Here are all 156 Horticulture questions asked in UPSC Agriculture Optional Paper II from 1995 to 2026, arranged under the 7 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.
5.1] Major fruits and plantation crops
47 questions
What is high density orcharding? Describe management practices for high density orcharding in citrus group. [2026/20m/6a]
Describe the scientific cultivation of mango with reference to regular bearer varieties, propagation, transplanting time, management of mealy bug and powdery mildew. [2026/20m/7a]
Why do fruit plants need to be propagated vegetatively? Explain the advantages and disadvantages of asexual and sexual propagation. [2025/20m/3a]
Explain the strategies to manage citrus decline in India. [2025/10m/150w/5b]
What do you understand by mango malformation? Elucidate symptoms, causal organism and control measures of floral mango malformation. [2025/10m/150w/5c]
Write the cultivation practices of grapes in respect of soil and climatic requirements, improved varieties, training and pruning, fruit thinning and plant protection. [2025/20m/6a]
Discuss banana crop in respect of its varieties, nutrient management, plant protection and post-harvest handling. [2024/20m/6b]
What do you understand by graft incompatibility? Describe the symptoms and causes of graft incompatibility in plants with suitable examples. [2023/10m/3c]
Discuss the package of Guava cultivation with reference to soil and climate, propagation, varieties, disease management and bahar treatment. [2023/20m/6b]
Describe the importance of fruit cultivation in India. Discuss the role of horticulture with respect to poverty alleviation and nutritional security. [2021/15m/7b]
Describe mango cultivation with respect to propagation, intercropping, biennial bearing, fruit drop and black-tip. [2020/15m/6b]
Name the major fruit crops along with the states commercially growing these crops. Describe the package of practices for papaya cultivation in India. [2019/15m/4c]
Give package of cultivation of pomegranate with reference to planting materials and methods, irrigation, nutrition, plant protection and post-harvest management. [2018/20m/7a]
Enlist different vegetative propagation methods for fruit plants. Describe the different layering techniques employed for fruit plant propagation. [2018/15m/7b]
Write the distribution of mango malformation in India. What are the causes of different malformations? Suggest to combat the malformation. [2015/12.5m/4b]
Write the importance of prunning and Training in fruit crops. Describe the procedure adopted in Grapes. [2015/10m/150w/5e]
Effects of dormant pruning on trees. [2013/12.5m/200w/6c]
Use of root stocks in apple cultivation. [2013/12.5m/200w/6d]
Define parthenocarpy. What are the different types of parthenocarpy in fruits? How can it be induced in fruits? [2012/12m/150w/5a]
Write the causes responsible for alternate bearing in mango and apple. Suggest effective measures to overcome the problem. [2012/20m/250w/6b]
What are the abiotic and biotic factors responsible for citrus decline? Suggest remedial measures to combat the problem. [2012/15m/200w/7d]
Define polyembryony. Discuss its significance in horticulture with special reference to mango and citrus. [2011/15m/150w/5a]
What is micropropagation? What are its advantages? Give suitable examples of its utilization in horticultural crops. [2011/15m/150w/5c]
Discuss the present status of cashewnut industry in India with reference to production, productivity, consumption and export. Suggest strategies for its further improvement. [2011/15m/150w/7d]
Sex expression in papaya. [2011/15m/150w/8c]
Explain the present status of arid fruit culture in India. Describe major constraints in fruit productivity in arid regions. [2010/20m/200w/4b]
Discuss in brief the points to be considered for cost and return analysis in fruit cultivation. [2010/20m/200w/7b]
Describe the techniques of Nursery raising, Manuring and Pest control for successful cultivation of Papaya. [2007/20m/6a]
Give the climatic requirements of tomato, garlic, sweet orange and dahlia crops. [2006/20m/200w/5a]
Describe in brief the package of practices for cultivation of pineapple. [2006/20m/200w/6a]
Describe in brief the package of practices for cultivation of papaya. [2004/20m/200w/5c]
Describe the causes and control of mango malformation. [2003/20m/3c]
Fruit production, processing and distribution in India. [2003/20m/6b]
Discuss the relevance of pruning and training of horticultural crops. [2001/20m/200w/5a]
Discuss the reasons for biennial bearing in fruits, and the measures for its alleviation. [2001/20m/200w/5d]
Describe the ecological classification of horticultural crops in the country. Discuss the climate requirements for litchi, pineapple and cherry, and name three commercial varieties of each of these fruits. [2001/20m/6a]
Principles of orchard planning. [2001/15m/8b]
Describe the climatic and soil requirements for ‘banana’ cultivation. Mention the names of popular varieties of banana. Explain how planting material is prepared for banana cultivation. [2000/20m/2a]
What are the factors contributing to low production of Fruits in India? What measures are necessary to increase their production and productivity? [2000/30m/6a]
What is the situation of export of fruits from India? Give examples of fruits and vegetables varieties suitable for export. [1998/20m/200w/6a]
