Q20. What are particularly critical stages for irrigation of pulse crops?
[Maharashtra Agriculture Service (2017)]
(A) Branching and pod formation
(B) Seed storage and threshing
(C) Transport and sale
(D) Post-harvest drying
Answer: (A) Branching and pod formation
Explanation: Pulse crops are relatively drought tolerant but sensitive to moisture stress at branching, flowering and pod development. Timely irrigation around these stages helps maintain reproductive growth and protect yield without excessive watering.
2016 Previous-Year Questions
Q19. Which advantages of drip irrigation are correct:
(1) fewer weeds,
(2) lower soil salinity,
(3) reduced soil erosion?
[UPSC Civil Services Prelims GS-I (2016)]
(A) 1 and 2 only
(B) 3 only
(C) 1 and 3 only
(D) None
Answer: (C) 1 and 3 only
Explanation: Localized dripping wets a smaller area and produces little surface runoff, discouraging some weeds and erosion. It does not automatically cure soil salinity; poorly managed systems can concentrate salts around the wetted zone.
Q18. What was an araghatta in medieval Indian economic history?
[UPSC Civil Services Prelims GS-I (2016)]
(A) Bonded labour
(B) Military land grant
(C) Waterwheel for irrigation
(D) Reclaimed wasteland
Answer: (C) Waterwheel for irrigation
Explanation: An araghatta was a water-lifting wheel used in agriculture, commonly with pots attached around a rotating structure. Animals or human effort could drive the mechanism, lifting water from wells or channels into field distribution systems.
Q17. Which two rivers were linked in a recently undertaken river-linking project?
[UPSC Civil Services Prelims GS-I (2016)]
(A) Cauvery and Tungabhadra
(B) Godavari and Krishna
(C) Mahanadi and Sone
(D) Narmada and Tapti
Answer: (B) Godavari and Krishna
Explanation: The Pattiseema Lift Irrigation Scheme transferred water from the Godavari toward the Krishna basin in Andhra Pradesh. Pumping and canal links can redistribute water between basins, although costs and environmental effects require assessment.
Q16. Which listed state had the highest percentage associated with tank irrigation in the examination?
[WBCS Prelims (2016)]
(A) Tamil Nadu
(B) West Bengal
(C) Kerala
(D) Karnataka
Answer: (A) Tamil Nadu
Explanation: Tamil Nadu has a long history of irrigation tanks constructed for capturing monsoon runoff. Its landscape and traditional water institutions supported tank networks, though modern proportions of irrigation sources can change over time.
Q15. What subsidy percentage was offered to small and marginal farmers for drip irrigation in the relevant state scheme?
[CGPSC Prelims (2016)]
(A) 50%
(B) 60%
(C) 75%
(D) 90%
Answer: (B) 60%
Explanation: The examination referred to a scheme providing a 60 percent subsidy. Such financial assistance lowers the upfront purchase and installation burden of drip systems; exact rates change by programme, farmer category and year.
Q14. Evaluate statements:
(a) Firoz Shah Tughlaq built Sudarshan Lake;
(b) Punyagupta built the Western Yamuna Canal.
[MPSC State Service Prelims (2016)]
(A) A only
(B) B only
(C) Both
(D) Neither
Answer: (D) Neither
Explanation: Sudarshan Lake’s early construction is associated with Pushyagupta, while the Western Yamuna Canal is linked to Firoz Shah Tughlaq. Both statements reverse or misattribute historical waterworks, so neither is correct.
2015 Previous-Year Questions
Q13. IRS satellites are used for
(1) crop-productivity assessment,
(2) groundwater location,
(3) mineral exploration,
(4) telecom,
(5) traffic studies.
Which set is correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Prelims GS-I (23 August 2015)]
(A) 1, 2 and 3 only
(B) 4 and 5 only
(C) 1 and 2 only
(D) All five
Answer: (A) 1, 2 and 3 only
Explanation: Earth-observation satellites provide images useful for crop condition, geological mapping and the identification of potential groundwater zones. Telecommunications traffic functions are normally performed by other satellite systems, so the first three applications are correct.
Q12. Which traditional source has historically been important for irrigation in Telangana?
[TSPSC Assistant Engineer Civil (2015)]
(A) Glacier-fed canals
(B) Tanks
(C) Tidal reservoirs
(D) Desalination plants
Answer: (B) Tanks
Explanation: Tank irrigation has deep historical roots on the Deccan Plateau, including Telangana, where embankments store monsoon runoff. The importance of tanks as a traditional system should be distinguished from changing contemporary groundwater-use patterns.
Q11. Water drawn from a tube well is categorized as what?
[OSSC JE Civil (2015)]
(A) Surface water
(B) Subsurface water
(C) Surface runoff
(D) Wholesome water
(E) Potable water
Answer: (B) Subsurface water
Explanation: Tube wells penetrate water-bearing layers below the ground and withdraw groundwater. This is subsurface water, unlike water captured directly from rivers, reservoirs or rainfall runoff. Water quality depends on local aquifer conditions.
