Contents
WBCS Main Optional Question Paper – 2023
PAPER – I (Time-3 Hours Full Marks-200)
GROUP-A
Answer any three questions
- (a) Define the following with examples: 3×5=15
(i) Crop sequence
(ii) Cropping intensity
(iii) Crop rotation
(iv) Paira cropping, and
(v) Inter cropping
(b) Make three suitable crop sequences (at least 3 crops in a year) under West Bengal condition. 6
(c) Why do you suggest to include leguminous crops in crop sequence? 5
(d) Discuss on different agro-forestry system. Why social forestry is important in rural areas? 10+4=14
2. (a) Discuss on rice cultivation during Kharif seasoning West Bengal with special reference to land preparation, sowing/planting, variety, nutrient management, weed control, harvesting and yield. 30
(b) Why the yield of boro rice is higher than kharif rice? 5
(c) Make a list of pulses and oilseeds with their growing seasons In West Bengal. 5
3. (a) Mention the role and deficiency symptoms of macro nutrients on plants. 10
(b) Write short notes on bio-fertilizers (any two): 5×2=10
(c) What do you suggest for reclamation of acid soil and saline soil? 8
(d) Classify weeds with examples. Make a list of herbicides with dose, time of application and crops. 5+7=12
4. (a) Discuss on jute cultivation with special reference to sowing, variety, weeding, cropping system, harvesting, retiring and yield. 20
(b) Write a short note on grading of jute and its relation with minimum support price. 10
(c) Discuss on mechanization in farming with special reference to power tiller, paddy transplanter, combine harvester and drone. What is custom hiring centre? 8+2=10
5. (a) Discuss on methods and systems of irrigation. Mention the criteria for scheduling irrigation. How water use efficiency can be improved in crop production system? 20+5+5=30
(b) Differentiate between: 5×2=10
(i) Dryland farming vs. Rainfed agriculture, and (ii) Green manure vs. Organic manure
GROUP-B
Answer any two questions
6. (a) Discuss on agro-climatic zones of West Bengal with reference to area, soil, climate and important crops. 20
(b) Classify weather forecasting along with their importance in agriculture. Mention the role of print, electronic and social media in weather agro-advisory service. 10+10=20
7. (a) Discuss on the role and scope of information technology in Indian agriculture. 14
(b) Mention the roles of public distribution system in food security. 12
(c) Discuss on agro-processing and cold storage. 7+7=14
8. Wriet short notes on (any five): 8×5=40
(a) SHG in agriculture
(b) Remote sensing
(c) Organic certification
(d) Crop insurance
(e) Forest products
(f) Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in West Bengal
(g) Soil formation
(h) Marketing intelligence
PAPER – II (Time-3 Hours Full Marks-200)
GROUP-A
Answer any three questions
- (a) Classify seeds. Narrate the steps of seed certification. 5+10=15
(b) Discuss on seed production of hybrid rice or hybrid maize. 15
(c) Write a short note on seed quality testing. 10
2. (a) Describe briefly the cultivation practices of mango with special reference to variety, planting, intercultural operation, nutrient and pest management, harvesting and yield. What do you mean by geographical indication (GI) of mango of West Bengal? 25
(b) Discuss on protected cultivation of horticulture crops. 15
3. (a) Narrate the steps of synthesis of ATP during photophosphorylation. Diagrammatically represent C3 pathway of photosynthesis. Compare among the pathways of C3, C4 and CAM. 8+6+6=20
(b) Write down the mechanism of opening and closing of stomata. 8
(c) Make a list of two parts and two diseases for one important fruit, vegetable, flower along with their control measures. 4×3=12
4. (a) What do you mean by photoperiodism? Mention the effects of photoperiods on growth and development of plants. 10
(b) Describe the physiological roles of gibberellins, cytokinins and abscisic acid in plants. 15
(c) Discuss on salinity and drought stress with reference to symptoms of plants and mitigations options. 15
5. (a) Mention the importance of pure-line selection in plant breeding. 10
(b) Highlight main features of mutation breeding. Differentiate between traditional breeding and ideotype breeding. 10+5=15
(c) Discuss on different types of molecular markers used in crop research with their advantages. 15
GROUP-B
6. (a) What do you mean by plant genetic resources (PGR)? What methods do you suggest for conservation of PGR? Mention the role of Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Authority (PPV&PRA). 5+10+5=20
(b) How can you relate the importance of plant genetic resources in climate change situation. Discuss briefly on genetically modified (GM) crops along with their scope of cultivation in India. 10+10=20
7. (a) Explain Mendel’s law of inheritance. 10
(b) Mention different reproductive features that facilitate cross-pollination and self-pollination in plants. 15
(c) Discuss on seed production of any one cross-pollinated oilseed or vegetable crop. 15
8. Write short notes on (any five): 8×5=40
(a) Landscaping
(b) Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
(c) Male sterility and its use in crop improvement
(d) Polyploids in agriculture
(e) Meiotic cell division
(f) Medicinal plants in West Bengal
(g) Backcross breeding
(h) Scope of export of agricultural products from West Bengal
WBCS Main Optional Question Paper – 2022
PAPER – I (Time-3 Hours Full Marks-200)
GROUP-A
Answer any three questions
- Define intercropping as compared to pure cropping. State the advantages of intercropping. What is suitable cropping system? State the soil and water management in cropping system. 10+10+10+10=40
2. (a) Describe the factors and process of soil formation.
