Expected Agriculture & Rural Development (ARD) Questions for NABARD Grade A Exam | Set-21

Correct Answer – C. It increases carbon sequestration

Explanation: Under relay cropping, two or more crops are grown simultaneously. It increases carbon sequestration. The crop pattern of Moong-Maize-Potato-Wheat in the North-West region of India is an example of this type of cropping.

Correct Answer – D. 750 mm

Explanation:  Dryland farming: cultivation of crops in areas receiving rainfall above750 mm is known as dryland farming.  Dry spell during crop duration occurs, but crop failures are less frequent. Semi-arid regions are included under this category.

Correct Answer – B. Rearing agriculture and livestock simultaneously

Explanation: Mixed farming refers to performing agriculture along with livestock rearing. This type of farming is very essential to India as this provides monetary stability to farmers. Pasture and leguminous forage crops in rotation enhance soil quality and reduce erosion, livestock manure etc.

Correct Answer – C. Cucumber and Moong dal

Explanation: Zaid crops are Cucumber, Moong dal, Pumpkin, bitter gourd and muskmelon. These crops are grown between March and June. This is the season in between Rabi and Kharif crops seasons. Oat, Potato, Tomato and Oil Seeds are Kaharif crops. Jowar, Maize, Turmeric and Sugarcane are Rabi crops.

Correct Answer – B. Natural manures and pesticides are used
Explanation: Organic farmingis a form of agriculture that relies on techniques such as crop rotation, green manure, compost, and biological pest control.Depending on whose definition is used, organic farming uses fertilizers and pesticides (which include herbicides, insecticides and fungicides) if they are considered natural (such as bone meal from animals or pyrethrin from flowers), but it excludes or strictly limits the use of various methods (including synthetic petrochemical fertilizers and pesticides; plant growth regulators such as hormones; antibiotic use in livestock; genetically modified organisms; human sewage sludge; and nanomaterials.

Correct Answer – D. It generally comprises a high percentage of clay and retains moisture for a long time

Explanation: Alluvial soils are formed mainly due to silt deposited by Indo-Gangetic-Brahmaputra rivers. In coastal regions, some alluvial deposits are formed due to wave action.They are the largest soil group covering about 15 lakh sq km or about 46 per cent of the total area. It generally comprises a low percentage of clay and does not retain moisture for a long time.

Correct Answer – A. Deep Tillage

Explanation: Soil, which is the most important renewable resource supports the plant growth directly and indirectly the life of every other terrestrial animals including humans. And it is a living system as it is formed with its depth increasing over a very long period of time but the soil cover is denuded and washed down in a very short span called soil erosion. Terrace farming, Contour Ploughing and Strip farming are techniques to prevent soil erosion. Contour ploughing employs ploughing along the contours which decelerate the flow of water. Terrace farming is farming done on slopes cut out as steps called terraces. Strip Farming is allowing long grass to grown between crops to break up the force of wind. Deep tillage enhances soil erosion.

Correct Answer – C. Development of macro-level water resources

Explanation: Watershed management aims at the sustainable distribution of water resources and the process of creating and implementing plans to sustain and enhance watershed functions that affect the plant, animal and human communities within a watershed boundary. Features of a watershed that agencies seek to manage include water supply, water quality, drainage, storm water runoff, water rights and the overall planning and utilization of watersheds. Watershed management is done at the micro level, through it can be linked to macro level water resouces.

Correct Answer: C. trickle irrigation

Explanation: Drip irrigation is a type of micro-irrigation system that has the potential to save water and nutrients by allowing water to drip slowly to the roots of plants. The goal is to place water directly into the root zone and minimize evaporation.

Correct Answer – C. Livestock Farmers

Explanation: Livestock is a source of subsidiary income for many families in India, especially the resource poor who maintain few heads of animals. Milch animal are providing a regular source of income to the livestock farmers through milk sales and value addition. Animal husbandry sector provides large self-employment opportunities to the unemployed youth and bubbling entrepreneurs.