IBPS AFO 2013 — Agri Master Mind

✅Explanation: As per PIB report of (June) 2022, there are 731 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in the country.There are 38 KVKs under the control of State Governments, 66 under ICAR Institutes, 103 under NGOs, 506 under Agricultural Universities, 3 under Central Universities, 3 under Public Sector Undertakings, 7 under Deemed to be Universities and 5 under Other Educational Institutions.

✅Explanation: When it comes to planting larger-sized seeds, such as those for crops like corn or beans, a planter is typically used. A planter is a farming implement designed to sow seeds in rows at a consistent depth and spacing. It can handle various seed sizes, including larger ones, and is specifically designed for efficient and precise seed placement in the soil.📌Other Options Explanations:Dibler: A simple, hand-held tool for making small holes in the soil to place seeds or seedlings. Suitable for small-scale planting of tiny seeds.Transplanter: Used for transplanting seedlings (young plants) from a nursery bed to the field.Seed Drill: Used for sowing small grains like wheat and rice in continuous rows.

✅Explanation:The Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation (IISWC) is situated in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India. It is an organization that conducts research and provides training in the field of soil and water conservation. IISWC plays a crucial role in developing and promoting sustainable agricultural practices to conserve soil and water resources in India.🔑Key Points:The ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation (ICAR-IISWC), Dehradun with eight regional research centres located at Agra, Bellary, Chandigarh, Datia, Koraput, Kota, Udhagamandalam and Vasad cater to the needs of natural resource management in different regions with the principal mandate to conserve soil and water in arable and non-arable production systems and promote farm/agricultural production.

✅Explanation: A piezometer is a device used to measure groundwater levels. It consists of a small-diameter, open-ended tube that is inserted into the ground to a certain depth where the groundwater level is to be measured. The tube is typically made of materials such as PVC or stainless steel. When the piezometer is installed, groundwater from the surrounding soil enters the tube, and the water level inside the tube rises to the same level as the groundwater in the surrounding soil.📌Other Options Explanations:Galvanometer: Measures electric current.Thermister: A type of resistor whose resistance changes significantly with temperature, used for temperature measurement.Anemometer: Measures wind speed.

✅Explanation:White Yorkshire pigs are a breed that is well-known for their qualities related to meat production and their ability to give birth to litters of piglets.📌Other Options Explanations:Duroc: Known for their hardiness and good meat quality, particularly marbling.Berkshire: Valued for their flavorful, well-marbled meat, often used in high-end pork products.Chester Whites: Known for their mothering ability and docile temperament.Landrace: Similar to Yorkshires, known for large litters and lean meat production.🔑Key Points:Large White Yorkshire, Landrace, Berkshire are the breeds of Pigs.The state which produces the highest pig population is Assam in India.The state which produces the highest pig population in China in the world.🔴Additional InformationPig: Scientific Name: Sus scrofa domesticusFamily: SuidaeImportant breeds: Large White Yorkshire, Landrace, Middle White Yorkshire, Berkshire, Hampshire, and Tamworth

✅Explanation:Eggshell color is determined by various pigments that are deposited on the surface of the eggshell during the egg-laying process. Xanthophylls are a class of natural pigments that are responsible for giving eggs their yellow to orange colors. These pigments are found in the diet of the laying hens and are then absorbed into the bloodstream, eventually making their way into the eggshell.📌Other Options Explanations:Chlorophyll: The green pigment in plants responsible for photosynthesis.Albumin: The egg white, primarily a protein source.Yolk: The yellow portion of the egg, containing fats and other nutrients. While the yolk itself contains xanthophylls.🔑Key Points:Like other carotenoids, xanthophylls are found in highest quantity in the leaves of most green plants.It is found in the bodies of animals including humans, and in dietary animal products, is ultimately derived from plant sources in the diet.Example: Yellow color of chicken egg yolks, fat, and skin comes from ingested xanthophylls.

