Sustainable Agriculture & Development PYQs

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1. Prelims 2026Q28Sustainable Agriculture & Development

   At the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) held in June, 2025 in France, the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations demonstrated its leading voice on marine and ocean issues, especially on sustainable fisheries and aquaculture for resilient livelihood and “Blue Transformation”.

   Which of the following combinations about the “Four Betters” proposed by FAO for “Blue Transformation” is correct ?

   aBetter production, better nutrition, better environment and better oceanbBetter production, better nutrition, better environment and better lifecBetter coral reefs, better nutrition, better environment and better lifedBetter estuaries, better nutrition, better environment and better mangrove vegetation
2. Prelims 2026Q38Sustainable Agriculture & Development

   Which among the following is/are the objective(s) of the Rainfed Area Development (RAD) initiative under the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) ?

   1.Encouraging monoculture in rainfed areas

   2.Increasing rice cultivation in irrigated regions

   3.Enhancing productivity and minimising climatic risks through Integrated Farming Systems (IFS)

   Select the answer using the code given below :

   a1 onlyb1 and 2c2 and 3d3 only
3. Prelims 2025Q9Sustainable Agriculture & Development

   Consider the following statements :

   Statement I :

   Circular economy reduces the emissions of greenhouse gases.

   Statement II :

   Circular economy reduces the use of raw materials as inputs.

   Statement III :

   Circular economy reduces wastage in the production process.

   Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

   aBoth Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement IbBoth Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement IcOnly one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement IdNeither Statement II nor Statement III is correct
4. Prelims 2024Q26Sustainable Agriculture & Development

   Which one of the following is the correct description of "100 Million Farmers" ?

   aIt is a platform for accelerating the transition towards food and water systems that are net-zero (carbon), nature-positive and that aims to increase farmer resilience.bIt is an international alliance and a network of individuals and farming organisations interested in supporting and strengthening the development of the organic animal husbandry.cIt is a digital platform fully integrated with service providers and built on blockchain that lets buyers, sellers and third parties trade fertilizers quickly and securely.dIt is a platform with the mission of encouraging the farmers to form Farmer Product Organisations or Agribusiness Consortiums, thus facilitating the access to global open markets to sell their products.
5. Prelims 2023Q55Sustainable Agriculture & DevelopmentAnswer disputed

   With reference to the role of biofilters in Recirculating Aquaculture System, consider the following statements :

   1.Biofilters provide waste treatment by removing uneaten fish feed.

   2.Biofilters convert ammonia present in fish waste to nitrate.

   3.Biofilters increase phosphorus as nutrient for fish in water.

   How many of the statements given above are correct?

   aOnly onebOnly twocAll threedNone
6. Prelims 2022Q22Sustainable Agriculture & Development

   “System of Rice Intensification” of cultivation, in which alternate wetting and drying of rice fields is practised, results in :

   1.Reduced seed requirement

   2.Reduced methane production

   3.Reduced electricity consumption

   Select the correct answer using the code given below :

   a1 and 2 onlyb2 and 3 onlyc1 and 3 onlyd1, 2 and 3
7. Prelims 2022Q50Sustainable Agriculture & Development

   The “Miyawaki method” is well known for the :

   aPromotion of commercial farming in arid and semi-arid areasbDevelopment of gardens using genetically modified floracCreation of mini forests in urban areasdHarvesting wind energy on coastal areas and on sea surfaces
8. Prelims 2022Q80Sustainable Agriculture & Development

   Which one of the following best describes the term “greenwashing” ?

   aConveying a false impression that a company's products are eco-friendly and environmentally soundbNon-inclusion of ecological/environmental costs in the Annual Financial Statements of a countrycIgnoring the disastrous ecological consequences while undertaking infrastructure developmentdMaking mandatory provisions for environmental costs in a government project/programme
9. Prelims 2021Q51Sustainable Agriculture & Development

   How is permaculture farming different from conventional chemical farming?

   1.Permaculture farming discourages monocultural practices but in conventional chemical farming, monoculture practices are predominant.

   2.Conventional chemical farming can cause increase in soil salinity but the occurrence of such phenomenon is not observed in permaculture farming.

   3.Conventional chemical farming is easily possible in semi-arid regions but permaculture farming is not so easily possible in such regions.

   4.Practice of mulching is very important in permaculture farming but not necessarily so in conventional chemical farming.

   Select the correct answer using the code given below.

   a1 and 3b1, 2 and 4c4 onlyd2 and 3
10. Prelims 2021Q59Sustainable Agriculture & Development

    In the context of India's preparation for Climate-Smart Agriculture, consider the following statements :

    1.The 'Climate-Smart Village' approach in India is a part of a project led by the Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS), an international research programme.

