Mix Example - IMPROVEMENT IN FOOD RESOURCES Questions in English

(N/A) The honeybee species preferred for rearing in an apiary is the Italian honeybee, $Apis \text{ } mellifera$.
Reasons for choosing the Italian honeybee:
$(i)$ They stay in the beehive for a longer period.
$(ii)$ They breed very well.
$(iii)$ They have a high honey-collecting capacity.
Factors on which the quality of honey depends:
$1.$ The availability of flowers or pasturage for nectar and pollen collection.
$2.$ The variety of flowers available to the bees.

(N/A) The three ways by which pests attack plants are:
$(i)$ They cut the root,stem,and leaf.
$(ii)$ They suck the cell sap from various parts of the plant.
$(iii)$ They bore into the stem and fruit.
$(b)$ The chemicals used to control pests are collectively known as pesticides (e.g.,insecticides,herbicides,or fungicides).
$(c)$ Excessive use of these chemicals should be avoided because:
$(i)$ They are toxic and can be harmful to non-target beneficial organisms,including humans and animals.
$(ii)$ They cause environmental pollution by contaminating soil and water sources.
$(iii)$ Pests may develop resistance to these chemicals over time,making them ineffective.

(N/A) While designing a shelter for cattle,the following management practices should be followed:
$(a)$ The shelter must be well-ventilated to ensure proper air circulation.
$(b)$ It must provide adequate protection to the animals from harsh weather conditions such as rain,heat,and cold.
$(c)$ The floor of the cattle shed should be sloping to ensure it remains dry and to facilitate easy cleaning.

(N/A) The method is Mixed Cropping.
Advantages of Mixed Cropping:
$(i)$ It reduces the risk of total crop failure.
$(ii)$ It provides insurance against the failure of one of the crops.
$(iii)$ It ensures a variety of produce from the same field.
$(b)$ Two examples of fodder crops are Berseem and Oats.

(N/A) Advantages of composite fish culture:
$(i)$ It allows for the cultivation of a variety of fish species in a single pond,leading to higher yields.
$(ii)$ Different species utilize food from different zones of the pond,ensuring efficient use of available resources.
$(iii)$ Since species are selected based on different feeding habits,they do not compete for the same food source.
Application of hormonal stimulation:
Hormonal stimulation is used in fish culture to ensure the supply of pure fish seed in desired quantities by inducing breeding in fish that might not otherwise breed in captivity.

(N/A) Indigenous breed: $Aseel$. Exotic breed: $Leghorn$.
$(b)$ The two main products obtained from poultry farming are eggs and chicken meat.
$(c)$ The two vitamins that should be included in high amounts in poultry feed are $Vitamin A$ and $Vitamin K$.

(N/A) Two examples of shellfishes are prawns and molluscs.
$(b)$ Four marine fishes of high economic value are Pomfret,Tuna,Mackerel,and Sardines.

(N/A) Infectious diseases in cattle lead to a significant reduction in milk production,loss of body weight,and in severe cases,can lead to the death of the animal.
$(b)$ These diseases can be controlled by:
$1$. Proper vaccination of cattle against common diseases.
$2$. Maintaining hygiene and cleanliness in the cattle shed.
$3$. Providing a balanced diet and clean drinking water.
$4$. Isolating infected animals to prevent the spread of infection.

(N/A) The three common Indian varieties of honey bee used in honey production are:
$1$. $Apis \ cerana \ indica$ (Indian bee)
$2$. $Apis \ dorsata$ (Rock bee)
$3$. $Apis \ florae$ (Little bee)

(N/A) Biotic factors (insects,rodents,fungi,mites,bacteria) and abiotic factors (inappropriate moisture,temperature,humidity) in stored grains cause the following issues:
$(a)$ Degradation in quality.
$(b)$ Loss in weight.
$(c)$ Poor germinability.
$(d)$ Discolouration of produce.
All these factors lead to poor marketability.
Control measures include:
$(a)$ Proper treatment: Using chemical or organic pesticides and drying grains thoroughly before storage.
$(b)$ Systematic management: Maintaining clean,dry,and well-ventilated warehouses with regular inspection.