Describe propagation method, planting season and two methods of training of grape-vine suitable for Thompson seedless variety. [1998/20m/200w/6b]
Explain climate and soil requirements of sapota (chiku), santra (orange) and ber (jujube). [1998/20m/200w/7b]
Use of cultar in mango cultivation. [1998/7.5m/8g]
Describe fruit and vegetable production in India vis-a-vis world production. Support your answer with figures. [1997/30m/6b]
Comment upon fruits as a major export earning product. [1996/15m/7b]
What is the origin of mango, grape and tomato? Mention the names of their cultivated varieties and packages of practices including plant protection measures; also mention their yield per hectare. [1995/20m/7a]
Root-stocks. [1995/7.5m/8c]
5.2] Vegetables, spices and flower crops
29 questions
Discuss the quality indices for cauliflower, cabbage and broccoli. [2026/10m/150w/5c]
Discuss the production technologies of peas in relation to varieties, climate requirement, sowing time, seed rate and plant protection. [2025/20m/7a]
Give an account on mycoplasmal diseases and physiological disorders of Potato. [2025/10m/8c]
Write the methods of production of seed tubers from true potato seeds (TPS) under protected cultivation. [2024/10m/150w/5b]
Briefly discuss round-the-year marigold cultivation with reference to varieties, sowing and transplanting, disease management and value-addition. [2023/10m/6c]
Enlist the seed spices grown in India. Briefly discuss the cultivation and post-harvest management practices for coriander and cumin. [2022/20m/8a]
What is meant by physiological disorders? Describe physiological disorders of potato. [2020/10m/150w/5c]
Give a brief account of tomato cultivation with respect to climate and soils, sowing time, and nutrient, water and post-harvest management. [2020/20m/8a]
Give the present status of vegetable cultivation in India and describe the package of practices of rabi and kharif onion cultivation in India. [2019/20m/7a]
Describe the post-harvest management and value-added products of black pepper. [2018/15m/7c]
Explain the production technology for commercial cultivation of marigold and aster flowers. [2016/12.5m/6b]
Define cole crops. Explain on what basis cole crops are grouped. [2015/12.5m/3a]
Write the package and practices of Potato cultivation under the heads of soil and climatic condition, seed rate, nutrients requirement, time of planting, earthing and yield. [2015/12.5m/6b]
Write the production technology of Marigold as it is one of the important flowers cultivated throughout the year. [2015/12.5m/7c]
Various methods of planting onions, and post-harvest management of onions. [2013/10m/150w/5e]
Cauliflower cultivation under the following heads: transplanting and post-harvest management. [2013/12.5m/200w/7d]
Recommend a viable package of practices for commercial production of marigold. [2009/20m/200w/6b]
Describe the climatic requirement, seed rate, nursery sowing and disease control measures for Sweet Pepper Cultivation. [2007/20m/6b]
Give the climatic requirements of tomato, garlic, sweet orange and dahlia crops. [2006/20m/200w/5a]
Write the present status and expected prospects of vegetable crops cultivation in India. [2006/20m/200w/7b]
Write scientific technique of raising table potato or vegetable pea under the following heads: Soil, season and climate. [2005/15m/7a]
Write scientific technique of raising table potato or vegetable pea under the following heads: Row spacing, seed rate & method of sowing/planting. [2005/15m/7b]
Write scientific technique of raising table potato or vegetable pea under the following heads: Manuring and fertilization. [2005/15m/7c]
Write scientific technique of raising table potato or vegetable pea under the following heads: Yield. [2005/15m/7d]
Discuss in brief the factors responsible to low yield of vegetables in India. What measures are necessary to increase their production? [2004/20m/6a]
Discuss in brief the package of practices for the cultivation of tomato. [2002/20m/200w/5c]
Describe fruit and vegetable production in India vis-a-vis world production. Support your answer with figures. [1997/30m/6b]
What is the origin of mango, grape and tomato? Mention the names of their cultivated varieties and packages of practices including plant protection measures; also mention their yield per hectare. [1995/20m/7a]
Suggest the vegetables to be grown in kitchen gardens located in Trivandrum, Jaipur and Shimla. Give reasons for your choice. [1995/20m/7c]
5.3] Protected cultivation and high-tech horticulture
8 questions
Write the methods of production of seed tubers from true potato seeds (TPS) under protected cultivation. [2024/10m/150w/5b]
Discuss the importance of green-house in agriculture. [2021/10m/150w/5e]
What is protected cultivation? What are its problems and prospects in comparison to open cultivation? [2021/20m/7c]
Define protected cultivation along with its major advantages and challenges for adoption in India. Describe the plastic low tunnel technology for off-season cultivation of vegetables. [2019/20m/6a]
How does high-tech horticulture technology play role in enhancing resource use efficiency and farmers’ income? [2017/10m/6c]
What is meant by protective cultivation? Briefly discuss importance of greenhouse in protective cultivation. [2014/12.5m/8d]
Describe the production technology for Orchids under protected conditions. [2012/15m/200w/7c]
Describe the production technology for carnation under greenhouse conditions. [2011/15m/150w/7b]
Preparing for Prelims too?
