Here are all 129 Cropping Patterns and Crop Production questions asked in UPSC Agriculture Optional Paper I from 1995 to 2026, arranged under the 8 topics of the official syllabus. Within each topic the latest questions come first.
Each question ends with a code such as [2024/15m/3b] – the year, the marks, the word limit (where UPSC set one) and the question number in the paper.
2.1] Cropping patterns in different agro-climatic zones
3 questions
Discuss about the cropping patterns of Middle Gangetic Plain and Western Plateau and hills. [2024/10m/2c]
Describe the agricultural regions of India. [2015/10m/150w/5a]
What are principal agricultural regions? Give importance of intercropping system. [2012/12m/150w/1c]
2.2] Impact of high-yielding and short-duration varieties on cropping patterns
3 questions
Role of hybrids/high yielding varieties to meet national goal of food security. [2018/10m/150w/1c]
Discuss the impact of short duration and long duration varieties on deterioration of soil health. [2014/20m/2c]
What is green revolution and its after effects on crop production? How can we make grey areas green to meet the challenges of food requirement for the increasing population of the country? [2000/60m/3]
2.3] Cropping and farming systems
46 questions
What are the basic concepts of a farming system? Briefly explain three major indigenous farming systems followed in India. [2026/10m/150w/1b]
Differentiate between cropping system and cropping pattern, and describe the principles of cropping system. [2025/10m/150w/1b]
List out the cereal- and millet-based cropping systems practised in India based on soil type and irrigation availability. [2025/20m/3a]
Explain the term conventional and conservation tillage. Give account of their comparative effects on soil properties and green house gas emissions. [2024/20m/4a]
How can the cropping intensity and farm profitability be enhanced with the incorporation of different types of speciality corn in existing cropping systems? [2023/10m/150w/1b]
What is the role of new agricultural technologies and market policies in crop diversification? Discuss in detail. [2021/20m/2b]
Define Integrated Farming System (IFS). How can IFS improve the income of different landholding groups? [2021/20m/4b]
What is tillage? Why zero tillage is getting importance in Indian Agriculture? [2020/10m/150w/1a]
Describe precision agriculture and conservation agriculture. [2020/10m/6c]
Rice-wheat crop rotation is very common in north Indian Agriculture. Discuss and describe the advantages and disadvantages of this crop rotation according to the principles of crop rotation. [2020/20m/8a]
Differentiate the following with example:
(i) Catch crop and trap crop. [2019/5m/2a(i)]
(ii) Narrow spectrum and broad spectrum herbicides. [2019/5m/2a(ii)]
(iii) Fodder and forage crops. [2019/5m/2a(iii)]
(iv) Social forestry and agroforestry. [2019/5m/2a(iv)]
Choice of crops and cropping systems is governed by length of growing season: critically comment. [2019/10m/2c]
Explain the principles of conservation agriculture. Describe the practices and impact of conservation agriculture in Indian scenario. [2018/20m/7a]
Farming system vs Mixed farming. [2016/10m/150w/1c]
Explain multiple cropping, its significance and constraints experienced by farmers. [2015/15m/6c]
Why is crop diversification more beneficial than traditional monoculture system? [2015/20m/8b]
Describe the management of paddy-wheat cropping system having forecast of poor rain. [2014/10m/150w/1c]
What are the advantages of integrated farming system? Discuss about resource recycling in different integrated farming systems in India. [2013/10m/150w/1a]
Ley farming. [2013/10m/150w/5f]
Crop diversification. [2013/10m/150w/6d]
Intercropping. [2013/10m/150w/6e]
What are principal agricultural regions? Give importance of intercropping system. [2012/12m/150w/1c]
Cropping system and Cropping pattern. [2012/15m/3a]
Intensification and Diversification of agriculture. [2012/15m/3b]
Major constraints in Rice-Rice and Rice-Wheat cropping system in India. [2010/15m/150w/1c]
In the context of Integrated Farming System (IFS), describe feasible enterprise diversification for dryland areas with special reference to small landholdings. [2010/30m/3a]
Tillage. [2009/20m/200w/1a]
Cropping Scheme and Cropping Pattern. [2009/10m/3a]
Differentiate between mixed cropping & inter-cropping. Give types of inter-cropping. Discuss the criteria for evaluation of the advantage of inter-cropping & suggest the best one. [2007/60m/2]
Cropping and farming system. [2006/20m/200w/1c]
Minimum tillage concept. [2004/15m/200w/1b]
Crop Diversification. [2002/20m/200w/5a]
Land Equivalent Ratio. [2002/20m/200w/5c]
Why is rice-wheat cropping sequence considered important among other crop sequences in the country? Describe briefly the limiting factors and remedial measures associated with this crop sequence for their higher production. [2002/60m/6]
Define intercropping. Give the definition of different systems of intercropping each with 3 examples. Discuss the effect of component crops on each other. [2001/60m/2]
Intercropping of sugarbeet with sugarcane. [2001/15m/4a]
Summar sown pigeonpea-wheat rotation. [2001/15m/4b]