(N/A) $(i)$ Excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides, when washed away by rain or irrigation, causes water pollution.
$(ii)$ These chemicals can be toxic to many non-target plant and animal species, leading to a loss of biodiversity and environmental pollution.
$(iii)$ Runoff containing high levels of nutrients from fertilizers may lead to eutrophication in water bodies, causing oxygen depletion.
$(iv)$ These chemicals often accumulate in the food chain, resulting in biological magnification, which poses severe health risks to higher trophic levels, including humans.

(N/A) $(i)$ Pests attack plants in the following ways:
$(a)$ They cut the root,stem,and leaf of plants.
$(b)$ They suck the cell sap from various parts of the plant.
$(c)$ They bore into the stem and fruit.
$(ii)$ The chemicals used to control pests are collectively known as pesticides,which include insecticides,herbicides,and fungicides.
$(iii)$ Excessive use of these chemicals should be avoided because:
$(a)$ They are toxic and can be poisonous to many non-target plant and animal species.
$(b)$ They cause environmental pollution by contaminating soil and water sources.
$(c)$ They can accumulate in the food chain,leading to biomagnification.

(N/A)

Intercropping	Mixed cropping
$1.$ It is done to increase production per unit area.	$1.$ It is done to prevent total crop failure.
$2.$ The seeds of different crops are sown in specific rows.	$2.$ Two or more types of seeds are mixed and then sown together.
$3.$ Example: Soybean + maize.	$3.$ Example: Wheat + gram.

Advantages of intercropping over mixed cropping:
$(i)$ In intercropping,it is easy to apply fertilizers or spray pesticides on each crop individually,which is difficult in mixed cropping.
$(ii)$ In intercropping,each crop can be harvested,processed,and sold separately,whereas in mixed cropping,the produce is harvested together and requires separation.

(N/A) $(i)$ Unwanted plants that grow along with cultivated crops in fields are called weeds. Examples: $Xanthium$ (gokhru) and $Parthenium$ (gajar grass).
$(ii)$ Weeds compete with crop plants for essential resources like nutrients, space, water, and sunlight. By consuming these resources, they reduce the growth and yield of the main crop. Therefore, removing them during the early stages of crop growth is crucial to ensure the crop gets sufficient resources for a healthy harvest.
$(iii)$ Five preventive methods for weed control are:
$(a)$ Proper preparation of the seedbed.
$(b)$ Timely sowing of seeds.
$(c)$ Intercropping.
$(d)$ Crop rotation.
$(e)$ Summer ploughing.

(N/A) Egg layers are birds raised specifically for egg production. Their nutritional requirements include a diet rich in Vitamin $A$ and Vitamin $K$ to support egg formation.
Broilers are birds raised specifically for meat production. Their daily nutritional requirement is a protein-rich diet with adequate fat to promote rapid growth.
$(b)$ Poultry fowl can be protected from diseases through the following three methods:
$(i)$ Appropriate vaccination: Timely administration of vaccines to prevent common infectious diseases.
$(ii)$ Spraying of disinfectants: Regular use of disinfectants in the poultry farm to kill pathogens.
$(iii)$ Proper sanitation: Maintaining cleanliness,hygienic conditions in housing,and providing clean,uncontaminated poultry feed.

(N/A) Farmer $X$ uses the Intercropping pattern. Farmer $Y$ uses the Crop-rotation pattern.
$(b)$ Advantages of Intercropping (Farmer $X$):
$1$. It ensures maximum utilization of the nutrients supplied to the soil.
$2$. It prevents pests and diseases from spreading to all the plants in the field by acting as a natural barrier.
Advantages of Crop-rotation (Farmer $Y$):
$1$. It helps in the replenishment of soil fertility by alternating crops with different nutrient requirements.
$2$. It helps in controlling weeds and pests,as different crops have different growth requirements and susceptibility to pests.

