Part of the General Studies-I question bank for OPSC (OAS) Mains.
A comprehensive, topic-wise practice set of 24 questions on Agriculture & Food Security for OPSC (OAS) Mains General Studies-I. 7 of them have been set in an actual paper — the years and exams are printed against each (2026, 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2015, 2006). The rest are practice questions on the same syllabus points.
Previous year questions
| No. | Question | Asked in |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Analyze the role of satellite-based technologies in achieving climate-smart agriculture and food security in India. | UPSC Mains GS-I 2026 15 marks |
| 2 | How can Artificial Intelligence (AI) and drones be effectively used along with GIS and RS techniques in locational and areal planning? | UPSC Mains GS-I 2025 15 marks |
| 3 | The groundwater potential of the gangetic valley is on a serious decline. How may it affect the food security of India? | UPSC Mains GS-I 2024 15 marks |
| 4 | From being net food importer in 1960s, India has emerged as a net food exporter to the world. Provide reasons. | UPSC Mains GS-I 2024 15 marks |
| 5 | "Economy of Odisha reflects a paradoxical situation." Briefly discuss the reasons for this and suggest some important steps that can be taken for proper development of the State. | OPSC OAS Mains 2023 15 marks |
| 6 | Discuss the factors for localisation of agro-based food processing industries of North-West India. | UPSC Mains GS-I 2023 10 marks |
| 7 | Account for the present location of iron and steel industries away from the source of raw material, by giving examples. | UPSC Mains GS-I 2022 10 marks |
| 8 | Explain the role of monsoon on the agriculture of India. | OPSC OAS Mains 2019 10 marks |
| 9 | Evaluate the impacts of internal river linkage projects on Indian agricultural system. | OPSC OAS Mains 2018 10 marks |
| 10 | How do irrigation plans influence the local agricultural development in different parts of Odisha? | OPSC OAS Mains 2018 GS Paper-I Q.6(e) · 5 marks |
| 11 | Discuss the variability in Monsoonal outbreaks and its consequences on Indian agriculture. | OPSC OAS Mains 2017 GS Paper-I Q.5(a) · 10 marks |
| 12 | Describe the salient aspects of farm size in India and its impact on inclusive development in the country. | OPSC OAS Mains 2017 GS Paper-I Q.5(b) · 10 marks |
| 13 | Examine the role of NABARD in bringing agricultural and rural development in the country. | OPSC OAS Mains 2015 15 marks |
| 14 | 'Indian farming is a gamble in the Monsoon.' Discuss. | OPSC OAS Mains 2006 GS Paper-I Q.5(a) · 10 marks |
Practice questions
| No. | Question | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 15 | How can technology contribute to the sustainable utilization of soil resources? | — |
| 16 | How does soil erosion manifest multifaceted consequences, significantly affecting agricultural productivity and disrupting the delicate environmental balance in the distinctive context of India? | — |
| 17 | Explain the pivotal role of soil fertility in shaping the cropping patterns in different regions of India. Also discuss the relationship between soil health and sustainable agriculture practices in India. | — |
| 18 | What are the essential strategies that require sincere adoption to cultivate a comprehensive soil conservation framework in India, effectively balancing the imperatives of food security and ecological equilibrium? | — |
| 19 | Compare and contrast the strategies used in developed and developing countries for soil erosion control. Enumerate the lessons India could acquire from it. | — |
| 20 | Investigate the promising prospects offered by soil biotechnology and microbial-mediated mechanisms in bolstering soil health and revitalizing degraded lands within the context of India. | — |
| 21 | Forest resources in India are greatly substantial and impactful for achieving SDGs 2030. Comment on the context in the light of accompanied challenges and measures to resolve them. | — |
| 22 | Analyze the role of satellite-based technologies in achieving climate-smart agriculture and food security in India. | — |
| 23 | How can Artificial Intelligence (AI) and drones be effectively used along with GIS and RS techniques in locational and areal planning? | — |
| 24 | From being net food importer in 1960s, India has emerged as a net food exporter to the world. Provide reasons. | — |