✅Explanation:Most of the major cereal crops exhibit high tolerance to soil salinity. In this group are sorghum, wheat, triticale, ripe, oats and barley. Only exceptions are corn and rice.🔑Key PointsMost plants are more sensitive to salinity during germination than at any other growth stage. However, there are large variations in the sensitivity of germinating seeds to salinity.Developing a suitable method for properly screening barley tolerance under salt stress is of great significance.Barley is known to be a tolerant crop to saline conditions but is not a tolerant crop for sodic conditions.The experiments were conducted using 26 barley genotypes at two research sites, without stress (soil salinity = 3 dS/m) and with stress (soil salinity = 14 dS/m, and irrigation water of 12 dS/m).Using the grain yield under non-stress and stress conditions, the salinity stress indices of barley genotypes including salinity susceptibility index (SSI, 0.68–1.12), tolerance index (TOL, 2570–11877), stress tolerance index (STI, 0.01–0.33), geometric mean productivity (GMP, 1433–7625), and mean productivity (MP, 633–6431) were determined.

✅Explanation:Cholai, also known as Amaranthus, is a common weed that often grows in maize fields. It competes with maize for nutrients, water, and sunlight, and can significantly reduce the yield of maize crops if not properly managed. Therefore, cholai is considered a weed of maize because it can negatively impact the growth and productivity of maize plants.🔑Key PointsMaize is a crop which is used both as food and fodder. It is a kharif crop which requires temperature between 21°C to 27°C or warm and humid season. It grows well in fertile and well drained alluvial soil. Major maize-producing states of India are Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana

✅Explanation:The seed rate for tomato cultivation can vary depending on various factors like the variety of tomato, the planting method, and the local growing conditions. In general, tomato seeds are sown at a rate of 300-350 grams per hectare (ha). This means that for every hectare of land, you would typically need to use 300-350 grams of tomato seeds.🔑Key PointsTomato: Seed rate - 350-400g/ha for normal tomato, and 100-150g/ha for hybrids.Important varieties – Parker (Fruit borer resistant), Pusa ruby, Arka Vikas, Pusa Gaurav, Arka Vikas, Pusa Sheetal (winter season), Roma (suitable for processing), Hisarlalit (nematode resistant).Leaf curl diseases is transmitted by whitefly (Bemisia tabaci).Major paste of tomato is fruit borer (Helicoverpa armigera).The red color of the tomato is due to lycopene.Fruit cracking in tomatoes is due to boron deficiency.

✅Explanation:Sod culture involves the cultivation and management of grass, particularly for lawns, pastures, and other similar purposes. In this method, a piece of land is covered with a thick layer of grass and its underlying soil. The grass forms a dense, continuous mat or "sod" on the soil, which helps prevent soil erosion, suppress weed growth, and provide a lush and even surface for various applications.

✅Explanation: Mandarin oranges are known for their relatively high calcium content compared to the other fruits listed. Calcium is an essential mineral for maintaining strong bones and teeth, and it also plays a crucial role in various physiological processes in the body.

Contribution of agriculture in GDP in the year 2013 was 16%.However, in the year 2023, it has increased to 18.3% (Source: PIB, March 2023).

Dr. G.R. Chintala was the former chairman of NABARD (2013).Shri Shaji K.V. is appointed as the new chairman of NABARD (2023).🔑Key Points:National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) is an apex development finance institution fully owned by the Government of India.The bank has been entrusted with "matters concerning policy, planning, and operations in the field of credit for agriculture and other economic activities in rural areas in India".Headquarter: - MumbaiChairman: Shri Shaji K.V (7th December 2022)Foundation-: 12 July 1982

✅Explanation: Buttoning is a common problem in cauliflower cultivation where the plant prematurely forms small, button-like heads instead of the desired large, compact curd. This issue can occur when there is a lack of essential nutrients, and nitrogen is a crucial nutrient for the healthy growth and development of cauliflower plants.Nitrogen is a key component of amino acids and proteins, which are essential for plant growth and the formation of leaves and flower heads. When cauliflower plants do not receive an adequate supply of nitrogen, their growth is stunted, and they may prematurely form these small, button-like heads. 🔑Key PointsButtoning is caused due to Nitrogen deficiency in cauliflower. Fruit crack in fruits usually occurs due to a deficiency of Boran. Hen and chicken occur in the Grapes due to deficiency of Boran.

🔑Key Points:Downy mildew of maize is a plant disease caused by a fungus called Peronosclerospora maydis. This fungus infects maize (corn) plants, leading to characteristic symptoms such as white to grayish, fluffy growth on the lower surfaces of the leaves. It can also affect other parts of the maize plant, including the stem and ear.