(N/A) Two initiatives adopted to increase water availability are:
- Rainwater harvesting
- Watershed management
$(b)$ Two advantages of check dams are:
- They increase the groundwater level.
- They reduce soil erosion.
- They prevent rainwater from flowing away.
$(c)$ Canal system: In this system,water is taken from rivers or reservoirs and distributed to crop fields through an extensive network of canals.
River lift system: In this system,water is directly drawn from rivers using pumps to supplement irrigation in areas where canal flow is insufficient or irregular.

(N/A)
Macronutrients: These are essential nutrients required by plants in large quantities for their growth and development.
Micronutrients: These are essential nutrients required by plants in very small or trace amounts.
$(b)$
$(i)$ Formation of Vermicompost: It is produced by the decomposition of organic plant and animal waste (refuse) through the action of earthworms. The earthworms break down the organic matter,resulting in a nutrient-rich compost.
$(ii)$ Formation of Green manure: It is formed by growing leguminous plants like sunhemp or cluster bean (guar) before sowing the main crop. These plants are then mulched into the soil by ploughing. This process significantly increases the nitrogen and phosphorus content of the soil,thereby improving its fertility.

(N/A)

Parameters	Macronutrients	Micronutrients
$(i)$ Functions	These nutrients help in building the plant body and promote growth.	These nutrients are required for various enzymatic activities in plants.
$(ii)$ Amount required	Required in comparatively large quantities.	Required in very small quantities (traces).

$(b)$ Classification:
$(i)$ Nitrogen: Macronutrient
$(ii)$ Zinc: Micronutrient
$(iii)$ Copper: Micronutrient
$(iv)$ Potassium: Macronutrient
$(c)$ Deficiency of these nutrients is harmful because it negatively affects physiological processes in plants,including reproduction,growth,and overall development,while also increasing susceptibility to diseases.

(B) Selecting seeds with wider adaptability allows crops to grow and yield effectively across diverse climatic and soil conditions. This trait is crucial for stabilizing crop production,as it ensures consistent yields even when environmental factors like temperature,rainfall,or soil quality fluctuate.

(N/A)

Fumigant	Pesticide
$(i)$ It is used before grains are stored for future use.	$(i)$ It is used after the germination of seeds on standing crops.
$(ii)$ It is not sprayed over the crop plants.	$(ii)$ It is sprayed over the crop plants.

Dried leaves of the neem tree can be used as a natural substance in place of a chemical fumigant to protect stored grains from pests.

(N/A) Pasturage: The flowers available to the bees for collecting nectar and pollen are collectively called pasturage.
Relation to honey production: The quality and quantity of honey produced by bees depend directly on the availability of pasturage. The variety of flowers determines the taste and quality of the honey,as bees require different types of flora to collect nectar and pollen efficiently.

(C)

Indian bees	Italian bees
$(i)$ They have low honey collection capacity.	$(i)$ They have high honey collection capacity.
$(ii)$ They sting more and are more aggressive.	$(ii)$ They sting less and are less aggressive.

In summary, Italian bees $(Apis \text{ } mellifera)$ are preferred for commercial apiculture because they produce more honey, sting less, and stay in the beehive for longer periods.

(N/A) The farmer can adopt the composite fish culture technique. In this system,a combination of five or six fish species is used in a single pond. These species are selected in such a way that they do not compete for food because they have different food habits.
$(b)$ The major limitation of fish farming is the lack of availability of good quality seeds (fish fingerlings).

(N/A)

Mariculture	Aquaculture
$1$. It involves the rearing and cultivation of organisms for food and other products specifically in the open sea.	$1$. It involves the rearing and management of aquatic plants and animals for commercial purposes in any aquatic environment.
$2$. Organisms are reared exclusively in marine habitats.	$2$. Organisms can be reared in any aquatic habitat,including marine,brackish,or freshwater environments.