(b) Describe in details, about the problem of soils and their management. (10+10)+20=40
3. (a) Describe different methods of cultivation of improved varieties of rice.
(b) Discuss about macro-nutrients and their functions. 20+20=40
4. Differentiate between a weed and crop. Discuss the special characteristics of weed. Classify weeds based on ontogeny, origin and morphology with example. Discuss weed management in transplanted rice and potato crop. 10+10+10+10=40
5. (a) Write in brief, the factors affecting water use efficiency.
(b) Mention the strategies that increase water use efficiency.
(c) Give a schematic diagram of methods of irrigation.
(d) Mention the different parameter which are considered for judging the suitability of water for irrigation. 10+10+10+10=40
6. (a) “All weeds are plants but all plants are not weeds.”— Discuss with suitable example.
(b) Discuss why is it easier to control weeds in winter and summer rice than Autumn rice.
(c) State why preventive methods of weeds management is always better than control.
(d) Discuss why chemical method of weed management is gaining importance day by day than other methods of weed management. 10+10+10+10=40
GROUP-B
Answer any two questions
7. Write notes on any four: 10×4=40
(a) Global warming
(b) Precision farming
(c) Geographic Information System (GIS)
(d) Acid soil
(e) Dryland farming
(f) Biofertilizers
8. (a) Describe the principle and methods of agriculture extension.
(b) Describe the role of Krishi Vigyan Kendra in transfer of technology for rural development. 20+20=40
9. (a) What is the difference between fertility and productivity?
(b) Write notes on Acid sulphate soil.
(c) Write notes on different agro climatic zones of India.
(d) Discuss about mixed cropping in India. 5+5+20+10=40
PAPER – II (Time-3 Hours Full Marks-200)
GROUP-A
Answer any three questions,
- (a) Membrane play an important role in various function of living plant cell. Explain it with diagram and example.
(b) Discuss in details about photosynthesis of the plant. 20+20=40
2. Write notes on any five: 8×5=40
(a) Cell
(b) Cell Membrane
(c) Mitochondria
(d) Chloroplast
(e) Synaptonemal Complex
(f) Cell theory
(g) Ribosome
(h) Vacuole
3. (a) Define seed.
(b) Briefly describe the role of quality of seed in crop production.
(c) Discuss about various seed quality characters.
