Plant: Economic Importance

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Q30. Which crop group received a six-year support plan announced in the Union Budget 2025–26 to reduce imports?

[RRB Group D — 2026]

1. Electronics
2. Steel
3. Pulses
4. Oilseeds

Answer: (C) Pulses

Explanation: The Union Budget 2025–26 proposed a six-year mission to improve self-reliance in pulses. Pulses are economically important for affordable dietary protein, farmer income and soil systems. Production, procurement and post-harvest support can reduce dependence on imported supplies.

Q29. The Harappans were among the earliest people in Eurasia to cultivate which crop?

[SSC CHSL Tier-I — 2025]

1. Tobacco
2. Chilli
3. Potato
4. Cotton

Answer: (D) Cotton

Explanation: Archaeological evidence from the Indus civilisation indicates early cultivation and use of cotton in South Asia. Cotton fibres could be spun and woven into textiles. Tobacco, chillies and potatoes reached the Indian subcontinent much later through post-Columbian exchanges.

Q28. Shisal or sisal craft mainly uses material originating from which source?

[CGPSC Prelims — 2025]

1. Plants
2. Bottle gourds
3. Seashells
4. Soil

Answer: (A) Plants

Explanation: Sisal fibre comes from the long leaves of Agave sisalana and related agaves. Its strength makes it useful for cords, ropes, mats and handicrafts. The plant origin explains why sisal is classified as a natural vegetable fibre.

Q27. What was Rajasthan’s share of India’s total bajra production in 2021–22, as asked in the examination?

[RPSC RAS Prelims — 2025]

1. 46.30%
2. 87.69%
3. 38.98%
4. 34.69%

Answer: (C) 38.98%

Explanation: The examination used the 2021–22 statistical figure of 38.98 percent. Pearl millet is suited to dry environments and forms a major part of Rajasthan’s cereal economy. This percentage refers to the specified historical agricultural year, not a current production estimate.

Q26. What is the principal aim of the Atmanirbhar Oil Seeds Abhiyan described in the exam?

[RRB NTPC UG CBT-I — 2025]

1. Export only surplus oilseeds
2. Self-sufficiency in oilseed production
3. Subsidise all edible oil prices
4. Import all seed varieties

Answer: (B) Self-sufficiency in oilseed production

Explanation: The initiative focuses on raising domestic oilseed production and reducing reliance on imports. Groundnut, soybean, mustard and sunflower contribute to edible-oil supply chains. Increased productivity and better processing can support farmers as well as food-security goals.

Q25. Which plant is traditionally used for relief from cold and cough?

[SSC CGL Tier-I — 2024]

1. Tulsi
2. Babool
3. Jamun
4. Arjun

Answer: (A) Tulsi

Explanation: Tulsi, commonly associated with Ocimum tenuiflorum or O. sanctum, has a long history in traditional remedies for respiratory symptoms. Its leaves contain aromatic compounds. Such traditional use does not replace evidence-based assessment or medical treatment when symptoms are significant.

Q24. The medicinal Himalayan yew, Taxus wallichiana, is found in which state among these options?

[SSC CGL Tier-I — 2024]

1. Goa
2. Jharkhand
3. Himachal Pradesh
4. Bihar

Answer: (C) Himachal Pradesh

Explanation: Taxus wallichiana occurs in Himalayan environments, including Himachal Pradesh. Yew species are important because taxane compounds inspired or supplied anticancer medicines. Conservation is critical because excessive harvesting and slow growth can threaten natural populations.

Q23. Ebony, mahogany and cinchona are characteristic trees of which forest type in India?

[SSC MTS — 2024]

1. Tropical deciduous forests
2. Thorn forests
3. Mangrove forests
4. Tropical evergreen forests

Answer: (D) Tropical evergreen forests

Explanation: Tropical evergreen forests develop in humid regions with high rainfall and contain diverse tall trees. Ebony and mahogany are valued for timber, while cinchona has medicinal importance. The question connects forest ecology with commercially useful plant resources.

Q22. Which statement about Indian black cotton soil is incorrect?

[UPSC NDA II GAT — 2024]

1. It is also called regur
2. It retains moisture strongly
3. It commonly contains lime
4. It has little clay and therefore supports every type of crop

Answer: (D) It has little clay and therefore supports every type of crop

Explanation: Regur soil is rich in clay and holds water effectively, making it well associated with cotton agriculture. Its heavy texture can complicate tillage when wet. The suggestion that it has very little clay is therefore incorrect.

Q21. Which kharif crop and Rajasthan production districts are correctly matched?

[RPSC Assistant Professor General Studies — 2024]

1. Wheat — Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Baran
2. Maize — Sikar, Jalore, Dholpur
3. Bajra — Alwar, Barmer, Jaipur
4. Cotton — Dholpur, Jalore, Pratapgarh

Answer: (C) Bajra — Alwar, Barmer, Jaipur

Explanation: The listed bajra-producing districts are Alwar, Barmer and Jaipur. Pearl millet is a kharif crop adapted to relatively hot and dry areas. Its food and fodder value makes it central to agricultural livelihoods across parts of Rajasthan.