Our UPSC Prelims Topic-wise PYQ eBook covers every Prelims question with detailed explanations, so you can see exactly where UPSC asks from.
View the BookDownload Free Sample5.4] Post-harvest technology and value addition of fruits and vegetables
35 questions
Write down the constraints of fruit processing industry in India. [2023/10m/150w/5a]
Narrate the role of post harvest technology in minimising losses in fruits and vegetables. [2021/10m/150w/5c]
What are the causes of post-harvest deterioration of flowers? Elaborate the techniques to enhance shelf-life of flowers. [2020/15m/8b]
Enlist factors affecting the post-harvest life of flowers. How can it be controlled by growth regulators? [2018/10m/150w/5c]
Describe the post-harvest management and value-added products of black pepper. [2018/15m/7c]
Give a brief account of post-harvest losses in fruits. Suggest various management techniques to avoid losses due to post-harvest diseases. [2017/10m/150w/5c]
What are various ways of value addition in fruits and vegetables? [2017/20m/8a]
How does maturity control the post-harvest quality and storage life of fruits? Give maturity indices for some fruits and vegetables. [2016/12.5m/7a]
Briefly discuss handling methods for export of mango. [2014/12.5m/7d]
Define jelly. Explain the principle of jelly formation. Briefly describe the preparation of jelly and enumerate problems in jelly making. [2014/12.5m/8c]
The roles of curing and degreening in reducing post-harvest losses of fruits and vegetables. [2013/10m/150w/5c]
Various methods of planting onions, and post-harvest management of onions. [2013/10m/150w/5e]
Fermentation for fruit and vegetable preservation. [2013/12.5m/200w/7b]
Cauliflower cultivation under the following heads: transplanting and post-harvest management. [2013/12.5m/200w/7d]
Preservation of fruits and vegetables by sugar. [2013/12.5m/200w/8c]
Describe candied fruits, glazed fruits and crystallized fruits and give the principles involved in their preservation. [2011/15m/150w/6a]
What are the principles of preservation of fruits and vegetables? Briefly describe the method for preparation of guava jelly. [2010/15m/150w/5d]
Define vinegar. Describe its classification and bring out the methods of its preparation. [2010/20m/200w/7c]
Explain the concept of total post-harvest losses in mango. What methods can be used for enhancing shelf-life of the mango? [2009/20m/200w/6a]
Discuss about Post-Harvest losses in fruits. Describe the technology to minimize the losses in Mango. [2007/20m/200w/5c]
Discuss Post-Harvest Management of Citrus. [2007/20m/7c]
Discuss briefly on handling and marketing problems of vegetables. [2006/20m/200w/5b]
Describe in brief the principal methods of fruit preservation. [2005/20m/5c]
Preservation methods of fruits and vegetables. [2004/20m/8a]
Fruit production, processing and distribution in India. [2003/20m/6b]
Marketing problems of fruits and vegetables in India. [2003/20m/6c]
Discuss in brief the post harvest losses in fruits and vegetables, and the measures to minimize these losses. [2002/20m/7c]
Describe the factors responsible for post-harvest losses in fruits and vegetables and the measures to minimise these losses. [2001/20m/6c]
Discuss the importance and scope of processing of fruits and vegetables. Briefly describe the methods of vegetables preservation with the help of suitable examples. [2001/20m/7b]
Differentiate between climacteric and non-climacteric fruits. Explain the changes that occur during maturity and ripening of these fruits. [2001/20m/7c]
Market intelligence and marketing of fruits and vegetables. [2001/15m/8a]
Write about the principles and methods of preservation of fruits and vegetables and their products. [1999/20m/200w/5c]
Ripening of fruits. [1999/10m/8e]
What is the situation of fruit and vegetable processing industry in India? What are their export projections? Support your answer with figures. [1997/30m/6a]
Canning. [1997/12m/8c]
5.5] Landscaping and commercial floriculture
27 questions
What is topiary? Describe the characteristics of plants ideal for it. [2026/10m/150w/5a]
Describe terrace garden and moon garden. [2026/10m/150w/5b]
Discuss the production technology of carnation for cut flower in relation to improved varieties, growing requirements and season, flower regulation, post-harvest handling and physiological disorders. [2026/20m/8b]