Wheat after potato and wheat with potato. [2001/15m/4d]
Synergistic and Legume effect in crops. [2001/15m/8c]
Multistorey Cropping. [1999/20m/200w/1a]
Inter cropping and mixed cropping. [1998/20m/200w/1a]
Give in tabular form the varieties, spacing and row proportion, fertilizer and irrigation schedules of sugar + wheat. [1997/20m/2a]
Give in tabular form the varieties, spacing and row proportion, fertilizer and irrigation schedules of potato + mustard. [1997/20m/2b]
Give in tabular form the varieties, spacing and row proportion, fertilizer and irrigation schedules of cotton + green gram. [1997/20m/2c]
Farming system approach. [1996/20m/200w/1a]
Cropping system. [1995/20m/200w/1c]
2.4] Organic and precision farming
17 questions
Give a lucid account on the scope of precision farming in India. Enumerate its benefits and limitations in the Indian scenario. [2026/20m/2b]
Give the specific features of organic farming and natural farming. Briefly discuss the preparations and role of biodynamics and cow-pat pit in organic crop production. [2023/20m/3a]
What is “precision farming”? Write its different aspects for resource conservation. [2022/10m/150w/1b]
Write the various factors responsible for soil pollution. How organic and natural farming can play role in minimizing soil pollution? [2022/20m/2a]
Describe precision agriculture and conservation agriculture. [2020/10m/6c]
Define organic farming. Give an account of social, economic and environmental dimensions of organic farming. [2019/20m/2b]
What do you mean by precision farming? Give an account of smart agricultural technologies used in precision farming. [2019/20m/3b]
Role of organic farming for sustainability and profitability. [2018/10m/150w/5e]
Precision farming. [2017/10m/150w/1a]
What is organic farming? How does it help in sustaining the soil fertility and crop productivity? [2017/20m/2b]
Protected agriculture. [2016/10m/150w/5a]
Describe the importance of organic farming with respect to nutritional value addition. [2014/10m/150w/1d]
Protected agriculture. [2013/10m/150w/5a]
Potential of organic farming in North-Eastern India. [2010/15m/150w/1a]
Precision in agriculture. [2007/20m/200w/5d]
Organic farming. [2006/20m/200w/1a]
Organic farming. [2001/20m/200w/1a]
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18 questions
How can the cropping intensity and farm profitability be enhanced with the incorporation of different types of speciality corn in existing cropping systems? [2023/10m/150w/1b]
What is the significance of Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) and System of Rice Intensification (SRI)? Describe the package of practices for direct seeded rice. [2022/20m/2b]
Describe the importance of millets in Indian Agriculture. [2022/10m/3c]
Improved agro-practices for the production of quality protein maize. [2021/10m/150w/1b]
How to increase the yield of wheat under late sown conditions? [2019/20m/3a]
Describe the comparative package of practices for direct seeded aerobic rice and S.R.I. [2018/20m/3a]
Describe the technologies for seeded and transplanted rice production. [2017/20m/3a]
Compare direct seeding and transplanting of rice. [2015/10m/8c]
Scope and limitations of cultivation of sorghum and sugarcane. [2010/15m/150w/1d]
Write in tabular form the recommended package of practices viz. sowing time, seed rate, spacing, irrigation and weed control schedule of sugarcane, potato, chick pea, soybean and transplanted rice for higher production. [2007/60m/7]
Write in tabular form seed rate, sowing time, fertilizer schedule, irrigation management and average yield of barley, cotton, lentil, sugarcane, oat and toria crops for higher production. [2006/60m/4]
Give in tabular form seeding time, seeding rate, spacing, fertilizer and average yield per hectare in India of maize, wheat, cotton, potato, pigeonpea and groundnut for higher production. [2003/60m/4]
Give in tabular form sowing time, seed rate, spacing, fertilizer and irrigation schedules of paddy, wheat, pigeon pea, mustard, linseed and berseem for their higher productivity. [2002/60m/7]
Recent methods of line sowing. [2001/20m/200w/1c]
Wheat after potato and wheat with potato. [2001/15m/4d]
Define maximum economical yield (MEY). Describe the important inputs and operations in wheat after toria. [1997/60m/7]
Puddling in rice. [1996/20m/200w/5b]
Lodging in cereal. [1995/20m/200w/1d]
2.6] Package of practices: pulses
12 questions
What are the factors responsible for low production and productivity of pulses in India? Discuss strategies adopted for enhancing the pulse production and productivity. [2024/10m/150w/1b]
Describe the improved cultivation practices of Chickpea under the following heads: (i) Improved varieties (ii) Seed rate and row to row spacing (iii) Nutrient management (iv) Weed management (v) Insect-pest and disease management. [2024/20m/2b]
What are the major causes of low productivity of oilseed and pulse crops in India? Suggest strategies for increasing the production and productivity of oilseed crops in the country. [2020/20m/3a]
What is the present status of pulse production in India? Narrate the constraints and strategies for increasing the pulse production. [2019/20m/7b]
