Agriculture in India MCQs– Indian Geography

Answer: a) Jute
Explanation: Jute is called the Golden Fiber because of its shiny appearance and economic importance. India and Bangladesh are the largest producers. Jute is mainly grown in West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, and Odisha due to high humidity and fertile soil.

Answer: a) Rice and Wheat
Explanation: The Green Revolution in India (1960s) emphasized high-yielding varieties (HYVs) of rice and wheat, along with irrigation, fertilizers, and pesticides. It transformed India from a food-deficit to a food-surplus country, particularly in Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh.

Answer: a) Uttar Pradesh
Explanation: Uttar Pradesh is India’s leading sugarcane producer, contributing about 40% of the total output. Sugarcane is a tropical crop requiring plenty of water and a long growing season. The fertile Gangetic plains provide ideal conditions for its cultivation.

Answer: b) milk
Explanation: Operation Flood launched in 1970 was the world’s largest dairy development program. It transformed India into the largest milk producer in the world. It was implemented by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and is called the White Revolution.

Answer: c) Watermelon
Explanation: Zaid is the short cropping season between Rabi and Kharif, from March to June. Crops like watermelon, cucumber, fodder, and vegetables are grown during this period with irrigation support. These crops meet summer demand and provide income to farmers.

Answer: b) Assam
Explanation: Assam produces the highest share of India’s tea, famous for its strong flavor. The hot, humid climate with heavy rainfall provides ideal conditions. Along with West Bengal, Assam forms India’s major tea-growing belt, making India one of the top tea producers globally.

Answer: b) Pulses, Rice, Wheat
Explanation: NFSM was launched to ensure food security by increasing the production of rice, wheat, and pulses through better seeds, technology, and management practices. Later, it was expanded to include coarse cereals and commercial crops to reduce food imports.

Answer: b) Karnataka
Explanation: Karnataka produces over 70% of India’s coffee, mainly in the Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru, and Hassan districts. Indian coffee is shade-grown and internationally famous for its aroma and quality. Kerala and Tamil Nadu also contribute significantly to coffee production.

Answer: b) Black Soil Region (Deccan Plateau)
Explanation: Cotton requires black soil (regur soil) and a warm climate. It is extensively cultivated in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, and Madhya Pradesh. India is one of the world’s largest cotton producers and exporters, vital for its textile industry.

Answer: b) Pulses
Explanation: Pulses are called “Poor Man’s Meat” because they are rich in protein, affordable, and a major part of vegetarian diets in India. India is the world’s largest producer and consumer of pulses, but still relies on imports to meet demand.

Answer: a) Petroleum and Mineral Oil
Explanation: The Black Revolution refers to India’s increased production of petroleum and mineral oil resources to reduce dependence on imports. Though unrelated to crop farming, it is considered part of India’s broader agricultural-energy linkage.

Answer: a) Kerala
Explanation: Kerala is famous as the land of spices, producing black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. India is the largest exporter of spices worldwide, and Kerala’s Malabar region has been historically linked with the global spice trade.

Answer: b) Wheat
Explanation: Farmers grow wheat as the main Rabi crop in winter and harvest it in spring. They mainly cultivate it in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh. India is the second-largest wheat producer in the world after China.

Answer: b) Pepper
Explanation: People call black pepper the King of Spices due to its wide use in food and global trade. India, especially Kerala, is one of the earliest and largest producers of pepper. It was historically known as “Black Gold”.

Answer: b) West Bengal
Explanation: West Bengal is India’s top rice-producing state, followed by Uttar Pradesh and Punjab. Rice is the staple food of India, grown under high temperature and rainfall conditions. India is the second-largest rice producer in the world after China.

Answer: c) North-Eastern States
Explanation: Farmers in Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Meghalaya practice shifting cultivation, also called Jhum. Farmers clear forest patches, burn vegetation, and cultivate for a few years before moving. It is traditional but ecologically unsustainable compared to modern farming practices.

Answer: b) Horticulture and Honey Production
Explanation: The Golden Revolution (1991–2003) focused on boosting horticulture, honey, and fruit production in India. It significantly improved India’s position in global fruit and vegetable markets, making horticulture one of the most important contributors to agricultural GDP.

Answer: b) Uttar Pradesh
Explanation: Uttar Pradesh is India’s largest wheat-producing state, contributing nearly 35% of the national output. Farmers grow wheat as a major food grain in the Rabi season. Punjab and Haryana also play a crucial role in India’s wheat production.

Answer: a) Fisheries
Explanation: The Blue Revolution refers to the rapid increase in fish production through aquaculture and modern fishing methods. It has helped India become one of the leading fish producers globally, improving nutrition, exports, and livelihoods in coastal and inland regions.

Answer: a) Gujarat
Explanation: Gujarat is India’s leading groundnut producer, contributing nearly 40% of the total. Groundnut is a Kharif oilseed crop, grown in black and alluvial soils. It is used for edible oil and fodder. Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh also produce groundnut.