    2.The project of CCAFS is carried out under Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) headquartered in France.

    3.The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in India is one of the CGIAR's research centres.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    a1 and 2 onlyb2 and 3 onlyc1 and 3 onlyd1, 2 and 3
11. Prelims 2021Q97Sustainable Agriculture & Development

    Consider the following statements :

    Statement 1 :

    The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) and the Arbor Day Foundation have recently recognized Hyderabad as 2020 Tree City of the World.

    Statement 2 :

    Hyderabad was selected for the recognition for a year following its commitment to grow and maintain the urban forests.

    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

    aBoth Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct and Statement 2 is the correct explanation for Statement 1bBoth Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct but Statement 2 is not the correct explanation for Statement 1cStatement 1 is correct but Statement 2 is not correctdStatement 1 is not correct but Statement 2 is correct
12. Prelims 2020Q78Sustainable Agriculture & Development

    In rural road construction, the use of which of the following is preferred for ensuring environmental sustainability or to reduce carbon footprint ?

    1.Copper slag

    2.Cold mix asphalt technology

    3.Geotextiles

    4.Hot mix asphalt technology

    5.Portland cement

    Select the correct answer using the code given below :

    a1, 2 and 3 onlyb2, 3 and 4 onlyc4 and 5 onlyd1 and 5 only
13. Prelims 2020Q80Sustainable Agriculture & Development

    What is the use of biochar in farming ?

    1.Biochar can be used as a part of the growing medium in vertical farming.

    2.When biochar is a part of the growing medium, it promotes the growth of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms.

    3.When biochar is a part of the growing medium, it enables the growing medium to retain water for longer time.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    a1 and 2 onlyb2 onlyc1 and 3 onlyd1, 2 and 3
14. Prelims 2020Q83Sustainable Agriculture & Development

    What is/are the advantage/advantages of zero tillage in agriculture ?

    1.Sowing of wheat is possible without burning the residue of previous crop.

    2.Without the need for nursery of rice saplings, direct planting of paddy seeds in the wet soil is possible.

    3.Carbon sequestration in the soil is possible.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below :

    a1 and 2 onlyb2 and 3 onlyc3 onlyd1, 2 and 3
15. Prelims 2020Q90Sustainable Agriculture & DevelopmentAnswer disputed

    In the context of India, which of the following is/are considered to be practice(s) of eco-friendly agriculture ?

    1.Crop diversification

    2.Legume intensification

    3.Tensiometer use

    4.Vertical farming

    Select the correct answer using the code given below :

    a1, 2 and 3 onlyb3 onlyc4 onlyd1, 2, 3 and 4
16. Prelims 2018Q59Sustainable Agriculture & Development

    With reference to the circumstances in Indian agriculture, the concept of “Conservation Agriculture” assumes significance. Which of the following fall under the Conservation Agriculture ?

    1.Avoiding the monoculture practices

    2.Adopting minimum tillage

    3.Avoiding the cultivation of plantation crops

    4.Using crop residues to cover soil surface

    5.Adopting spatial and temporal crop sequencing/crop rotations

    Select the correct answer using the code given below :

    a1, 3 and 4b2, 3, 4 and 5c2, 4 and 5d1, 2, 3 and 5
17. Prelims 2018Q100Sustainable Agriculture & Development

    With reference to organic farming in India, consider the following statements :

    1.‘The National Programme for Organic Production’ (NPOP) is operated under the guidelines and directions of the Union Ministry of Rural Development.

    2.‘The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority’ (APEDA) functions as the Secretariat for the implementation of NPOP.

    3.Sikkim has become India’s first fully organic State.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    a1 and 2 onlyb2 and 3 onlyc3 onlyd1, 2 and 3
18. Prelims 2017Q71Sustainable Agriculture & Development

    Which of the following practices can help in water conservation in agriculture ?

    1.Reduced or zero tillage of the land

    2.Applying gypsum before irrigating the field

    3.Allowing crop residue to remain in the field

    Select the correct answer using the code given below :

    a1 and 2 onlyb3 onlyc1 and 3 onlyd1, 2 and 3
19. Prelims 2016Q27Sustainable Agriculture & Development

    The FAO accords the status of 'Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS)' to traditional agricultural systems. What is the overall goal of this initiative?

    1.To provide modern technology, training in modern farming methods and financial support to local communities of identified GIAHS so as to greatly enhance their agricultural productivity

    2.To identify and safeguard eco-friendly traditional farm practices and their associated landscapes, agricultural biodiversity and knowledge systems of the local communities

    3.To provide Geographical Indication status to all the varieties of agricultural produce in such identified GIAHS

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    a1 and 3 onlyb2 onlyc2 and 3 onlyd1, 2 and 3
20. Prelims 2016Q83Sustainable Agriculture & Development

    Which of the following is/are the advantage/advantages of practising drip irrigation?