(N/A) $(i)$ Cultivation practices and crop yield depend upon the following factors:
$(a)$ Availability of high-quality seeds.
$(b)$ Availability of water and fertile soil.
$(c)$ Access to agricultural information and modern technologies.
$(ii)$ The three stages involved in farming practices are:
$(a)$ Selection of seeds for planting.
$(b)$ Nurturing and caring for the crop plants.
$(c)$ Protecting the growing and harvested crops from loss or damage.

(N/A) The seed grains were genetically modified or flood-resistant varieties,which are developed to withstand waterlogging and the damaging effects of floods.
$(b)$ This type of fish farming is known as $Composite$ $Fish$ $Culture$ or $Integrated$ $Fish$ $Farming$.

(N/A) The three methods to control the growth of weeds in agricultural fields are:
$1$. Intercropping: Growing two or more crops simultaneously in the same field in a definite row pattern,which helps in suppressing weed growth.
$2$. Crop rotation: Growing different crops in succession on the same land,which disrupts the life cycle of weeds.
$3$. Summer ploughing: Ploughing the field during the summer season exposes the roots of weeds to intense sunlight,causing them to dry out and die.

(N/A) Crops that have been modified to obtain desirable traits by introducing a gene that controls the desired characteristics are called genetically modified crops.
$(b)$ Tallness and profuse branching are desirable characters for fodder crops. Dwarfness is desired in cereals so that fewer nutrients are consumed by these crops,leading to higher grain production.
$(c)$ To ensure modern agricultural technology is adopted by most farmers:
$(i)$ Spread awareness through seminars conducted by agricultural scientists regarding the benefits of modern technology.
$(ii)$ Provide easy access and subsidies for the use of $HYV$ (High Yielding Varieties) seeds.
$(iii)$ Promote sustainable development by utilizing natural resources in a judicious manner,avoiding overexploitation,and preventing environmental pollution.

(N/A) Sandy soil has large particle size and poor water-holding capacity. Therefore,it is unsuitable for growing vegetables as it cannot retain moisture and nutrients required for plant growth.
$(b)$ He likely added organic manure to the soil. The two advantages are:
$(i)$ It increases the water-holding capacity of the sandy soil.
$(ii)$ Manure enriches the soil with essential nutrients and organic matter,thereby increasing soil fertility.

(N/A) Sunhemp or guar are grown and mulched by ploughing them into the soil prior to sowing of the crop seeds.
These plants act as green manure,which helps in enriching the soil with nitrogen and phosphorus.
They are better than chemical fertilizers because they do not destroy the natural soil fertility over time.
Additionally,they do not cause soil or water pollution,making them an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fertilizers.

(N/A) $(i)$ Poultry farming is highly efficient because birds can convert low-fibre,low-cost agricultural by-products (which are otherwise unfit for human consumption) into high-quality animal protein in the form of eggs and meat.
$(ii)$ Birds reared for eggs are called $Layers$,and birds reared for meat are called $Broilers$.
$(iii)$ One indigenous breed is $Aseel$,and one exotic breed is $Leghorn$.

(N/A) Crop protection in fields: Field crops are infested by a large number of weeds, insects, and diseases. If these are not controlled at the appropriate time, they can damage the crops significantly, leading to major losses. Methods include:
$(i)$ Use of pesticides: Includes herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides sprayed on plants or used for seed/soil treatment.
$(ii)$ Weed control: Mechanical removal of weeds.
$(iii)$ Preventive methods: Proper seedbed preparation, timely sowing, intercropping, and crop rotation. Using resistant varieties and summer ploughing helps destroy pests and weeds.
$(B)$ Crop protection in storage:
Factors affecting stored grains include:
$(i)$ Biotic factors: Insects, rodents, fungi, mites, and bacteria.
$(ii)$ Abiotic factors: Moisture content, humidity, and temperature. These cause degradation in quality, weight loss, discoloration, and poor germination.
Control measures:
$(a)$ Strict cleaning of produce before storage.
$(b)$ Proper drying of produce in sunlight followed by shade.
$(c)$ Fumigation to kill pests.
$(d)$ Regular cleaning of warehouses and monitoring biotic factors.
$(e)$ Maintaining appropriate moisture and temperature levels in storage.

