GS3 · Topic
Crops and Cropping Patterns
What is grown where and why: major crops, cropping patterns, diversification, yields, seed and soil.
129 UPSC Mains GS3 questions on Crops and Cropping Patterns that toppers answered in test series, CSE 2017–2025, most answered first. Open one to see how toppers opened, built and closed it.
Farm mechanization can drive rural prosperity and sustainable farming, but its widespread adoption is hindered by various factors. Discuss. Also, mention initiatives taken by the government to promote farm mechanization in the country.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Agri-technologyCrops and Cropping Patterns
Cropping pattern in the country does not concur with the agro-climatic reality, leading to unintended and undesirable consequences. Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Crops and Cropping PatternsIrrigation and Water
What is Climate Resilient Agriculture (CRA)? Discuss the steps taken by the government to promote CRA and examine the key challenges faced in making Indian agriculture climate-resilient.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Crops and Cropping PatternsClimate Change
Distorted cropping pattern leads to economic and environmental consequences. Explain. Also mention the need for the hour to ensure sustainable agriculture. Q.11) Discuss the role of the textile sector in curbing jobless growth in India. Also highlight the challenges faced by the sector. Q.12) LPG reforms gave mixed results for the Indian economy. Critically examine. Q.13) Discuss the factors responsible for India's recent export performance and mention the reforms needed to boost exports further.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Crops and Cropping PatternsSubsidies and MSP
The recent rise in MSP of Kharif crops has brought back to discussion the efficacy and repercussions of agricultural price policies.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Subsidies and MSPFood Security and PDS
What do you understand by the term 'Fungiculture'? How and to what extent would it help supplement small farmers' income in India?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
EmploymentInclusive Growth
Identify the factors behind the problem of low agricultural productivity in India. What initiatives have been taken by the government to address this problem?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Crops and Cropping PatternsIrrigation and Water
The transition from the green revolution to an ‘evergreen revolution’ is essential for sustainable agricultural growth. In this context, examine the impact of green revolution on Indian agriculture. What measures can be taken to usher in evergreen revolution?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Crops and Cropping PatternsIrrigation and Water
Even though a sudden shift to natural and organic farming is impractical, it is essential in the long run. Discuss the prime reasons which are hindering this shift in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Crops and Cropping Patterns
Planning for the potential long-term impacts of climate change on agriculture needs to be prioritised to mitigate threats it poses to India's food security. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Food Security and PDSClimate Change
Analyse the regional shifts in the cropping patterns of India. Discuss the long-term implications of this shift on nutritional security and water sustainability.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Crops and Cropping PatternsIrrigation and Water
Examine the influence of socio-economic factors on cropping patterns across different regions. Discuss the potential trade off between economic viability and ecological sustainability in crop selection.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Crops and Cropping PatternsSubsidies and MSP
Highlighting the factors that affect the cropping pattern in India, discuss the need for modifying it in the context of the emerging agro-ecological concerns.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Crops and Cropping PatternsIrrigation and Water
Highlight the significance of science and technology in agriculture with a special focus on biotechnology.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Agri-technologyBiotechnology
How do farm subsidies impact crop diversity, cropping patterns and agricultural sustainability in India?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Subsidies and MSPCrops and Cropping Patterns
As the country with the largest arable land acreage India can not only ensure its own food security but can also become a source of food for the entire planet. What is ailing India's agriculture sector? Suggest remedial measures.
12.5 marks · 200 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2017
Crops and Cropping PatternsAgricultural Marketing
“Despite bringing in new crops, technologies and markets for farmers, contract farming excludes the smallholder farmers.” Analyse.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Agricultural MarketingCrops and Cropping Patterns
Making the invisible groundwater visible is critical for building climate resilience and achieving sustainable development goals. Examine.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Irrigation and WaterCrops and Cropping Patterns
Evaluate why horticulture remains an understated contributor to India's agriculture. Discuss government measures that could enhance its global market share and address current challenges. (10M)
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Crops and Cropping PatternsAgricultural Marketing
Discuss the potential of carbon farming as a sustainable agricultural practice in mitigating climate change.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Climate ChangeBiodiversity and Conservation
How does climate change exacerbate the challenges that India faces in eliminating hunger and malnutrition? Discuss in the context of India's commitment to achieve zero hunger by 2030.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Food Security and PDSClimate Change
Analyze the importance of food processing industries in promoting millets cultivation and consumption in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Food ProcessingCrops and Cropping Patterns
Indian agriculture despite employing 45% population, accounts only 20% to GDP due to low diversification and orientation towards crops like pulses.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Crops and Cropping PatternsAgricultural Marketing
Examine the role of natural farming in promoting sustainable agriculture. Discuss the major challenges hindering its widespread adoption in India.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Crops and Cropping PatternsAgri-technology
While discussing the principles of "precision agriculture", elaborate on the uses of "Internet of Things" in precision agriculture.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Agri-technologyCrops and Cropping Patterns
Discuss the importance of the horticulture sector in India and mention the challenges faced by it. Also, suggest measures to improve the sector.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Crops and Cropping PatternsFood Processing
Overexploitation strains the quality as well as the quantity of our groundwater resources.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Irrigation and WaterCrops and Cropping Patterns
Mention the principles of organic and natural farming. Also, discuss their role in sustaining agricultural production.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Crops and Cropping PatternsAgri-technology
Usage of Chemical Pesticides has been proven a double edged sword for Agriculture in the country due to its role in raising Productivity and Toxicity. In this context critically examine the utility of Chemical Pesticides in Agriculture economy and briefly discuss salient provisions Draft Pesticide Management Bill, 2020
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Crops and Cropping PatternsAgri-technology
Promoting crop diversification towards oilseeds, pulses, and horticulture requires addressing critical issues. Discuss.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Crops and Cropping PatternsSubsidies and MSP