(d) Describe in brief about seed certification. 5+15+10+10=40
4. (a) What is allopolyploid? How does it occur in nature and how can you induce allopolyploid? Discuss the role of allopolyploid in plant evolution and limitation of it in crop improvement. 2+3+3+12=20
(b) What are the common aneuploids for locating genes of chromosome? Give a brief description of the techniques using suitable diagram. 20
5. (a) What is TPS? What are the advantages of using TPS? How can TPS be grown in plain area? 2+6+12=20
(b) How do the seeds deteriorate? What are the symbols of deteriorated seeds? How it is possible to maintain genetic purity of seeds? What are the agronomic techniques adopted to maintain genetic purity of seeds? 5+5+5+5=20
6. Describe the standard method of cultivation of Mango with special reference to soil type, climatic condition, fertilizer requirements, irrigation and management practices. 40
GROUP-B
Answer any two questions
7. Write short notes on any five: 8×5=40
(a) GM crops
(b) Important medicinal plants of West Bengal and their uses
(c) Certified seeds
(d) Pest Management
(e) Indexing of tuber
(f) Quarantine
(g) Heritability
8. Write the variety of tube-rose in the plains of West Bengal. Write their cultivation with special reference to land preparation, fertilizer requirement, inter cultural operation, irrigation and stick management. 5+10+10+10+5=40
9. Write in brief (any four): 4×10=40
(a) Hill reaction
(b) Nutritional Security
(c) Role of light as a biological agent
(d) Tripple fusion
(e) Neurospora
(f) Post-harvest technology
WBCS Main Optional Question Paper – 2021
PAPER – I (Time-3 Hours Full Marks-200)
GROUP-A
Answer any three questions 40×3=120
- (a) What is agro ecology and what are the agro-ecological factors? 10
(b) Describe the rule of climate and weather on crop production. 20
(c) Write in brief precision farming. 10
2. (a) What do you mean by the greenhouse effect? 10
(b) What are global warming and its impact on agriculture? 20
(c) Write in brief the application of remote sensing in agriculture. 10
3. (a) Define cropping pattern and cropping sequence. 10
(b) Describe the objectives, types and impacts of cropping patterns on High Yielding Varieties. 10
(c) Write in brief recent changes of cropping patterns in the light of global warming and climate change. 20
4. (a) What do you mean by agricultural extension? 5
(b) Write down the importance and role of agricultural extension in promoting and sustaining rural development. 15
(c) Describe the principles and methods of agricultural extension. 20
5. (a) What do you mean by market-led extension? 5
(b) Describe agricultural marketing with an emphasis on supply chain, pricing and market intelligence. 15
(c) Write in brief the role of cold storage in the economy of agriculture. 20
GROUP-B
Answer any two questions 40×2=80
6. (a) Critically discuss the role and function of Krishi Vigyan Kendra in the Indian context.20
(b) Describe the role of Self Help Group in agriculture with special reference to Women’s Empowerment. 20
7. (a) What is dryland farming and what is the different limiting factor in dryland farming? 20
(b) What do you mean by water use efficiency in relation to crop production? Write in brief scheduling irrigation. 20
8. (a) Define soil and explain the factors of soil formation. Write in brief different problems of soil and their reclamations. 20
(b) What do you mean by plant nutrition? Describe the role of essential elements in plant nutrition. 20
PAPER – II (Time-3 Hours Full Marks-200)
GROUP-A
Answer any three questions
- (a) Write down the role of genetics in crop improvement. 10
(b) Write in brief cell structures and functions. Illustrate chromosome structure. 20
(c) Describe the law of heredity and application in crop improvement research. 10
2. (a) Write in brief the history of plant breeding and its contribution in Indian agriculture. 10
(b) Elaborate on the concept of crop genetics resources and conservation. 20
(c) Describe different breeding methods. 10
3. (a) What are molecular markers and DNA Finger Print? Elaborate with suitable examples. 10
(b) What do you mean by Photoperiodism and stress physiology? Explain in brief. 20
4. (a) What is a quality seed and what is seed testing? 10
(b) Write in brief the different stages of the seed certification process. 10
(c) What factors should a farmer consider while he is going to produce seeds on his own farm? 20
5. (a) What is Landscaping and what way it is related to Good Agricultural Practices? 20
(b) Write down the principles and features of Landscaping. 10
(c) What do you mean by protected cultivation and what are its advantages? 10
GROUP-B
Answer any two questions.
