Q90. When was the centrally sponsored micro-irrigation scheme introduced?
[UP Police Constable Re-Exam (25 August 2024, Shift 1)]
(A) March 2004
(B) January 2004
(C) January 2006
(D) March 2002
Answer: (C) January 2006
Explanation: A central micro-irrigation scheme was launched in January 2006 to promote efficient use of agricultural water. It encouraged drip and sprinkler installations, and later programmes developed and reorganized this financial and technical support.
Q89. Why is irrigation especially important in India?
[NBCC JE Civil (25 August 2024)]
(A) Adequate but uneven rainfall
(B) Adequate and even rainfall
(C) Inadequate and uneven rainfall
(D) Inadequate yet uniform rainfall
Answer: (C) Inadequate and uneven rainfall
Explanation: Rainfall across India is strongly seasonal and geographically unequal, with dry spells occurring even in farming regions receiving substantial annual rain. Irrigation supplements uncertain monsoon supply and permits crops to grow when precipitation is insufficient.
Q88. Tilpara irrigation canal is located in which district?
[WBCS 2023 Mains History Paper-III (held 18 August 2024)]
(A) Birbhum
(B) Purulia
(C) Malda
(D) None of these
Answer: (A) Birbhum
Explanation: Tilpara Barrage is on the Mayurakshi River close to Suri in Birbhum, West Bengal. Its canal system supports irrigation of fields within Birbhum and surrounding agricultural areas through regulated surface-water distribution.
Q87. Which scheme promotes solar energy use for agricultural irrigation?
[WBCS 2023 Mains History Paper-III (held 18 August 2024)]
(A) PM-KUSUM
(B) PMFBY
(C) PKVY
(D) e-NAM
Answer: (A) PM-KUSUM
Explanation: PM-KUSUM supports solar-powered farm pumps and related renewable-energy installations. Solar irrigation can reduce reliance on diesel and grid electricity, although sustainable groundwater management remains essential so cheaper pumping does not encourage over-extraction.
Q86. Which answer best describes the principal importance of Farakka Barrage?
[WBCS 2023 Mains History Paper-III (held 18 August 2024)]
(A) Hydroelectricity only
(B) Flood control only
(C) Navigation and irrigation
(D) Drinking water only
Answer: (C) Navigation and irrigation
Explanation: Farakka Barrage diverts Ganga water into a feeder canal toward the Bhagirathi–Hooghly system. The diversion helps maintain flows important for navigation toward Kolkata Port and is associated with regional water distribution and irrigation benefits.
Q85. Which state is known for traditional bamboo drip irrigation?
[Bihar TRE 3.0 Upper Primary Social Science (19 July 2024)]
(A) Meghalaya
(B) Jharkhand
(C) Assam
(D) More than one listed state
(E) None
Answer: (A) Meghalaya
Explanation: Communities in Meghalaya use networks of bamboo pipes to convey water from upland springs to plant roots. This traditional form of controlled application reduces reliance on powered machinery and works with gravity and local materials.
Q84. Which government project involved villagers in conserving water for drinking, irrigation, fisheries and afforestation?
[SSC CPO Paper-I (28 June 2024, Shift 3)]
(A) Neeru–Meeru
(B) Haryali
(C) Chipko Andolan
(D) Arvari Pani Sansad
Answer: (B) Haryali
Explanation: Haryali was a watershed development initiative emphasizing village participation in local water and land-resource management. The approach integrated soil conservation, storage and recharge to support irrigation along with drinking-water security, forestry and livelihoods.
Q83. Which programme was not introduced as part of the Tenth Five-Year Plan?
[SSC CPO Paper-I (27 June 2024, Shift 1)]
(A) Jute Technology Mission
(B) Drought Prone Areas Programme
(C) National Horticulture Mission
(D) Micro Irrigation Programme
Answer: (B) Drought Prone Areas Programme
Explanation: The Drought Prone Areas Programme predates the 2002–07 Tenth Plan, while the other named missions or programmes were associated with the plan period. Micro-irrigation policy focused on greater efficiency in on-farm use of scarce water.
Q82. Which formula gives Culturable Command Area?
[SSC JE Civil (7 June 2024, Shift 1)]
(A) CCA = GCA
(B) CCA = unculturable area − GCA
(C) CCA = GCA + unculturable area
(D) CCA = GCA − unculturable area
Answer: (D) CCA = GCA − unculturable area
Explanation: Gross Command Area includes both potentially cultivable and uncultivable land under a scheme. Deducting uncultivable land gives Culturable Command Area, a critical measure when estimating potential cropped acreage and irrigation-project classification.
Q81. Which method has the greatest irrigation efficiency among these?
[SSC JE Civil (6 June 2024, Shift 1)]
(A) Drip
(B) Sprinkler
(C) Furrow
(D) Border strip
Answer: (A) Drip
Explanation: Drip irrigation applies measured water close to plant roots, avoiding much of the evaporation, runoff and deep percolation of broad surface techniques. System performance depends on design and maintenance, but its potential application efficiency is generally highest.
