INDIAN BANKING RADAR (IBR) - IBPS AFO MAINS – AGRICULTURE INTELLIGENCE MOCK

🔥 PLATINUM SERIES 2.0 | VOL. 227

📅 FRIDAY, 13 NOVEMBER 2026

🎯 TARGET EXAMINATION: IBPS AFO Mains – Professional Knowledge

20 QUESTIONS | 40 MARKS | 15 MINUTES

Marking Scheme: +2 for every correct answer | −0.50 for every incorrect answer

Instructions: Select the most appropriate answer. Each question carries 2 marks. Attempt all questions within 15 minutes. Check the answer key only after completing the mock.

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Q1. In a typical C3 plant, the primary carbon dioxide acceptor during the Calvin cycle is:

A. Phosphoenolpyruvate

B. Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate

C. Oxaloacetic acid

D. Pyruvic acid

E. Malic acid

Q2. Khaira disease of rice is primarily associated with the deficiency of:

A. Iron

B. Boron

C. Zinc

D. Manganese

E. Copper

Q3. In wheat cultivation, which irrigation stage is considered particularly critical for grain yield because of its role in crown root development and tiller establishment?

A. Crown root initiation

B. Dough stage

C. Physiological maturity

D. Harvesting stage

E. Late grain-filling stage

Q4. Which of the following represents a major symbiotic nitrogen-fixing association in agriculture?

A. Azotobacter with wheat

B. Azospirillum with rice

C. Frankia with sugarcane

D. Rhizobium with leguminous crops

E. Nitrosomonas with pulses

Q5. In Integrated Pest Management (IPM), the Economic Injury Level (EIL) is the pest population at which:

A. All insect pests are completely eliminated

B. Natural enemies become ineffective

C. The crop reaches physiological maturity

D. Pesticide application becomes compulsory

E. The economic loss caused by the pest equals the cost of control

Q6. Tikka disease of groundnut is commonly associated with:

A. Early and late leaf spot diseases

B. Bacterial wilt

C. Collar rot

D. Rust of groundnut

E. Peanut bud necrosis

Q7. In plant breeding, heterosis refers to:

A. Loss of vigour in successive generations

B. Development of seedless fruits

C. Superiority of an F₁ hybrid over its parents for one or more traits

D. Transfer of genes through vegetative propagation

E. Complete elimination of genetic variation

Q8. Which biofertiliser group is specifically used to solubilise insoluble soil phosphates and improve phosphorus availability to plants?

A. Azolla

B. Phosphate-solubilising bacteria (PSB)

C. Rhizobium

D. Blue-green algae

E. Azotobacter

Q9. The soil-water content retained after excess gravitational water has drained away is known as:

A. Permanent wilting point

B. Hygroscopic coefficient

C. Saturation capacity

D. Field capacity

E. Soil moisture equivalent

Q10. Which of the following is a key feature of the Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative (SSI)?

A. Wider spacing, single-bud planting material and improved crop management

B. Continuous deep flooding throughout the crop period

C. Exclusive use of broadcasting for planting

D. Complete elimination of organic manures

E. Harvesting before the grand growth phase

Q11. In dairy cattle, the period between calving and successful conception is known as:

A. Dry period

B. Gestation period

C. Service period

D. Incubation period

E. Lactation period

Q12. Which hormone is primarily responsible for milk ejection or let-down in dairy animals?

A. Oestrogen

B. Progesterone

C. Follicle-stimulating hormone

D. Prolactin

E. Oxytocin

Q13. The principal purpose of grading agricultural commodities is to:

A. Eliminate the need for storage

B. Increase moisture content

C. Replace all quality-control procedures

D. Classify produce according to prescribed quality standards

E. Ensure a uniform market price irrespective of quality

Q14. The Soil Health Card Scheme primarily aims to:

A. Provide free agricultural machinery to all farmers

B. Assess soil nutrient status and recommend appropriate nutrient management

C. Fix Minimum Support Prices for all agricultural commodities

D. Provide crop insurance against all natural calamities

E. Distribute certified seeds without cost

Q15. Under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), the maximum farmer premium rate for Kharif food and oilseed crops is:

A. 1.5% of the sum insured

B. 2% of the sum insured

C. 2.5% of the sum insured

D. 3% of the sum insured

E. 5% of the sum insured

Q16. Which organisation is one of the Central Nodal Agencies for procurement of notified pulses and oilseeds under the Price Support Scheme (PSS)?

