11. Consider the following statements regarding the First Five-Year Plan (1951–1956):
- It was based on the Harrod–Domar model of economic growth.
- Its primary focus was on agriculture, irrigation, and food security.
- Major irrigation projects like the Bhakra–Nangal Dam were initiated during this plan.
- It failed to achieve its growth target due to recurring droughts and refugee resettlement challenges.
Which of the above statements is / are correct?
[A] Only 2 and 4
[B] 1, 3 and 4
[C] 1, 2, 3 and 4
[D] 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 and 3]
Notes:
The First Five-Year Plan was based on the Harrod–Domar model (1), and emphasized agriculture, irrigation, and food security (2). Major projects such as the Bhakra–Nangal Dam began in this period (3). The plan, however, surpassed its growth target, and did not fail as suggested in statement 4, making only statements 1, 2, and 3 correct.
12. Consider the following statements regarding structural changes in Indian agriculture since Independence:
- Agriculture’s share in GDP has declined from about 52% in 1951 to ~15% by 2023.
- Agriculture and allied activities still employ nearly 45% of India’s workforce.
- The Green Revolution made India dependent on large-scale foodgrain imports.
- Agricultural productivity levels in India remain lower than global best practices.
Which of the above statements are correct?
[A] Only 1 and 3
[B] Only 2 and 4
[C] Only 1, 2 and 4
[D] 1, 2, 3 and 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Only 1, 2 and 4]
Notes:
Statements 1, 2, and 4 are correct. India’s agricultural GDP share declined from about 52% in 1951 to about 15% by 2023, while employing ~45% of the workforce. The Green Revolution made India self-sufficient, not dependent on imports. Indian farm productivity remains below global best practices.
13. Which of the following challenges continue to affect Indian agriculture today:
- Predominance of small and fragmented landholdings
- Dependence on monsoons, with nearly half of sown area still rain-fed
- Well-developed and efficient supply chains for storage and marketing
- Slow diversification into horticulture, dairy, and fisheries
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 1, 2 & 3
[C] Only 2 & 4
[D] Only 1, 2 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1 & 2]
Notes:
Indian agriculture faces issues such as small and fragmented landholdings, and heavy dependence on monsoons with about half of cultivated area being rain-fed. Supply chains remain inefficient, and diversification into horticulture, dairy, and fisheries is progressing, not slow. Thus, only statements 1 and 2 are correct.
14. Consider the following statements regarding the Indian economy under colonial rule:
- Per capita income growth was around 1.2% annually.
- Industry contributed less than 15% of GDP.
- Agriculture employed about 70% of the workforce.
Which of the above is / are correct?
[A] Only 2 & 3
[B] Only 1 & 2
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 2 & 3]
Notes:
Per capita income growth during colonial rule was approximately 0.5% annually, not 1.2%. Industry's share in GDP was typically less than 15%. Agriculture was the predominant sector, employing about 70% of the workforce. Thus, only statements 2 and 3 are correct.
15. Which institute has developed an agriculture waste-based packaging material?
[A] IIT Madras
[B] IIT Bombay
[C] IIT Ahmedabad
[D] IIT Delhi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [IIT Madras]
Notes:
Researchers at Indian Institute of Technology-Madras (IIT-M) developed an agriculture waste-based packaging material. It offers a sustainable alternative to plastic foams like Expanded Polystyrene (EPS). Fungi such as Ganoderma lucidum (medicinal mushroom) and Pleurotus ostreatus (edible mushroom) were grown on waste. Five substrates were used: cardboard, sawdust, paper, cocopith, and hay. Ganoderma on cardboard showed higher compressive strength than EPS. India generates over 350 million tonnes of agricultural waste annually. This innovation can help reduce four million tonnes of plastic waste produced in India.
16. Which state government has declared August 7 as ‘Sustainable Agriculture Day’ in honour of Dr. M. S. Swaminathan?
[A] Punjab
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Haryana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Maharashtra]
Notes:
Recently, the Maharashtra government declared August 7 will be celebrated every year as “Sustainable Agriculture Day” to honour Bharat Ratna Dr. M. S. Swaminathan. The announcement marks the birth centenary of Dr. Swaminathan, known as the architect of India’s Green Revolution. Dr. Swaminathan’s research boosted wheat and rice productivity, helping India achieve food self-sufficiency and economic growth. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna by the Government of India in 2024. The United Nations recognised him as the father of the economic environment.
17. Consider the following statements regarding Maharashtra Krushi Din (Agriculture Day):
- Maharashtra Agriculture Day is observed annually on July 1.
- The day commemorates Vasantrao Phulsing Naik, regarded as the father of the Green Revolution in Maharashtra.
- The primary focus of this day is to honor the legacy of agricultural scientist Dr. M.S. Swaminathan.
- Krushi Din celebrations include events aimed at promoting advanced agricultural practices among farmers.
Which of the above statements are correct?
[A] Only 1 and 2
[B] 2, 3 and 4
[C] Only 1, 2 and 4
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Only 1, 2 and 4]
Notes:Statements 1, 2, and 4 are correct: Maharashtra Agriculture Day is observed on July 1 to honor Vasantrao Phulsing Naik, not Dr. M.S. Swaminathan (so statement 3 is incorrect). The day marks his contribution to agriculture and features events for farmer education.
- Statement 1: Correct
- Statement 2: Correct
- Statement 3: Incorrect
- Statement 4: Correct
18. Consider the following:
- The Bori River is a tributary of the Bhima River.
- It originates in the Balaghat Range.
- The river supports irrigation and is important for agriculture in Maharashtra.
- The Bori River flows through the city of Nagpur.
Which of the above statements is / are correct?
[A] Only 1, 2 and 3
[B] Only 2, 3 and 4
[C] 1, 2 and 3
[D] All are correct statements
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [1, 2 and 3]
Notes:Statements 1, 2, and 3 are correct:
- The Bori River is indeed a tributary of the Bhima River.
- It originates in the Balaghat Range.
- The river supports irrigation in Maharashtra and is vital for local agriculture.
However, statement 4 is incorrect because the Bori River does not flow through the city of Nagpur.
19. River Vena, significant for the ecosystem and agriculture near Hingna, is a tributary of which major river in Maharashtra?
[A] Kanhan River
[B] Purna River
[C] Wardha River
[D] Wainganga River
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kanhan River]
Notes:
The Vena River is a tributary of the Kanhan River in Maharashtra. It is important for local agriculture, ecosystem balance, and biodiversity in Hingna and nearby areas. The Kanhan is itself a tributary of the Wainganga River.
20. Who founded the Maratha Chamber of Commerce Industries and Agriculture (MCCIA) in Maharashtra?
[A] Balasaheb Gangadhar Kher
[B] Atmaram Raoji Bhat
[C] Yashwantrao Chavan
[D] Vishwanath Kashinath Rajwade
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Atmaram Raoji Bhat]
Notes:
Atmaram Raoji Bhat founded the MCCIA in Pune, Maharashtra, in 1934. It is one of India’s oldest trade associations, serving as a key networking and advocacy group for businesses in Maharashtra, predating Indian independence.
