🔵 1. The scientific name of Finger millet is:
A) Eleusine indica
B) Eleusine coracana
C) Sorghum bicolor
D) Panicum miliaceum
Answer: B) Eleusine coracana
Rationale: Eleusine coracana is the scientific name of finger millet.
🔵 2. Finger millet belongs to which family?
A) Poaceae
B) Fabaceae
C) Malvaceae
D) Solanaceae
Answer: A) Poaceae
Rationale: It is a cereal crop and belongs to the grass family Poaceae.
🔵 3. Finger millet is predominantly grown in which season in India?
A) Rabi
B) Kharif
C) Zaid
D) Pre-monsoon
Answer: B) Kharif
Rationale: Finger millet is mainly cultivated during the rainy season (June to October).
🔵 4. Which Indian state is the largest producer of finger millet?
A) Tamil Nadu
B) Maharashtra
C) Karnataka
D) Andhra Pradesh
Answer: C) Karnataka
Rationale: Karnataka contributes more than 50% of India’s finger millet production.
🔵 5. The optimal temperature range for finger millet cultivation is:
A) 10–15°C
B) 16–20°C
C) 24–30°C
D) 35–40°C
Answer: C) 24–30°C
Rationale: Finger millet thrives in warm climates with moderate rainfall.
🔵 6. Which of the following is a nutritional advantage of finger millet?
A) High fat content
B) Rich in iron and calcium
C) Rich in gluten
D) High sugar content
Answer: B) Rich in iron and calcium
Rationale: Finger millet is a rich source of calcium, iron, and dietary fiber.
🔵 7. What is the chromosome number of finger millet?
A) 2n = 20
B) 2n = 36
C) 2n = 40
D) 2n = 48
Answer: D) 2n = 48
Rationale: Finger millet is an allotetraploid with 2n = 4x = 36 + 12 = 48 chromosomes.
🔵 8. The major weed problem in finger millet fields is:
A) Parthenium
B) Cynodon dactylon
C) Echinochloa spp.
D) Striga
Answer: C) Echinochloa spp.
Rationale: Barnyard grasses (Echinochloa) are the common weeds in ragi fields.
🔵 9. Which is a commonly used seed rate for finger millet under line sowing?
A) 2–3 kg/ha
B) 5–6 kg/ha
C) 10–12 kg/ha
D) 15–20 kg/ha
Answer: C) 10–12 kg/ha
Rationale: Line sowing requires 10–12 kg/ha of clean and healthy seeds.
🔵 10. Which millet is considered the most drought-tolerant?
A) Pearl millet
B) Finger millet
C) Foxtail millet
D) Kodo millet
Answer: B) Finger millet
Rationale: It is known for surviving in drought-prone, low-fertility areas.
🔵 11. The ideal pH range for finger millet cultivation is:
A) 4.0–5.0
B) 5.5–7.5
C) 7.5–8.5
D) Above 9.0
Answer: B) 5.5–7.5
Rationale: Finger millet grows well in slightly acidic to neutral soils.
🔵 12. Finger millet is most sensitive to water stress during which stage?
A) Vegetative stage
B) Tillering stage
C) Flowering stage
D) Maturity stage
Answer: C) Flowering stage
Rationale: Flowering is a critical stage; water stress here reduces yield significantly.
🔵 13. Transplanting in finger millet is usually done at:
A) 10–12 days after sowing
B) 20–25 days after sowing
C) 30–35 days after sowing
D) 40–45 days after sowing
Answer: B) 20–25 days after sowing
Rationale: Transplanting is optimal at 3–4 leaf stage which occurs around 20–25 DAS.
🔵 14. What is the usual spacing followed in transplanted finger millet?
A) 10 × 10 cm
B) 15 × 10 cm
C) 30 × 10 cm
D) 45 × 15 cm
Answer: B) 15 × 10 cm
Rationale: This spacing ensures proper root development and tillering.
🔵 15. Which type of inflorescence is found in finger millet?
A) Panicle
B) Umbel
C) Digitate spike
D) Raceme
Answer: C) Digitate spike
Rationale: The name “finger” millet comes from its finger-like arrangement of spikes.
🔵 16. Finger millet has high resistance to which major pest?
A) Stem borer
B) Shoot fly
C) Aphids
D) Grasshoppers
Answer: B) Shoot fly
Rationale: Unlike other millets, finger millet shows considerable resistance to shoot fly infestation.
🔵 17. Which finger millet variety is most suitable for cultivation in Karnataka?
A) GPU-28
B) CO-4
C) Indaf-8
D) PR-202
Answer: C) Indaf-8
Rationale: Indaf series varieties were developed for Karnataka and are widely cultivated in the state.
🔵 18. The average duration of finger millet varieties is:
A) 60–70 days
B) 80–90 days
C) 100–120 days
D) 150–180 days
Answer: C) 100–120 days
Rationale: Finger millet is a medium-duration crop, with most varieties maturing in around 3.5 to 4 months.
🔵 19. Which nutrient deficiency leads to purple leaves in finger millet?
A) Potassium
B) Phosphorus
C) Nitrogen
D) Calcium
Answer: B) Phosphorus
Rationale: Phosphorus deficiency causes purpling of leaves due to anthocyanin accumulation.
🔵 20. Finger millet grain is gluten-free and hence suitable for:
A) Diabetic patients
B) Infants
C) Gluten-sensitive individuals
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Rationale: Its nutritional profile supports health in people with dietary restrictions and growing children.