✅Explanation: Karnataka is the highest coffee-producing state in India. It is known for its coffee plantations, particularly in the regions of Coorg (Kodagu), Chikmagalur, and Hassan. These areas have favorable climatic conditions for coffee cultivation, including the right amount of rainfall, altitude, and temperature. The coffee produced in Karnataka is predominantly of the Arabica and Robusta varieties.🔑Key PointsHighest Coffee growing state in India is Karnataka.Karnataka accounts for nearly 71% of total coffee production in India.Arabica and Robusta coffee beans are mainly grown in the Malabar region of Kerala.Other coffee-producing states are Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Tripura and Assam.

Plants require essential nutrients for proper growth and development. There are in total 17 nutrients that are required by plants. Out of which, 6 are macronutrients and other micronutrients.🔑Key PointsThe major source of nutrients for the growth of plants is soil. The three main nutrients are Nitrogen (N), Potassium (K), and Phosphorous (P) together they form a trio known as NPK.The following are the 17 essential nutrients required by the plants for their growth:Hydrogen (H)Carbon (C)Nitrogen (N)Phosphorous (P)Potassium (K)Sulfur (S)Calcium (Ca)Magnesium (Mg)Manganese (Mn)Oxygen (O)Chlorine (Cl)Boron (B)Iron (Fe)Copper (Cu)Molybdenum (Mo)Nickel (NI)Zinc (Zn)

✅Explanation: Molybdenum is an essential micronutrient for plants, and its deficiency can lead to various symptoms in plants, including yellowing of the leaves. In the case of citrus trees, a lack of molybdenum can result in the development of yellow spots or blotches on the leaves, which is a characteristic symptom of citrus chlorosis.🔑Key Points:Molybdenum (Mo) deficiency in citrus is commonly called “yellow spot.”The deficiency occurs when trees are unable to absorb sufficient Mo from an acidic soil.Deficiency symptoms appear on the leaves as large, interveinal chlorotic spots in early summer. As the leaves age, the yellow spots develop deposits of brown gum on the lower leaf surfaces, which may eventually turn black.In many cases, an infection of anthracnose causes the areas covered by the spots to die and drop out, leaving small holes in the leaves.Affected leaves eventually drop and trees become almost defoliated during the winter.

✅Explanation: Nitrogen plays a key role in the production of tobacco. Nitrogen requirement for different types of tobacco varies widely. It is 20 kg N/ha for FCV tobacco on black clayey soils, 180 Kg N/ha for bidi-tobacco and 200 Kg N/ha for chewing tobacco in sandy clay loam soils.

ExplanationSeed rate per hectare of mustard in 5-6 Kg.The seed rate is the quantity of crops that is required to sow a unit area of land for optimum production.Rapeseed and mustard are the third most important edible oil seeds after soybean and palm oil.🔑Key PointsConditions required for rapeseed and mustard - Soil - light loam and clay loam soils.Sowing time - mid-October.Rapeseed and mustard are grown in rotation with maize, rice, groundnut, etc.With improved techniques, the average yield is 10 kg/ha of rapeseed and 15-20 kg/ha of mustard.🔴Additional InformationGN Mustard -DMH-11 or Dhara Mustard Hybrid-11 is a GM hybrid variety of mustard.DMH-11 was developed by Prof. Deepak Pental.DMS-11 was developed in 2002

✅Explanation: In this spacing method, chickpea plants are arranged in rows with a distance of 30 cm between rows, and there is a space of 10 cm between individual plants within the same row. This spacing allows enough room for the chickpea plants to grow without competing for resources such as sunlight, water, and nutrients.

✅Explanation: The C: N ratio of normal soil is defined as the ratio of the mass of carbon to the mass of nitrogen in a substance. C: N ratio of normal soil is 10:1. 10:1 ratio indicates that there are ten units of carbon (C) for each unit of nitrogen (N) in the soil. This ratio significantly impacts the crop residue decomposition, particularly residue- cover on the soil and the crop nutrient cycling.🔑Key Points:The C: N ratio of normal soil is defined as the ratio of the mass of carbon to the mass of nitrogen in a substance.C: N ratio of normal soil is 10:1.10:1 ratio indicates that there are ten units of carbon (C) for each unit of nitrogen (N) in the soil.This ratio significantly impact the crop residue decomposition, particularly residue-cover on the soil and the crop nutrient cycling.

✅Explanation: Andhra Pradesh is the largest producer of fish in India followed by West Bengal.