(C) The quality of honey is primarily determined by two factors:
$(i)$ The pasturage: This refers to the variety of flowers available to the bees for nectar and pollen collection. The type of flowers determines the taste,color,and nutritional value of the honey.
$(ii)$ Apiary location: The geographical location of the apiary influences the availability of flora and the overall health of the bee colony,which directly impacts honey production and quality.

(B) Biological control methods should be preferred for protecting crops because:
$(i)$ They do not harm useful organisms,such as pollinators and natural predators of pests.
$(ii)$ They do not cause chemical poisoning of the stored food grains,ensuring the food remains safe for human consumption.

(C) The advantages of intercropping are:
$(i)$ It makes better use of the natural resources of sunlight,land,and water.
$(ii)$ It ensures maximum utilization of the nutrients supplied.
$(iii)$ It prevents pests and diseases from spreading to all the plants of one crop in a field.

(N/A)

Broilers	Layers
$1.$ Broilers are reared for obtaining meat.	$1.$ Layers are reared for obtaining eggs.
$2.$ Broilers are fed with protein-rich and fat-rich feed for good growth rate and better feed efficiency.	$2.$ Layers are fed with vitamin- and mineral-rich feed. Their feed also contains micronutrients to influence the hatchability of eggs.

(N/A) Mariculture is the practice of culturing marine organisms in the open ocean,an enclosed section of the ocean,or in tanks,ponds,or raceways which are filled with seawater. It specifically focuses on marine fishes and other marine life.
Aquaculture is the farming of aquatic organisms,including fish,mollusks,crustaceans,and aquatic plants. It involves the cultivation of these organisms under controlled conditions to increase production using available water resources.

(N/A)

Inland fisheries	Marine fisheries
$1.$ Inland fisheries include freshwater resources such as canals,ponds,rivers,lakes,etc.,and brackish water bodies such as estuaries and lagoons.	$1.$ Marine fisheries include oceans,deep seas,and coastal areas.
$2.$ Most fish production from these resources is achieved through aquaculture.	$2.$ Most fish production from these resources is achieved through capture fishing.

(N/A)

Mixed Cropping	Intercropping	Crop Rotation
$1.$ Its primary goal is to minimize the risk of total crop failure.	$1.$ Its primary goal is to increase productivity per unit area.	$1.$ Its primary goal is to increase overall productivity within a year.
$2.$ It involves growing two or more crops simultaneously on the same piece of land without any specific pattern.	$2.$ It involves growing two or more crops simultaneously on the same field in a definite row pattern.	$2.$ It involves growing different crops on a piece of land in a pre-planned succession.
$3.$ Spraying pesticides for pest control on individual crops is difficult.	$3.$ Pesticides can be easily applied to individual crops.	$3.$ Pesticides can be easily applied to the different crops as they are grown sequentially.

(N/A) $(i)$ Poultry birds can be fed with farm wastes such as degraded grains and plant parts.
$(ii)$ Poultry excreta,rich in organic matter,can be used as manure for crops after decomposition.
$(iii)$ Improved poultry breeds are developed by cross-breeding between Indian (e.g.,Aseel) and foreign (e.g.,Leghorn) breeds to incorporate desirable traits like high egg production,dwarf broiler parent for commercial chick production,and better adaptability.

(N/A) $(i)$ There is an increase in food grain production because of the Green Revolution. Similarly, the White Revolution has led to better and more efficient use as well as increased availability of milk.
$(ii)$ These revolutions have led to intensive utilization of natural resources, and now there are higher chances of causing damage to our natural resources to the point of destroying their balance completely.
$(iii)$ Therefore, it is important that we increase food production without degrading our environment and disturbing the ecological balances that maintain it. Hence, it is said that there is a need for sustainable practices in agriculture and animal husbandry.

