. Weed management.
    5. Region specific cropping systems.
  3. What is status of oilseed production and constraints of their production in India? Describe the strategies for attaining self-sufficiency in oilseed production (20M, CSE 2018)
  4. What are the major techno-economic and political causes of low productivity of oilseeds and pulses crops in India? Discuss the scope of increasing its production. (10M, IFoS-2014)
  5. What are the constraints for increasing productivity of groundnut? Detail the steps recommended for overcoming these constraints and improving productivity. (CSE 1989)

D. Fibres

  1. Short notes on Retting in jute (20M, 200W, CSE 1997)
  2. Mention the important varieties and hybrids in extralong staple cotton and indicate the contribution of each. (CSE 1991)

E. Sugarcane

  1. Describe the production technology of sugarcane crop on the following heads: (20M, CSE 2020)
    1. Improved varieties
    2. Methods of sowing and seed rate
    3. Fertilizers and irrigation management
    4. Inter culture operation
    5. Plant protection
  2. Describe Ratoon sugarcane management practices for enhancing cane yield and quality. (20M, CSE 2019)
  3. What are the different methods of planting sugarcane? (20M, CSE 2011)
  4. Short notes on Scope and limitations of cultivation of sorghum and sugarcane (15M, 150W, CSE 2010)
  5. Write in tabular form the recommended package of practices viz. sowing time, seed rate, spacing, irrigation and weed control schedule of sugarcane, potato, chickpea, soybean and transplanted rice for higher production (60M, CSE 2007).
  6. Intercropping of sugar beet with sugarcane (15M, CSE 2001)
  7. Short notes on Sugarcane rationing (20M, 200W, CSE 1997)
  8. Give in tabular form the varieties, spacing and row proportion, fertilizer and irrigation schedules of sugar + wheat (60M, CSE 1997).
  9. Discuss the five major improved management practices for increasing cotton and sugarcane production in the country. (60M, CSE 1996).
  10. Rationing in sugarcane (CSE 1995)
  11. Co J − 64 and Co C (200W, CSE 1991)
  12. Sugar production has to be stepped up by five million tonnes in the next ten years. Discuss specific measures to be followed for achieving the target. (CSE 1990)

F. Commercial

  1. Is curing in tobacco beneficial? Describe the various curing processes adopted in tobacco growing regions of India. (20M, CSE 2007)
  2. Wheat after potato and wheat with potato (15M, CSE 2001)
  3. Short critical notes on Flue curing (20M, 200W, CSE 1996)

G. Fodder crops

  1. Differentiate fodder and forage crop (20M, CSE 2019)
  2. Write about the needs and techniques of forage conservation (15M, CSE 2015)
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