A. NAFED

B. Food Corporation of India (FCI)

C. Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC)

D. Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)

E. Small Farmers' Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC)

Q17. Which of the following best describes the Farmer Field School (FFS) approach in agricultural extension?

A. One-way dissemination of information through radio

B. Individual distribution of agricultural inputs

C. Participatory, field-based learning through observation and practical exercises

D. Classroom lectures without field exposure

E. Compulsory pesticide distribution to farmers

Q18. The principal objective of Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) is to promote:

A. Chemical-intensive farming

B. Organic farming through cluster-based approaches

C. Tractor financing for all farmers

D. Only export-oriented horticulture

E. Replacement of all traditional varieties with hybrids

Q19. In agricultural economics, the terms of trade for agriculture generally improve when:

A. Prices received by farmers rise relative to prices paid by them

B. Prices paid by farmers rise faster than prices received

C. Agricultural output falls irrespective of prices

D. Input costs increase while output prices remain unchanged

E. Agricultural wages decline continuously

Q20. Which combination represents the three core principles of conservation agriculture?

A. Intensive tillage, residue burning and monocropping

B. Complete removal of crop residues and frequent ploughing

C. Continuous monocropping without soil cover

D. Minimum soil disturbance, permanent soil cover and crop diversification

E. Repeated deep ploughing and unrestricted residue removal

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ANSWER KEY

Q1.B

Q2.C

Q3.A

Q4.D

Q5.E

Q6.A

Q7.C

Q8.B

Q9.D

Q10.A

Q11.C

Q12.E

Q13.D

Q14.B

Q15.E

Q16.A

Q17.C

Q18.B

Q19.A

Q20.D

EXPLANATIONS

Q1. B – Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP)

RuBP is the five-carbon primary CO₂ acceptor in the Calvin cycle of C3 plants. RuBisCO catalyses its carboxylation, producing an unstable six-carbon compound that splits into two molecules of 3-phosphoglyceric acid (3-PGA).

Q2. C – Zinc

Khaira disease is a physiological disorder of rice caused by zinc deficiency. Symptoms include bronzing or brown patches on leaves, stunted growth and reduced tillering. Zinc sulphate is commonly used for correction, based on soil and crop recommendations.

Q3. A – Crown root initiation

Crown root initiation generally occurs around 20–25 days after sowing in wheat. Adequate moisture at this stage supports crown root development and tiller formation. Water stress can significantly reduce grain yield.

Q4. D – Rhizobium with legumes

Rhizobium bacteria establish symbiotic associations with leguminous plants in root nodules. They fix atmospheric nitrogen and convert it into forms usable by plants, thereby contributing to soil fertility.

Q5. E – Economic loss equals cost of control

Economic Injury Level is the pest population at which the economic loss caused by the pest equals the cost of controlling it. The Economic Threshold Level (ETL) is generally lower than EIL and indicates when control action should begin to prevent the population from reaching EIL.

Q6. A – Early and late leaf spot

Tikka disease of groundnut commonly refers to early and late leaf spot. Early leaf spot is caused by Cercospora arachidicola, while late leaf spot is caused by Nothopassalora personata. Both diseases damage foliage and may cause premature defoliation.

Q7. C – Superiority of F₁ hybrids

Heterosis, also called hybrid vigour, is the superiority of an F₁ hybrid over its parents in traits such as yield, growth, vigour and adaptability. It is widely exploited in hybrid breeding programmes.

Q8. B – Phosphate-solubilising bacteria

PSB convert certain insoluble soil phosphates into forms more readily available to plants. They improve phosphorus availability and complement the use of phosphorus fertilisers.

Q9. D – Field capacity

Field capacity is the soil-water content remaining after excess gravitational water has drained away. It is an important parameter in irrigation scheduling and soil-water management. Available water capacity is generally calculated from the difference between field capacity and permanent wilting point.