6. Write short notes on any five: 8×5=40
(a) Export of agricultural products
(b) Post-harvest technology
(c) Medicinal and aromatic crops
(d) Heterosis vigour
(e) Somatic hybridization
(f) Plantation and spices
(g) Planty growth substances
7. (a) Elaborate the issues of food and nutrition security in India. 20
(b) Explain the Selfing and Crossing techniques with examples. 10
(c) What do you mean by IPM? Elaborate with examples. 10
8. (a) What is an ideal orchard? What are the horizontal crops suitable for orchards with commercial purposes at the farm level? 20
(b) Describe cultivation practices of any two horticultural crops that are commercially successful and popular amongst farmers. 20
WBCS Main Optional Question Paper – 2020
PAPER – I (Time-3 Hours Full Marks-200)
GROUP-A
Answer any three questions
- (a) What do you mean by physical features and climate? 10
(b) Discuss in short crop yield formulation. 10
(c) Write in short long range forecasts of weather and crop yields. 10
(d) Write down the agro-climatic zones in India. 10
2. (a) What do you mean by cropping pattern? 10
(b) Discuss in brief the present cropping patterns. 10
(c) Write down the rice based cropping patterns. 10
(d) Discuss about Mixed cropping in India. 10
3. (a) What do you mean by fibre crops? Write down the names of fibre crops cultivated in India. Write down the cultivation of improved methods jute cultivation. What are the problems faced by the farmers for jute retting? 20
(b) Describe different methods cultivation of improved yield varieties of rice by farmers of West Bengal. 20
4. (a) Describe in brief the natural powers of weeds. 10
(b) Discuss in details types of weeds found in the field. 15
(c) Describe in brief crop-weed competition. 15
5. (a) Define soil. 5
(b) Describe the process and factors of soil formation. 20
(c) Discuss in details problems of soil. 15
GROUP-B
Answer any two questions
6. (a) Critically discuss about plant nutrition and soil plant system. 20
(b) Discuss plant nutrients and their function. 20
7. (a) Critically discuss in details importance and role of Agriculture-extension for rural development. 20
(b) Discuss role of Krishi Vigyan Kendra in transfer of technology. 20
8. (a) Critically discuss functions of agricultural marketing. 20
(b) Critically discuss the marketing improvements for getting proper market price of the farmers. 20
PAPER – II (Time-3 Hours Full Marks-200)
GROUP-A
Answer any three questions
- (a) What do you mean by ‘good quality seed’? 5
(b) Describe the seed production technology of rice. 20
(c) Write down the normal seed certification procedure. 15
2. (a) State Mendel’s laws of heredity. 10
(b) What do you mean by polyploidy? 5
(c) Discuss in details about polyploids in agriculture. 25
3. (a) Distinguish between plant growth and development. 5
(b) Discuss on plant growth factors and their roles. 10
(c) Define plant growth regulator (PGR). Give the classification of PGR. Mention the uses of Auxin, Gibberellins and Ethylene in agriculture. 25
4. Write in brief on any two : 20×2=40
(a) Cultivation of betelvine crop under closed system (within boroj)
(b) IPM for vegetable crops
(c) Cultivation of tea in West Bengal
(d) Recommended cultivation practices of marigold
5. Write in details about the cultivation practices of Mango and Guava with special reference to: soil, land preparation, sowing parameters, varieties, intercultural operations, nutrient management, plant protection measures, harvesting and yield. 20+20=40
GROUP-B
Answer any two questions.
6. Write short notes on any five: 8×5=40
(a) Mutation breeding in plants
(b) Plant cell structure and functions
(c) GM crops
(d) Role of light as a biological agent
(e) Export of agricultural commodities
(f) Role of osmosis in plant life
(g) Important medicinal plants of West Bengal and their uses
(h) Uses of spices and condiments
7. (a) Compare C3, C4 and CAM plants. 12
(b) Classify environmental stresses to which plants may be subjected during their growth periods. 8
(c) Describe the effects of water deficit on growth and metabolism of plants. 20
8. (a) What is landscaping? Describe the process and steps of landscaping. 20
(b) Discuss on protected cultivation of horticultural crops. 20
9. Write in brief on any four: 10×4=40
(a) Critical day length
(b) Antitranspirants
(c) Hill reaction
(d) Storage of crop seeds
(e) Plant respiration
(f) Nutritional security
(g) Plant propagation
WBCS Main Optional Question Paper – 2019
PAPER – I (Time-3 Hours Full Marks-200)
GROUP-A
Answer any three questions
- (a) What is greenhouse effects?
(b) Describe in brief about global warming and its effects on crop production.