✅Explanation: Discs are tilted backward at an angle of 15 to 25 degree from vertical and disc angle of 42 to 45 degree from direction of travel. Disc diameter ranges from 61 to 71 cm.

✅Explanation: Test weight, also known as kernel weight or shelling percentage, refers to the weight of a specific volume of a crop's seeds. In this case, it represents the weight of a certain volume of groundnut kernels. The specified range of 200-250 grams indicates that the weight of groundnut kernels falling within this range is considered standard.The weight of those kernels should be between 200 grams and 250 grams to meet the standard criteria. Groundnut kernels falling within this weight range are considered of good quality, and this standard is used for grading and quality control purposes in the agriculture industry.🔑Key Points:Groundnut oil or peanut oil is a pure edible oil.Its major component fatty acids are oleic acid (46.8% as olein), linoleic acid (33.4% as linolein), and palmitic acid (10.0% as palmitin).Groundnut oil has a higher smoking point (225°C) than many other cooking oils.It can be also used to make soap through the process of saponification.It contains 17% saturated fat, 46% monounsaturated fat, and 32% polyunsaturated fat.The oil is rich in vitamin E.

✅Explanation: The National Commission on Farmers (NCF) was constituted on November 18, 2004 under the chairmanship of Professor M.S. Swaminathan. The Terms of Reference reflected the priorities listed in the Common Minimum Programme.🔑Key PointsNational Commission on Farmers:It was constituted on November 18, 2004, under the chairmanship of Professor M.S. Swaminathan. The aim of the commission was to address the nationwide calamity of farmers suicides in India.

✅Explanation: The Pusa Sanyog is an F1 hybrid variety of cucumbers (Japanese Gynoecious line X Green Long of Naples). This variety is an early and high yielding one with cylindrical and dark green fruits with yellow stripes. The flesh is crisp and the variety matures in about 50 days.

✅Explanation: Shattering is a process related to agricultural crops, especially grains like soybeans. Shattering refers to the natural process by which mature seed pods or heads burst open, releasing seeds so they can scatter and grow elsewhere. This is a significant concern for farmers, as shattering can lead to yield losses during harvest. Soybeans are one of the crops where shattering can occur.🔑Key PointsSoybean (Glycine max) belongs to the family Leguminoceae.It contains 20% oil and 40% proteins.Owing to its multiplicity of uses as food and industrial products , it is called as wonder crop.Also known as boneless meat.

Mango has the largest area under its cultivation.

✅Explanation: White Leghorn chickens are one of the best breeds for egg production. They are known for their high egg-laying ability, producing large white eggs consistently. They are small-sized, active, and hardy birds, making them well-suited for commercial egg production. White Leghorns are efficient in converting feed into eggs, making them a popular choice among poultry farmers. Their adaptability to various climates and their ability to lay eggs throughout the year contribute to their reputation as one of the best chicken breeds for egg production.📌Other Options Explanations:Busra: This is a dual-purpose breed (meat and eggs) from the Mediterranean region.Tellicherry: A breed from India, known for its black plumage and meat production.Orpington: A dual-purpose breed, primarily raised for meat but also lays a decent number of brown eggs.Rhode Island Red: A popular dual-purpose breed, known for its brown eggs and hardiness.🔑Key Points:It belongs to the Mediterranean Class of PoultryThese are the most popular breed for poultry farming because they are excellent layers.

✅Explanation: The ICAR-Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute (ICAR-CSWRI) is an Indian Council of Agricultural Research subsidiary commissioned for research, training and extension activities related to sheep and rabbits. It is situated in Avikanagar, Malpura, in Rajasthan, India.🔑Key PointsICAR-Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute (ICAR-CSWRI) is an Indian Council of Agricultural Research commissioned for research, training and extension activities related to sheep and rabbits.The institute is an autonomous body and is sponsored by the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India.The institution was established in the year 1962.It is located in Avikanagar, Malpura, Rajasthan, India.It works in close liaison with other ICAR Institutes, Central Wool Development Board, Sheep and Wool Marketing Association, Department of Biotechnology (GoI), Small Entrepreneurs, NGOs, State Animal Husbandry and Khadi Chana and Cottage Industries.