Write a brief note on the importance of pulses for sustainable future. Describe the international pulse year with its main objectives and strategies to enhance the production and availability of pulses. [2016/20m/3a]
Describe the package of practices for raising a short duration pigeon pea. Discuss good agricultural practices (GAP) and their implications. [2016/20m/3b]
Describe the package of practices for production of pigeonpea. [2014/20m/3a]
Elaborate the constraints of pulse production in India. Suggest suitable strategies to overcome these constraints. [2007/60m/3]
Give at least two names each of important pulses and oilseed crops grown in Kharif (autumn) and Rabi (winter) seasons. Discuss the constraints holding back production of pulses and oilseeds in India. Suggest measures to increase their production. [2004/60m/2]
Summar sown pigeonpea-wheat rotation. [2001/15m/4b]
What are the limiting factors of production responsible in pulses and oilseed crops? Suggest suitable steps needed to enhance their production in the country. [2000/60m/4]
Unstability in pulse production. [1995/20m/4b]
2.7] Package of practices: oilseeds
8 questions
Discuss the following in relation to groundnut: (i) Role of macro- and micro-nutrients (ii) Pegging (iii) Critical growth stages for irrigation (iv) Weed management (v) Region-specific cropping systems. [2023/20m/4b]
What are the major causes of low productivity of oilseed and pulse crops in India? Suggest strategies for increasing the production and productivity of oilseed crops in the country. [2020/20m/3a]
What is status of oilseed production and constraints of their production in India? Describe the strategies for attaining self-sufficiency in oilseed production. [2018/20m/8a]
Give in tabular form sowing time, seed rate, spacing, fertilizer, irrigation and average yield in India of jowar, sunflower, peas, soyabean, mustard and groundnut for higher production. [2005/60m/4]
Give at least two names each of important pulses and oilseed crops grown in Kharif (autumn) and Rabi (winter) seasons. Discuss the constraints holding back production of pulses and oilseeds in India. Suggest measures to increase their production. [2004/60m/2]
Give in tabular form sowing time, seed rate, spacing, fertilizer and irrigation schedules of paddy, wheat, pigeon pea, mustard, linseed and berseem for their higher productivity. [2002/60m/7]
What are the limiting factors of production responsible in pulses and oilseed crops? Suggest suitable steps needed to enhance their production in the country. [2000/60m/4]
Give in tabular form the varieties, spacing and row proportion, fertilizer and irrigation schedules of potato + mustard. [1997/20m/2b]
2.8] Package of practices: fibre, sugar, commercial and fodder crops
22 questions
Discuss in detail the management practices in the ratoon crop of sugarcane. [2026/20m/3b]
Discuss the production technology of rainfed cotton crop under the following heads: (i) Climate and soil requirement (ii) Methods of sowing and seed rate (iii) Manures and fertilizers (iv) Inter-culture operations (v) Plant protection. [2025/20m/3b]
Describe the production technology of sugarcane crop on the following heads: (i) Improved varieties (ii) Methods of sowing and seed rate (iii) Fertilizers and irrigation management (iv) Inter culture operations (v) Plant protection. [2020/20m/8b]
Describe Ratoon sugarcane management practices for enhancing cane yield and quality. [2019/20m/4b]
Role of Bt cotton in cotton production. [2017/10m/150w/1d]
Agroforestry and Agrostology. [2016/10m/150w/1a]
Agroforestry and Agrostology. [2015/10m/3c]
Write about the needs and techniques of forage conservation. [2015/15m/4b]
Is curing in tobacco beneficial? Describe the various curing processes adopted in tobacco growing regions of India. [2015/20m/7a]
What are the different methods of planting sugarcane? [2011/20m/4b]
Scope and limitations of cultivation of sorghum and sugarcane. [2010/15m/150w/1d]
Write in tabular form the recommended package of practices viz. sowing time, seed rate, spacing, irrigation and weed control schedule of sugarcane, potato, chick pea, soybean and transplanted rice for higher production. [2007/60m/7]
Write in tabular form seed rate, sowing time, fertilizer schedule, irrigation management and average yield of barley, cotton, lentil, sugarcane, oat and toria crops for higher production. [2006/60m/4]
Give in tabular form seeding time, seeding rate, spacing, fertilizer and average yield per hectare in India of maize, wheat, cotton, potato, pigeonpea and groundnut for higher production. [2003/60m/4]
Intercropping of sugarbeet with sugarcane. [2001/15m/4a]
Retting in jute. [1997/20m/200w/1b]
Sugarcane ratooning. [1997/20m/200w/1c]
Give in tabular form the varieties, spacing and row proportion, fertilizer and irrigation schedules of sugar + wheat. [1997/20m/2a]
Give in tabular form the varieties, spacing and row proportion, fertilizer and irrigation schedules of cotton + green gram. [1997/20m/2c]
Flue curing. [1996/20m/200w/1b]
Discuss the five major improved management practices for increasing cotton and sugarcane production in the country. [1996/60m/2]
Ratooning in sugarcane. [1995/20m/4a]
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Last updated: 30 October 2026