(c) State the use of Remote Sensing technology in agriculture. 10+20+10=40
2. (a) What is the difference between soil fertility and productivity?
(b) What are the major soil nutrient as essential elements in plant growth?
(c) What do you know about micronutrients and its necessity in plant growth?
(d) What do you know about the Law of Minimum?
(e) Describe the amelioration of acid soils in different parts of this state. 8+10+10+4+8=40
3. (a) What are the different soil forming factors? Describe in brief.
(b) Discuss in details on the methods on soil and water conservation.
(c) Describe the role of Agro Forestry in such conservation methods. 8+20+12=40
4. Write in brief on any five: 8×5=40
(a) Precision agriculture
(b) Rainwater harvesting
(c) Jute rating
(d) Vermi compost
(e) Farm planning and budgeting
(f) Bio-fertilizers
(g) Organic farming
5. (a) Describe in details package and practices of rice cultivation during kharif season.
(b) Write down scope of growing rabi maize under West Bengal situation. 20+20=40
GROUP-B
Answer any two questions
6. (a) What are the different types of problem soils in this State? State the methods of reclamation of this types of problem soils.
(b) Describe the major physiological role of N, P, K for plant nutrition and their deficiency symptoms. 20+20=40
7. (a) Describe in detail on the role of KVK in technology transfer system.
(b) Discuss in details about weed management practices in organic farming.
(c) What do you know about sustainable agriculture? 10+20+10=40
8. Write short notes on any five: 8×5=40
(a) Crop insurance
(b) Dry land farming
(c) Soil erosion and its control
(d) Green manure crops
(e) Reinforcing manures
(f) Field capacity and permanent wilting point
(g) Sheet Erosion
(h) Effective rainfall and its measurement
9. (a) What do you know about rainfed agriculture? What is the differences between rainfed agriculture and dry land farming?
(b) Write down about the rainwater harvesting and recharge of groundwater.
(c) What do you know about shifting cultivation? 20+10+10=40
PAPER – II (Time-3 Hours Full Marks-200)
Answer any five questions
- (a) Why meiotic cell division is required? Briefly state about different phases of meiotic cell division.
(b) Clearly state about molecular basis of crossing over.
(c) A male person is having one pair of homologous chromosomes — A1A2 along with one additional chromosome ‘B’ without pairing. What will be chromosomal constitution of each of the four gametes produced after one meiotic division? (5+20)+5+10=40
2. (a) Classify different types of polyploids with its chromosomal formulae and genetical significance.
(b) Schematically represent the relation between flower structures of plants and its breeding behaviour.
(c) What is backcross breeding? State its genetic basis. Clearly discuss on the procedures followed in backcross breeding. 10+10+20=40
3. (a)How male sterility differs from self-incompatibility? Classify different types of male sterility with its practical utility.
(b) Discuss about ‘Gametophytic system’ of self-incompatibility. How it could be differentiated from ‘Sporophytic system’?
(c) Briefly enumerate different types of hybrid seed production in maize. (3+12)+(10+5)+10=40
4. (a) What is meant by quality seed? Discuss about probable reasons for quality deterioration during seed production system with its prevention.
(b) Clearly describe the breeder seed production procedure of self-pollinated crops with special reference to a particular crop.
(c) How seed production in cross-pollinated crops differs from that of vegetatively propagated crops?
(d) Outline the most important aspects of hybrid rice seed production. 2+10)+12+6+10=40
5. (a) Discuss stepwise about the propagation procedure followed for different citrus species.
(b) Compare the seed production technology of cabbage and cauliflower.
(c) Write in brief about medicinal uses, cultivation and propagation methods for ‘Ashwagandha’. 15+15+10=40
6. (a) What are the causes of inspect pets outbreaks in agro eco-system? What is pesticide residue?
(b) Briefly discuss about the major criteria for implementing ‘IPM’ technology in crop cultivation.
(c) What are the major insect pests of banana crops? Mention nature and symptoms of damage caused by them and specify rational management practices against them. 15+10+15=40
7. (a) Briefly discuss the principles of disease management in crops.
(b) Describe in detail on symptoms, epidemiology and management of major diseases of cruciferous vegetables.