(N/A)

Mixed Farming	Mixed Cropping
$1$. It is the type of farming which combines the system of producing crops and maintaining livestock, simultaneously or alternately on the same land.	$1$. It is the practice of sowing one main crop and one or two subsidiary crops together on the same land.
$2$. By practicing mixed farming, benefits of both the activities are maximized.	$2$. This practice reduces risk and gives some insurance against failure of one of the crops.
$3$. It requires less labor and also helps in restoring soil fertility as animal waste can be used to improve the fertility of soil.	$3$. It helps in checking soil erosion and also helps in maintaining soil fertility by evenly utilizing the nutrients present in the soil.

(N/A) $1.$ Compost and vermicompost: The process in which farm waste,vegetable waste,animal refuse,domestic waste,sewage,straw,and eradicated weeds are decomposed in pits. It is rich in organic matter and nutrients. Compost is also prepared by using earthworms to hasten the process of decomposition of plant and animal refuse; this is called vermicompost.
$2.$ Green manure: Prior to the sowing of crop seeds,some plants like sunhemp or guar are grown and then mulched by ploughing them into the soil. It helps in enriching the soil with nitrogen and phosphorus.

(A) Statement $(i)$ is correct: Hybridisation is the process of crossing between genetically dissimilar plants to combine desirable traits.
Statement $(ii)$ is incorrect: $A$ cross between two varieties is called inter-varietal hybridisation,not interspecific.
Statement $(iii)$ is correct: Introducing genes of a desired character into a plant results in a genetically modified crop $(GMO)$.
Statement $(iv)$ is incorrect: $A$ cross between plants of two different species is called interspecific hybridisation,not inter-varietal.
Therefore,statements $(i)$ and $(iii)$ are correct.

(B) Weeds are unwanted plants that grow in a cultivated field along with the main crop.
They affect crop plants primarily by competing for essential resources such as sunlight,water,space,and nutrients.
This competition reduces the availability of these resources for the main crop,leading to stunted growth and lower yields.
Therefore,option $B$ is the most accurate description of how weeds negatively impact crop production.

(C) $Apis \ mellifera$ is the Italian species of honey bee.
It is widely used in commercial apiculture because it has a high honey collection capacity,stings somewhat less,and stays in the beehive for longer periods.
$Apis \ dorsata$ is the rock bee,$Apis \ florae$ is the little bee,and $Apis \ cerana \ indica$ is the Indian hive bee.

(D) Manure is a natural fertilizer obtained by the decomposition of plant and animal wastes.
$(i)$ Manure contains large quantities of organic matter (humus) and small quantities of nutrients,which is correct.
$(ii)$ It improves the soil structure and increases the water-holding capacity of sandy soil,which is correct.
$(iii)$ In clayey soil,the large organic matter helps in drainage and prevents waterlogging,which is correct.
$(iv)$ Manure is eco-friendly and does not cause pollution,unlike chemical fertilizers. Thus,statement $(iv)$ is incorrect.
Therefore,statements $(i)$,$(ii)$,and $(iii)$ are correct.

(A) The major activities for improving crop yields are categorized into three main groups:
$1$. Crop variety improvement: This involves selecting or developing varieties that have desirable traits like disease resistance,high yield,and better quality.
$2$. Crop production improvement: This includes practices like proper irrigation,nutrient management (manures and fertilizers),and cropping patterns (crop rotation,intercropping,etc.) to ensure optimal growth.
$3$. Crop protection management: This involves protecting crops from weeds,pests,diseases,and storage losses to ensure the final yield is not compromised.
Since all three options ($B$,$C$,and $D$) are correct,the answer is $A$.

(D) Shorter duration crops are beneficial for farmers for several reasons:
$1$. They allow farmers to grow multiple rounds of crops in a single year,which increases overall productivity.
$2$. They often result in uniform maturity,which makes the harvesting process easier and more efficient.
$3$. Reducing the duration of the crop cycle also minimizes the exposure of the crop to various pests and environmental risks.
Therefore,both options $(b)$ and $(c)$ are correct.