(Download) UPSC MAIN EXAM : 2026 Agriculture (Paper-1)

(Download) CS (MAIN) EXAM:2026 Agriculture (Paper I)

• Exam Name: CS (MAIN) EXAM:2026 Agriculture (Paper I)
• Marks: 250
• Time Allowed : Three Hours

खण्ड 'A' SECTION ‘A’ 

Q1. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: 10 × 5 = 50

(a) What are the major sources of water pollution in India? What are the ways to check it?  [10 marks]

(b) What are the basic concepts of a farming system? Briefly explain three major indigenous farming systems followed in India.  [10 marks]

(c) Write down the names and characteristics of tree species suitable for agroforestry.  [10 marks]

(d) Write down the dissemination of weeds with appropriate examples.  [10 marks]

(e) Write down the functions and deficiency symptoms of secondary nutrients in plants.  [10 marks]

Q2. (a) Give an account of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from agriculture. State the mitigation strategies for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in agriculture.  [20 marks]

Q2. (b) Give a lucid account of the scope of precision farming in India. Enumerate its benefits and limitations in the Indian scenario.  [20 marks]

Q2. (c) How can GIS be utilised for land-use analysis and micro-watershed planning?  [10 marks]

Q3. (a) Discuss the vegetative propagation methods adopted in forest plants with suitable examples and their limitations.  [20 marks]

Q3. (b) Discuss in detail the management practices in the ratoon crop of sugarcane.  [20 marks]

Q3. (c) Suggest suitable chemical weed management practices for the following crops:  [10 marks]

• Maize
• Moong
• Cotton
• Sugarcane

Q4. (a) What do you mean by soil consistency and soil plasticity? Briefly discuss the various forms of soil consistency found in soils.  [20 marks]

Q4. (b) What is nitrification? Describe the factors affecting the nitrification process in soil.  [20 marks]

Q4. (c) Briefly discuss the reasons responsible for increasing available phosphorus after flooding in most soils.  [10 marks]

खण्ड 'B' SECTION 'B' 

Q5. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: 10 × 5 = 50

(a) Write down the approaches for soil conservation.  [10 marks]

(b) Briefly discuss the criteria for irrigation scheduling in crop plants.  [10 marks]

(c) Describe the various components of the drip irrigation system with the help of a schematic diagram.  [10 marks]

(d) How are prices regulated through agricultural price policy?  [10 marks]

(e) Write the steps involved in farm planning.  [10 marks]

Q6. (a) On the basis of boron content, classify irrigation water suitability for various soils and crops.  [10 marks]

Q6. (b) Categorise industrial effluents and briefly discuss their effects on soil properties.  [20 marks]

Q6. (c) Briefly discuss the problems associated with dryland agriculture in India. What are the ways to increase production and productivity in dryland areas?  [20 marks]

Q7. (a) What are the various factors affecting farm profits? Discuss the decisions which are critical to attain good farm profits.  [20 marks]

Q7. (b) Differentiate between extension education and extension services. Discuss extension education as an applied science.  [20 marks]

Q7. (c) Write down the practices involved in “Integrated Watershed Management” for improving livelihood security.  [10 marks]

Q8. (a) Differentiate between monitoring and evaluation of extension programmes. Discuss the various types of evaluation of extension programmes.  [20 marks]

Q8. (b) Discuss the rationale of farmers’ markets in India. Enlist the impact of farmers’ markets on various stakeholders with suitable examples.  [20 marks]

Q8. (c) Briefly discuss the measures to control soil erosion by wind.  [10 marks]