(c) Write a short account on insect transmitted viral diseases of some horticulture crops. 15+15+10=40
8. (a) Define protected cultivation of horticultural crops and mention its advantages and limitations.
(b) Narrate briefly about the protected cultivation practices of any cut flower.
(c) Discuss about national programmes and initiatives related to nutrition and food security in India. 15+15+10=40
WBCS Main Optional Question Paper – 2018
PAPER – I (Time-3 Hours Full Marks-200)
GROUP-A
Answer any three questions
- (a) Discuss on SRI. Mention the differences between SRI and conventional cultivation method of transplanted rice. 20
(b) Describe in details about recommended management practices of jute crop. 20
2. (a) Define “weeds”. 5
(b) State the characteristics of Weeds. 5
(c) Discuss in details about Weed management practices in Organic farming. 30
3. (a) Define ‘soil’. 5
(b) Distinguish between soil fertility and soil productivity. 8
(c) Discuss on modern concept of soil fertility. 7
(d) Describe different methods of soil conservation. 20
4. (a) What do you mean by ‘essential plant nutrients’? Classify and enlist essential plant nutrients. 10
(b) Mention the important functions and commonly used sources of following plant nutrients: N, P, S and Mo. 20
(c) Narrate the important features of INM. 10
5. Write in brief on any four: 10×4
(a) Concentrated organic manure
(b) Biofertilizers
(c) Vermicompost
(d) Drip irrigation
(e) Strategies for improvement of fodder cultivation
(f) Green manure crops and green manuring
6. (a) Write in details on sugarcane cultivation in W.B. with special reference to- varieties, soil, tillage practices, sowing parameters, intercultural operations, nutrient management, plant protection measures, harvesting and yield. 25
(b) Describe the crop management practices of rabi maize. 15
GROUP-B
Answer any two questions:
7. Write short notes on any five: 8×5
(a) Crop insurance
(b) Jute retting
(c) Farm forestry
(d) Soil solarisation
(e) Methods of fertilizer application
(f) Reduced tillage
(g) SHG in agriculture
(h) Reclamation of problem soils
8. (a) State the differences (with examples) between ‘legumes’ and ‘pulses’. 5
(b) What do you mean by paira crop? State the importance of paira cropping. 10
(c) Pulses are considered as “Climate smart crops” — Explain the statement. 25
9. (a) What is agroforestry? Describe the benefits of agroforestry. 3+5
(b) What do you mean by MPTs? State the characteristics of MPTs suitable for agroforestry. 2+10
(c) Narrate the following land use systems: 20
(i) Alley cropping
(ii) Shifting cultivation
(iii) Wing-breaks
(iv) Taungya system
10. Write in brief on any four: 10×4
(a) Cold storage and warehouse
(b) Farm planning
(c) Dryland farming
(d) K V K
(e) Afforestation
(f) Water harvesting
PAPER – II (Time-3 Hours Full Marks-200)
Answer any five questions
- (a) Write down types of photosynthesis.
(b) Write down the photosynthetic Pigments.
(c) Discuss the characteristics of chlorophyll. 10+10+20
2. (a) Write down the cultivation of Tea with special reference to climate, cultivation, training and pruning, plucking and Tea manufacturing.
(b) Discuss in details cultivation of Coffee. 20+20
3. (a) Enumerate the cultivation of Banana mentioning varieties, propagation, manuring, after care, irrigation and harvesting.
(b) Discuss in details cultivation of mango with reference to varieties, after care, harvesting and marketing. 20+20
4. (a) Discuss the Importance of vegetables.
(b) Write down the types of vegetables garden.
(c) Discuss the classification of vegetables. 10+15+15
5. (a) Discuss the importance of medicinal plants.
(b) Write down the cultivation of Isobgol. 20+20
6. (a) Write down the Importance of Spices in India.
(b) Discuss in details cultivation of Pepper (Improved Method). 20+20
7. (a) Write down definition, nature and causes of diseases of crops.
(b) Discuss about Seed-borne, Soil borne and air borne diseases of crops.
(c) What do you mean by fungicides? Write in brief different types of fungicides used for control of diseases of crops. 15+15+10
8. (a) Critically discuss principles of Insect and Pest Control.
(b) Write down the selection of proper methods for controlling different Pests. 20+20