Q100. In which Indian state was the first commercial rubber plantation established?
[WBCS Main (Indian Geography), 2023]
(A) West Bengal
(B) Tamil Nadu
(C) Kerala
(D) Karnataka
Answer: (C) Kerala
Explanation: Kerala has a long history of commercial rubber plantations. High temperature, humid conditions and substantial rainfall in the southwestern region help rubber trees thrive. Plantations later expanded into other suitable humid tropical parts of India.
Q99. Which district is associated with the GI-registered Gobindobhog rice of West Bengal?
[WBCS Main (Indian Geography), 2023]
(A) Purba Medinipur
(B) Bankura
(C) Bardhaman
(D) Murshidabad
Answer: (C) Bardhaman
Explanation: Gobindobhog is an aromatic rice strongly associated with the Bardhaman agricultural region. Geographical indication recognition links the product to its traditional cultivation area and local characteristics. The rice is valued for its small grain and distinctive aroma.
Q98. Which Indian state is widely called the Spice Garden of India?
[WBCS Main (Indian Geography), 2023]
(A) Kerala
(B) Karnataka
(C) Tamil Nadu
(D) Andhra Pradesh
Answer: (A) Kerala
Explanation: Kerala is strongly associated with spice cultivation and trade, including pepper and cardamom. The humid Western Ghats and adjacent regions create favourable growing environments. This historical agricultural specialization contributed to the Malabar Coast’s international trading links.
2022
Q97. Watershed management emphasizes: (a) conservation of soil and water, (b) improvement of land and soil resources, (c) higher production and community income, and (d) income growth only through agriculture. Which statements are correct?
[RRB Group D CBT (12 September 2022, Shift 3), 2022]
(A) b and c only
(B) a and b only
(C) a, c and d only
(D) a, b and c only
Answer: (D) a, b and c only
Explanation: A watershed strategy addresses the whole drainage area. Protecting soil and water, restoring land resources, and improving local livelihoods are complementary objectives. It is not restricted to increasing agricultural income alone; it can also support other community livelihoods.
Q96. Which fibre crop is known as India’s golden fibre?
[WBCS Main Examination (West Bengal Geography), 2022]
(A) Cotton
(B) Wool
(C) Jute
(D) Silk
Answer: (C) Jute
Explanation: Jute is called golden fibre for its characteristic colour and economic value. It flourishes in warm, humid lowlands with alluvial soils, particularly in the lower Ganga and Brahmaputra regions.
Q95. How many of these are recognized tea-producing states: Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Himachal Pradesh and Tripura?
[UPSC CSE Prelims, 2022]
(A) One
(B) Two
(C) Three
(D) All four
Answer: (D) All four
Explanation: Tea is not restricted to Assam and Darjeeling. Tea is also cultivated in Kerala, Tripura, Himachal Pradesh and parts of Andhra Pradesh. The extent of cultivation varies considerably with rainfall, elevation and regional plantation history.
Q94. For the System of Rice Intensification with alternate wetting and drying, which benefits apply: less seed use, lower methane emissions, reduced electricity consumption?
[UPSC CSE Prelims, 2022]
(A) First and second only
(B) Second and third only
(C) First and third only
(D) All three
Answer: (D) All three
Explanation: System of Rice Intensification uses young seedlings, wider spacing and controlled water application. Alternate wetting and drying can reduce irrigation withdrawals, pumping electricity and methane emissions relative to continuous flooding. These changes are especially important in water-stressed rice-growing districts.
Q93. Which irrigation source served the greatest share of India’s net irrigated area?
[WBCS Main (Indian Geography), 2022]
(A) Canals
(B) Tanks
(C) Wells and tube-wells
(D) River-lift schemes
Answer: (C) Wells and tube-wells
Explanation: Groundwater irrigation through wells and tube-wells has supplied a larger share of net irrigated area than canal or tank systems. Its expansion is particularly associated with alluvial plains and agricultural intensification, but it also increases pressure on aquifers.
Q92. Which soil type is especially associated with cotton cultivation?
[WBCS Main (Indian Geography), 2022]
(A) Red soil
(B) Regur
(C) Alluvial soil
(D) Peaty soil
Answer: (B) Regur
Explanation: Black or regur soil develops extensively across parts of the Deccan Trap. It retains moisture and is traditionally associated with cotton growing. Its shrink-swell behaviour, clay-rich texture and deep profile shape agricultural practices in the plateau region.
Q91. Which crop is known as India’s golden fibre?
[WBCS Main (Indian Geography), 2022]
(A) Cotton
(B) Wool
(C) Jute
(D) Silk
Answer: (C) Jute
Explanation: Jute is a major natural fibre crop of humid eastern India. Its cultivation is linked to the alluvial plains of the Ganga-Brahmaputra system, especially West Bengal. Warm, wet conditions favour crop growth and fibre production.
