Food Resources and Crop Improvement

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Questions and Answers

Why is it necessary to improve food production in India?

To meet the needs of a growing population (correct)

To reduce the cost of food production

To eliminate all forms of agricultural practices

To maintain the current levels of agricultural output

What is a factor that contributes to food security?

Production efficiency alone

Availability of food only

Food storage facilities

Access to food (correct)

What farming practice is suggested to improve production efficiency?

Intercropping (correct)

Pesticide-heavy practices

Underutilizing farmland

Monoculture farming

What was a significant outcome of the green revolution in India?

Increased production of food grains (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key component needed for body development and health?

A combination of all nutrients (D) Signup and view all the answers

What challenge does India face regarding grain production?

Already intensive cultivation of land (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which farming method involves combining crop production with animal husbandry?

Integrated farming (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of food provides carbohydrates necessary for energy requirements?

Cereals such as wheat and rice (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of crop rotation?

To control pests and diseases (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is most critical in deciding the choice of crop to be cultivated after harvest?

The availability of moisture and irrigation facilities (B) Signup and view all the answers

How can farmers best avoid the loss of crops due to pests and weeds?

By using quality seeds, adopting irrigation, and employing crop protection measures (D) Signup and view all the answers

What do common crop protection measures include?

A combination of various methods to manage pest and weed populations (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following animal products contains the highest percentage of protein?

Meat (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which nutrient is present in the lowest percentage in cow's milk?

Minerals (A) Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about weeds in cultivated fields?

They can severely damage crops if not controlled. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of fields should summer ploughing be primarily focused on?

Weed-infested fields to enhance productivity (A) Signup and view all the answers

What are the biotic factors contributing to storage losses in agricultural produce?

Insects and rodents (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which preventive measure aids in reducing storage losses before grains are stored?

Fumigation with pest control chemicals (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of cattle husbandry?

Producing milk and providing draught labour (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main abiotic factor causing losses during grain storage?

Incorrect moisture and temperature levels (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about livestock management is correct?

New humane treatment approaches have influenced livestock farming. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What leads to poor marketability of stored agricultural products?

Improper storage conditions leading to degradation (B) Signup and view all the answers

How is milk production in cattle influenced?

The duration of the lactation period (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a cause of storage losses in grains?

Proper cleaning before storage (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of a shorter crop duration on farming?

It allows for multiple harvests in a year. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of crops would benefit from desirable agronomic characteristics like tallness and branching?

Fodder crops (A) Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes macro-nutrients from other nutrients needed by plants?

They are required in larger quantities. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How do abiotic stresses affect crop production?

They can cause declines in production levels. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of carbon and oxygen for plants?

Air (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential outcome of developing crop varieties with wider adaptability?

Stabilization of crop production under varying environmental conditions. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does higher input correlate with crop yields?

Higher inputs can improve crop yields. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an abiotic stress factor for crops?

Nematodes (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of crop variety improvement?

To find a crop variety that can yield well (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which method involves crossing genetically dissimilar plants to create new crop varieties?

Hybridisation (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does crop production improvement focus on?

Increasing the quantity and quality of crop yields (D) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of improving crop varieties, what role do genes play?

They provide desired characteristics to crops (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between photoperiods and crop growth?

Photoperiods relate to the duration of sunlight exposure (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does intervarietal hybridisation involve?

Crossing different varieties of the same species (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes crop protection management?

Preventing losses of growing and harvested crops (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of introducing genetically modified crops?

Crops that can thrive under a wider range of conditions (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of using organic farming techniques?

To utilize minimal or no chemicals while improving soil health (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of well mentioned?

Artesian well (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of canal irrigation systems?

Water is distributed from a main canal to branch canals (D) Signup and view all the answers

What type of irrigation is likely used when canal flow is insufficient?

River lift systems (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which organic material is not mentioned as a bio-agent in the content?

Coffee grounds (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which cropping system is aimed at improving pest control?

Inter-cropping (C) Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes tube wells from dug wells?

Tube wells can tap deeper water strata (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is essential for irrigation in rain-fed agricultural areas?

Water resources from wells and rivers (B) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Food Resources and Improvement

All living organisms need food, including proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals for growth and health.
Plants and animals are major food sources.
Efforts are ongoing to improve agricultural and animal husbandry production to meet growing demands.
India's population is large and growing, requiring significant increases in food production.
Increased food production is needed without harming the environment or disrupting natural balances.
Sustainable agricultural practices are essential to ensure sufficient food supply without depleting natural resources.
Increasing grain production alone does not address malnutrition; income and access to food are critical.

Crop Improvement

Crop improvement focuses on selecting varieties with higher yield, disease resistance, and better quality.
Hybridisation combines desirable traits from different varieties of crops.
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) can also improve crop traits.
Crop improvement aims at higher yields, better quality, and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses.

Crop Production Management

Production depends on financial ability, technology access, and land size among other factors.
'No cost', 'low cost', and 'high cost' production methods exist.
Plants need nutrients (macro and micro) for growth. Essential nutrients are sourced from the air, water, and soil
Macronutrients: Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulphur.
Micronutrients: Iron, manganese, boron, zinc, copper, molybdenum, and chlorine.
Manure enriches soil with organic matter and nutrients.
Fertilizers supply necessary nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) for growth.

Irrigation

Most Indian agriculture relies on rainfall.
Irrigation methods employ wells, canals, rivers, and tanks.
Technologies include rainwater harvesting, and watershed management to increase water availability for agriculture.

Cropping Patterns

Mixed cropping: Growing two or more crops concurrently improves yield by diversifying food sources and reducing risk.
Inter-cropping: Specific row patterns for multiple crop types.
Crop rotation: A succession of crops on a field to maintain soil health and fertility.

Crop Protection

Weeds, insects, and diseases damage crops.
Biological and chemical methods (pesticides) are employed to control them.
Sustainable pest control strategies reduce environmental impact.

Animal Husbandry

Animal husbandry manages livestock (cattle, goats, sheep, poultry, and fish) for milk, meat, and labour.
Improving breeds increases productivity.
Factors like breed, feeding, and disease control are key aspects.
Cattle, poultry, and fish farming each have unique management strategies and requirements.

Honey Production

Beekeeping (apiculture) provides honey and beeswax.
Honey quality depends on flower types.
Honey production typically involves selecting high-yield bee varieties.

Fish Production

India has extensive marine and inland fishing resources.
Capture and culture fisheries are methods of obtaining fish.
Composite fish culture systems are used to maximize pond production.

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Description

This quiz covers essential concepts related to food resources, agricultural practices, and crop improvement. It explores the importance of sustainable agriculture and the role of food production in addressing population growth and malnutrition. Test your knowledge on these critical topics that impact health, environment, and economy.