Q10. A – Wider spacing and single-bud planting material

The Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative promotes improved planting and crop management practices, including single-bud or single-eye setts, nursery raising, wider spacing and efficient resource utilisation. Its objective is to improve productivity while reducing the requirement for planting material and other inputs.

Q11. C – Service period

The service period is the interval between calving and successful conception. It is an important indicator of reproductive efficiency in dairy animals. The dry period is the non-lactating period before the next calving.

Q12. E – Oxytocin

Oxytocin is released from the posterior pituitary gland and causes contraction of myoepithelial cells surrounding mammary alveoli. This pushes milk into the ducts and facilitates milk let-down. Prolactin is primarily associated with milk synthesis.

Q13. D – Classification according to quality standards

Grading classifies agricultural produce based on parameters such as size, colour, weight, moisture, purity and defects. It promotes transparent marketing, quality assurance and price differentiation.

Q14. B – Soil nutrient assessment

The Soil Health Card Scheme assesses soil nutrient status and provides recommendations on fertilisers and soil amendments. It encourages balanced nutrient application, better soil management and sustainable agricultural productivity.

Q15. E – 2% of the sum insured

Under PMFBY, the standard maximum farmer premium rates are:

- Kharif food and oilseed crops: 2%

- Rabi food and oilseed crops: 1.5%

- Annual commercial and horticultural crops: 5%

These are the prescribed caps or actuarial premium rates, whichever is lower. The balance admissible premium subsidy is shared by the Central and State Governments as per scheme provisions.

Q16. A – NAFED

The National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) is one of the Central Nodal Agencies for procurement of notified pulses and oilseeds under the Price Support Scheme. It undertakes procurement through cooperative networks when market prices fall below the declared MSP, subject to scheme conditions.

Q17. C – Participatory, field-based learning

Farmer Field Schools follow a participatory learning approach. Farmers learn through field observation, practical exercises, crop monitoring and group analysis of agro-ecosystems. The approach promotes informed farm-level decision-making.

Q18. B – Organic farming

Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana promotes organic farming through cluster-based approaches. It supports farmer mobilisation, capacity building, organic practices, certification and marketing linkages under scheme guidelines.

Q19. A – Prices received rise relative to prices paid

Agricultural terms of trade improve when the prices farmers receive for their produce rise relative to the prices they pay for agricultural inputs and other goods and services. This indicates an improvement in the relative purchasing power of the agricultural sector.

Q20. D – Three principles of conservation agriculture

Conservation agriculture is based on three core principles:

1. Minimum mechanical soil disturbance.

2. Permanent organic soil cover.

3. Crop diversification through suitable rotations or associations.

These practices help reduce soil erosion, conserve moisture and improve soil health.

QUICK REVISION CAPSULE

1. C3 photosynthesis: RuBP is the primary CO₂ acceptor.

2. Khaira disease of rice: Zinc deficiency.

3. Wheat irrigation: Crown root initiation is a critical stage.

4. Nitrogen fixation: Rhizobium–legume association.

5. EIL: Economic loss equals cost of control.

6. Tikka disease: Early and late leaf spot of groundnut.

7. Heterosis: Superiority of F₁ hybrid over its parents.

8. PSB: Solubilises insoluble soil phosphorus.

9. Field capacity: Water retained after gravitational drainage.

10. SSI: Single-bud setts, wider spacing and improved management.

11. Service period: Calving to successful conception.

12. Milk let-down: Oxytocin.

13. Grading: Classification according to quality standards.

14. Soil Health Card: Soil nutrient assessment and recommendations.

15. PMFBY premium: Kharif 2%; Rabi 1.5%; annual commercial/horticultural 5%.

16. NAFED: One of the Central Nodal Agencies under PSS.

17. Farmer Field School: Participatory, field-based learning.

18. PKVY: Cluster-based organic farming.

19. Agricultural terms of trade: Prices received relative to prices paid.

20. Conservation agriculture: Minimum tillage, permanent soil cover and crop diversification.

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SELF-ASSESSMENT

36–40 marks: Excellent – Strong command of agricultural concepts.

30–35 marks: Very Good – Revise a few technical areas.

22–29 marks: Good – Strengthen conceptual understanding.

Below 22 marks: Needs improvement – Revisit fundamentals and practise more.

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