2012 GS Paper I, all questions
UPSC Prelims 2012 · GS Paper I
Question 42: Geography
Which of the following is the chief characteristic of 'mixed farming'?
aCultivation of both cash crops and food crops
bCultivation of two or more crops in the same field
cRearing of animals and cultivation of crops together
dNone of the above
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).
Mixed farming combines raising animals (livestock, poultry) with growing crops on the same farm, so crop residues feed the animals and their dung manures the fields. Growing cash and food crops together is a different idea (diversified cropping), and growing two or more crops in the same field is mixed cropping, not mixed farming.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong: growing cash and food crops together is not what defines mixed farming.
- (b) Wrong: two or more crops in one field is mixed cropping.
- (c) Correct: rearing animals and growing crops together defines mixed farming.
- (d) Wrong: option (c) is correct.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2012, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.