UPSC Mains 2024 Agriculture Optional Paper II questions

28 questions from the Civil Services (Main) Examination 2024. Official UPSC paper (PDF) · All Agriculture Optional PYQs

Explain the ultrastructure of chloroplast with the help of diagram. Briefly discuss the chemical composition and functions of chloroplast in higher plants.
Describe the latest advances in biotechnology for crop improvement.
Describe different approaches for improving the characteristics of inbred lines.
Discuss various tests undertaken in seed testing laboratories.
Discuss various theories of ion uptake with respect to passive absorption.
What is chromosomal aberration? Briefly discuss the changes in chromosomal structure due to aberrations.
20 marks
Discuss the importance of crop genetic resource conservation and utilization.
20 marks
Briefly explain the Soil-Plant-Atmosphere Continuum (SPAC). How are rooting characteristics related to the moisture extraction pattern from the soil?
10 marks
What is allopolyploidy? Describe its applications and limitations in crops.
20 marks
Discuss the involvement of public and private sectors in production and marketing of seeds.
20 marks
Give an account of bulk method of breeding. Discuss its merits and demerits.
10 marks
Give an account of cytoplasmic genetic male sterility and its utilization in plant breeding. Also discuss its limitations.
20 marks
What is distant hybridization? Discuss its applications, achievements and limitations in plant breeding.
20 marks
Discuss the guidelines for planning and organization of seed production programme.
10 marks
Explain the properties and functions of enzymes in plants.
Write the methods of production of seed tubers from true potato seeds (TPS) under protected cultivation.
Discuss the systematic position, nature of damage and management of insect and mite pests of brinjal.
What is the scenario of hunger and malnutrition in the country? Discuss the initiatives taken by the government for their mitigation.
Illustrate how technology is improving the efficiency of public distribution system in the country.
Describe the process of anaerobic respiration and explain the factors affecting respiration.
20 marks
SPIT Discuss banana crop in respect of its varieties, nutrient management, plant protection and post-harvest handling.
20 marks
Discuss the factors which contribute to food insecurity in the country despite of significant improvement in food production and distribution.
10 marks
Define water stress. Discuss the effects of water stress on anatomical and physiological changes in plant growth. Also discuss soil and weather based plant water stress indicators.
20 marks
Discuss the causal organism, symptoms and management of tungro disease in rice.
20 marks
What are the reasons behind food inflation? Discuss how it can be mitigated.
10 marks
Explain the mode of action of organophosphate and Bacillus thuringiensis which are used in pest management.
20 marks
What is phytochrome? Discuss its two forms and differentiate them.
20 marks
Discuss the reasons for gap between production and consumption of cereals in the country. How can it be rectified?
10 marks

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