Enlist the different commercial flowers cultivated on a large scale for cut flower trade. Briefly discuss the factors affecting the keeping quality of cut flowers and the remedies. [2022/20m/7a]
Discuss the scope and importance of roof-gardening in cities. [2020/10m/150w/5d]
What are the causes of post-harvest deterioration of flowers? Elaborate the techniques to enhance shelf-life of flowers. [2020/15m/8b]
Name the commercial floriculture crops being grown in India. Describe the package of practices of year round cultivation of chrysanthemum in India. [2019/20m/8a]
Enlist factors affecting the post-harvest life of flowers. How can it be controlled by growth regulators? [2018/10m/150w/5c]
What are the important new varieties of carnation? Explain the importance of pinching operation for producing quality carnation. [2016/10m/150w/5a]
Describe the procedure of tissue culture for multiplying new cultivars of gladiolus. [2016/10m/150w/5e]
Write the package and practices of Gladiolus cultivars citing method of propagation, soil, climatic conditions, harvesting and yield. [2015/10m/150w/1b]
What is landscape architecture? State the principles of landscaping. What are the steps involved in landscaping a public place? [2012/12m/150w/5c]
Write commercial cultivation practices of Anthurium with reference to microclimate, propagation and planting, harvesting and yield of Anthurium cutflowers. [2012/15m/200w/7a]
Ikebana. [2011/15m/150w/8a]
Bring out the extent and scope of rose cultivation in India with special reference to export. [2010/20m/200w/4a]
Briefly describe the various popular designs of ornamental gardens. [2010/10m/200w/4c]
Write about the problems and prospects of commercial floriculture in India. [2009/20m/200w/3c]
Discuss about Planting material, Irrigation, Manuring and Harvesting of Gladioli. [2007/20m/7a]
Give the precautions in raising ornamental plants. [2005/20m/5d]
Describe the cultivation of roses and its marketing. [2003/20m/5b]
Layout of lawn and garden. [2003/20m/7b]
Methods of raising ornamental plants. [2002/20m/8b]
Apical dominance has great significance in floriculture and landscape gardening. [2001/15m/4d]
What is the scope for floriculture in India particularly for export purposes? Discuss the package of practices for the cultivation of roses. [2001/20m/6b]
Write about the importance of floriculture in India. Give suggestions for development of scientific floriculture in India. [1999/20m/6a]
Methods of Lawn establishment. [1997/12m/4b]
Growing export opportunities of floriculture. [1996/20m/8c]
5.6] Medicinal and aromatic plants
4 questions
Describe mentha cultivation with reference to varieties, soil and climate, nutrient management and processing. [2023/10m/150w/5b]
Define medicinal and aromatic plants. Discuss their importance and uses. [2017/10m/150w/5e]
Elucidate the medicinal uses of ‘Sarpagandha’ (Rauwolfia serpentina). Recommend the viable production technology for ‘Sarpagandha’. [2011/15m/150w/7a]
Describe the medicinal importance of Indian aloe (Aloe vera) along with its production technology. [2009/20m/200w/2a]
5.7] Fruits and vegetables in human nutrition
6 questions
Describe the importance of fruit cultivation in India. Discuss the role of horticulture with respect to poverty alleviation and nutritional security. [2021/15m/7b]
Antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables. [2012/12m/150w/8a]
Write on the role of fruits in human nutrition. [2006/20m/200w/5c]
The role of vegetables in human nutrition. [2003/20m/8b]
Explain the significance of vegetables in human nutrition with suitable examples. [2000/20m/3a]
Role of vegetables in human nutrition. [1996/20m/8a]
Strengthen your GS papers
Our UPSC Mains Topic-wise & Year-wise PYQ eBook (2013–2026) maps every GS question to the syllabus, so you know what UPSC asks and how often.
View the BookDownload Free SampleSpotted an error? Tell us.
We classify every PYQ with care, but mistakes can slip in. If a question is in the wrong topic, has a typo, the wrong year, or is missing, let us know. We review every report and update the page.
Report an Error« Previous: Plant Physiology | Next: Plant Protection »
Back to: Agriculture Optional PYQs – Topic-wise
Last updated: 30 October 2026