    1.Reduction in weed

    2.Reduction in soil salinity

    3.Reduction in soil erosion

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    a1 and 2 onlyb3 onlyc1 and 3 onlydNone of the above is an advantage of practising drip irrigation
21. Prelims 2016Q98Sustainable Agriculture & Development

    Consider the following statements :

    1.The Sustainable Development Goals were first proposed in 1972 by a global think tank called the 'Club of Rome'.

    2.The Sustainable Development Goals have to be achieved by 2030.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    a1 onlyb2 onlycBoth 1 and 2dNeither 1 nor 2
22. Prelims 2015Q11Sustainable Agriculture & Development

    What can be the impact of excessive/inappropriate use of nitrogenous fertilizers in agriculture?

    1.Proliferation of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms in soil can occur.

    2.Increase in the acidity of soil can take place.

    3.Leaching of nitrate to the ground-water can occur.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    a1 and 3 onlyb2 onlyc2 and 3 onlyd1, 2 and 3
23. Prelims 2014Q1Sustainable Agriculture & Development

    What are the significances of a practical approach to sugarcane production known as 'Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative'?

    1.Seed cost is very low in this compared to the conventional method of cultivation.

    2.Drip irrigation can be practiced very effectively in this.

    3.There is no application of chemical/inorganic fertilizers at all in this.

    4.The scope for intercropping is more in this compared to the conventional method of cultivation.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    a1 and 3 onlyb1, 2 and 4 onlyc2, 3 and 4 onlyd1, 2, 3 and 4
24. Prelims 2014Q64Sustainable Agriculture & DevelopmentAnswer disputed

    With reference to Neem tree, consider the following statements :

    1.Neem oil can be used as a pesticide to control the proliferation of some species of insects and mites.

    2.Neem seeds are used in the manufacture of biofuels and hospital detergents.

    3.Neem oil has applications in pharmaceutical industry.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    a1 and 2 onlyb3 onlyc1 and 3 onlyd1, 2 and 3
25. Prelims 2013Q33Sustainable Agriculture & Development

    Consider the following organisms:

    1.Agaricus

    2.Nostoc

    3.Spirogyra

    Which of the above is/are used as biofertilizer/biofertilizers?

    a1 and 2b2 onlyc2 and 3d3 only
26. Prelims 2012Q11Sustainable Agriculture & Development

    Consider the following kinds of organisms :

    1.Bacteria

    2.Fungi

    3.Flowering plants Some species of which of the above kinds of organisms are employed as biopesticides?

    a1 onlyb2 and 3 onlyc1 and 3 onlyd1, 2 and 3
27. Prelims 2012Q98Sustainable Agriculture & DevelopmentAnswer disputed

    Consider the following agricultural practices :

    1.Contour bunding

    2.Relay cropping

    3.Zero tillage In the context of global climate change, which of the above helps/help in carbon sequestration/storage in the soil?

    a1 and 2 onlyb3 onlyc1, 2 and 3dNone of them
28. Prelims 2011Q1Sustainable Agriculture & Development

    In the Union Budget 2011-12, a full exemption from the basic customs duty was extended to the bio-based asphalt (bioasphalt). What is the importance of this material?

    1.Unlike traditional asphalt, bio-asphalt is not based on fossil fuels.

    2.Bioasphalt can be made from non-renewable resources.

    3.Bioasphalt can be made from organic waste materials.

    4.It is eco-friendly to use bioasphalt for surfacing of the roads.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    a1, 2 and 3 onlyb1, 3 and 4 onlyc2 and 4 onlyd1, 2, 3 and 4
29. Prelims 2011Q58Sustainable Agriculture & Development

    With reference to micro-irrigation, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1.Fertilizer/nutrient loss can be reduced.

    2.It is the only means of irrigation in dry land farming.

    3.In some areas of farming, receding of ground water table can be checked.

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    a1 onlyb2 and 3 onlyc1 and 3 onlyd1, 2 and 3
30. Prelims 2010Q58Sustainable Agriculture & Development

    Which feature of some species of blue-green algae helps promote them as bio-fertilizers ?

    aThey convert atmospheric methane into ammonia which the crop plants can absorb readily.bThey induce the crop plants to produce the enzymes which help convert atmospheric nitrogen to nitrates.cThey have the mechanism to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that the crop plants can absorb readily.dThey induce the roots of the crop plants to absorb the soil nitrates in larger quantities.