✅Explanation: Calcite is a white or colourless mineral composed of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). When calcite is present in soil, it can make the soil appear white due to its inherent colour. Calcite is a common mineral found in limestone and marble, and its white coloration is often visible in the soil where these rocks have weathered and broken down.🔑Key Points:Calcite is a rock-forming mineral with a chemical formula of CaCO3.It is extremely common and found throughout the world in sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks. Calcite is the principal constituent of limestone and marble. The construction industry is the primary consumer of calcite in the form of limestone and marble. These rocks have been used as dimension stones and in mortar for thousands of years.It is used as an acid neutralization, heated for the production of lime, soil conditioner.It has a specific gravity of 2.7.

National Institute of Agricultural Marketing (NIAM) is a national level institute set up by the Ministry of Agriculture, on 8 August 1988 at Jaipur, Rajasthan, to cater to the needs of agricultural marketing personnel and to offer specialized Training, Research, Consultancy, and Education in Agricultural Marketing in India and Southeast Asian countries.The institute is dedicated to Chaudhary Charan Singh, the fifth prime minister of India from where it derives its full name, "Chaudhary Charan Singh National Institute of Agricultural Marketing".The Union Minister for Agriculture is the President of the General body of NIAM and the Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Cooperation is the Chairman of the Executive Committee.

✅Explanation: The Arabian Sea Branch of the Southwest Monsoon first hits the Western Ghats of the coastal state of Kerala, India, thus making this area the first state in India to receive rain from the Southwest Monsoon. 🔑Key PointsKerala is the first state in India to receive rainfall from the Southwest Monsoon.This is because the Arabian Sea branch of the monsoon first hits the Western Ghats of Kerala.Kerala has a tropical monsoon climate, characterized by a lengthy rainy season that extends from June to September.The monsoon season in India typically lasts from June to September. 🔴Additional Information The monsoon season in India has two parts: the Southwest monsoon and the North-East monsoon.The Southwest monsoon brings rain to most of the country, while the northeast monsoon brings rain to parts of southern India. The monsoon brings the most rain to western and central India, where it accounts for over 90% of the annual rainfall.In southern and northwestern India, the monsoon accounts for 50–75% of the annual rainfall. The monsoon is caused by moist winds from the southwest that are drawn up from the oceans. The monsoon blows from the northeast during the cooler months and reverses direction to blow from the southwest during the warmer months.

Ratna is variety of mango. ✅Explanation: This hybrid is from a cross of Neelum and Alphonso. Tree moderately vigorous, precocious, fruits are medium sized, attractive in colour and free from spongy tissue.

✅Explanation: The crossing between two different species of the same genus is called interspecific crossbreeding. Horse and donkey belong to the same genus Equus. A mule is obtained by a cross between a male donkey and female horse.

✅Explanation: Jute is the main crop grown in the Barak Valley. The Barak Valley is located in the northeastern state of Assam in India. Jute is a natural fiber that is mainly grown for its use in making products like sacks, ropes, and textiles. The region's suitable climate and soil conditions make it conducive for the cultivation of jute, making it a significant crop in the Barak Valley.🔑Key PointsBarak valley is situated in Assam.The important crop of Barak valley is Jute.The temperature of the valley varies from 25° to 30°C and rainfall varies from 100 to 200 cm, which is ideal for jute cultivation.Golden Fibre Revolution is related to Jute Production.Father of Golden Fibre Revolution-Nirpakh Tutaj.Jute is a natural fiber having golden, soft, long, and silky shine.It is the cheapest fiber obtained from the skin of the plant's stem.Jute is also known as a golden fiber, because of its colors and high cash value.Jute is the most important vegetable fiber in consumption, production, usage, and availability.

✅Explanation: India is heavily reliant on imports to meet its domestic oil demand. Crude oil and petroleum products consistently account for the largest share in India's import bill. India imports a significant amount of crude oil and refined petroleum products to fulfill its energy requirements, and these imports often constitute a substantial portion of the country's overall import bill. This dependency on oil imports can impact India's trade balance and economy, making it a crucial factor in the country's economic policies and energy strategies.🔑Key PointsIndia produces just 20% crude oil of its demand and rests 80% is imported from abroad.Crude oil and other related products account for around 22% total import of India.

✅Explanation: West Bengal suffered erosion along about 60.5% of the coast (323.07 km) over the period from 1990 to 2018. This is followed by Kerala (46.4%) and Tamil Nadu (42.7%) respectively.

✅Explanation: Slovenia is the top country by number of tractors in the world.