Economy & Industries — Set 8

Correct Answer: B. Creates income sources and preserves agricultural heritage

Agro-tourism contributes to rural development in Maharashtra by creating income sources and preserving agricultural heritage. Farms offer educational experiences and recreational activities to tourists. This provides supplementary income to farmers and supports rural economies.

Correct Answer: C. Both A and B

Both limestone and gypsum are mineral resources used for cement production in Maharashtra. Limestone is the primary raw material for cement manufacturing. Gypsum is added as a retarder to control setting time in the cement production process.

Correct Answer: B. Critical for preventing erosion and maintaining fertility

Soil conservation is critical for Maharashtra's agricultural sustainability as it prevents erosion and maintains soil fertility. Practices like contour plowing, terracing, and mulching are employed. Soil conservation helps ensure long-term productivity of agricultural lands.

Correct Answer: B. Livestock Insurance Scheme

The Livestock Insurance Scheme provided by the state government includes coverage for dairy cattle. The scheme compensates farmers for loss of animals due to death or disease. This protects farmers' dairy assets and investment.

Correct Answer: B. Develop improved varieties and farming techniques

Agricultural research stations in Maharashtra develop improved crop varieties and farming techniques. These stations conduct field trials and experiments beneficial to farmers. The research findings are disseminated through extension services.

Correct Answer: C. Both A and B

Both sunflower and soybean varieties are often used as green manure crops in Maharashtra. These legume and non-legume crops are plowed back into the soil to increase nitrogen and organic matter. This improves soil fertility for subsequent crops.

Correct Answer: B. Optimizes resource use and increases crop yield

The primary benefit of precision agriculture adoption in Maharashtra is optimizing resource use and increasing crop yield. Techniques like GPS-guided tractors and variable rate application reduce waste. This improves profitability while being environmentally sustainable.

Correct Answer: C. Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti is an agricultural festival that celebrates the harvest season in Maharashtra. The festival coincides with the end of the winter season and start of the harvest. Farmers celebrate the successful cultivation and offer prayers for future crops.

Correct Answer: B. Enables preservation and transport of perishable products

Cold chain infrastructure plays a crucial role in Maharashtra's agricultural sector by enabling preservation and transport of perishable products. It prevents spoilage of fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. This reduces waste and increases market value of produce.

Correct Answer: B. Remote sensing and artificial intelligence

Remote sensing and artificial intelligence are being used for crop disease detection in Maharashtra farms. These technologies analyze satellite imagery and field data to identify disease symptoms early. Early detection enables timely intervention and reduces crop losses.