🔵 21. Which is the primary use of finger millet in Indian households?
A) Oil extraction
B) Malting
C) Flatbreads and porridges
D) Cattle feed only
Answer: C) Flatbreads and porridges
Rationale: Ragi is commonly consumed in the form of roti (ragi mudde) and porridge (ragi malt).
🔵 22. The seed treatment for finger millet is done to prevent:
A) Weed competition
B) Drought
C) Fungal and bacterial diseases
D) Lodging
Answer: C) Fungal and bacterial diseases
Rationale: Seed treatment with fungicides helps protect the seedlings from soil-borne diseases.
🔵 23. Finger millet originated in:
A) India
B) Africa
C) China
D) South America
Answer: B) Africa
Rationale: Finger millet originated in East Africa and was later introduced to India.
🔵 24. What is the typical protein content of finger millet grain?
A) 5–6%
B) 7–8%
C) 9–10%
D) 11–12%
Answer: C) 9–10%
Rationale: Ragi is moderately rich in protein and highly nutritious.
🔵 25. What is the moisture content safe for storage of finger millet grain?
A) 8–10%
B) 12–14%
C) 16–18%
D) 20–22%
Answer: A) 8–10%
Rationale: For safe storage and to prevent fungal growth, grains must be dried below 10% moisture.
🔵 26. In which form is finger millet least perishable?
A) Whole grain
B) Dehulled grain
C) Powdered flour
D) Malted
Answer: A) Whole grain
Rationale: Whole grains have a longer shelf life than processed forms like flour.
🔵 27. The primary tillage in finger millet involves:
A) Disc ploughing
B) Hoeing
C) Shallow harrowing
D) Deep ploughing
Answer: D) Deep ploughing
Rationale: Deep ploughing improves root penetration and water retention.
🔵 28. In India, finger millet is classified as a:
A) Coarse cereal
B) Major cereal
C) Oilseed
D) Legume
Answer: A) Coarse cereal
Rationale: It falls under the category of coarse cereals or millets.
🔵 29. Common fungal disease of finger millet is:
A) Downy mildew
B) Blast
C) Rust
D) Smut
Answer: B) Blast
Rationale: Blast disease caused by Pyricularia grisea is a major constraint in ragi production.
🔵 30. Integrated nutrient management in finger millet involves:
A) Only chemical fertilizers
B) Only organic manures
C) Balanced use of organics and inorganics
D) Use of micronutrients only
Answer: C) Balanced use of organics and inorganics
Rationale: Combining both types enhances soil health and crop yield.
🔵 31. Finger millet requires how many irrigations under normal conditions?
A) 1–2
B) 3–4
C) 5–6
D) 8–9
Answer: C) 5–6
Rationale: Critical stages like flowering and grain filling require supplemental irrigation.
🔵 32. The seed dormancy in finger millet is:
A) Absent
B) 1–2 months
C) 3–4 months
D) More than 6 months
Answer: A) Absent
Rationale: Finger millet has no seed dormancy and can be sown immediately after harvest.
🔵 33. The dry matter accumulation in finger millet is highest during:
A) Germination
B) Tillering
C) Flowering
D) Grain filling
Answer: C) Flowering
Rationale: Peak photosynthesis and biomass accumulation occur during flowering.
🔵 34. A key advantage of finger millet over rice is:
A) Lower nutrient requirement
B) Faster maturity
C) Higher calorific value
D) Higher water requirement
Answer: A) Lower nutrient requirement
Rationale: Ragi performs well in marginal soils with minimal fertilizer.
🔵 35. The harvest index of finger millet is typically around:
A) 20–30%
B) 30–40%
C) 40–50%
D) Above 60%
Answer: C) 40–50%
Rationale: It represents the efficiency of converting biomass to economic yield.
🔵 36. What is the ideal spacing for finger millet under normal transplanting conditions?
A) 10 x 10 cm
B) 20 x 10 cm
C) 30 x 30 cm
D) 45 x 15 cm
Answer: B) 20 x 10 cm
Rationale: Closer spacing ensures optimal plant population and better weed suppression in transplanted ragi.
🔵 37. Which growth regulator is used to enhance grain filling in finger millet?
A) Ethylene
B) Gibberellic acid
C) Cytokinin
D) NAA
Answer: B) Gibberellic acid
Rationale: GA₃ improves grain filling by enhancing enzyme activity and nutrient translocation.
🔵 38. Which cropping system is commonly followed with finger millet in drylands?
A) Rice–Ragi
B) Ragi–Groundnut
C) Ragi–Pigeonpea
D) Ragi–Wheat
Answer: C) Ragi–Pigeonpea
Rationale: Intercropping with pigeonpea is common as it improves soil fertility and income.
🔵 39. Which state is the largest producer of finger millet in India?
A) Tamil Nadu
B) Maharashtra
C) Andhra Pradesh
D) Karnataka
Answer: D) Karnataka
Rationale: Karnataka contributes to over 50% of India’s total ragi production due to favorable agro-climatic zones.
🔵 40. Which enzyme is abundantly found in finger millet that helps in digestion?
A) Amylase
B) Phytase
C) Protease
D) Lipase
Answer: B) Phytase
Rationale: Finger millet contains high levels of phytase, which aids in breaking down phytates and improving mineral absorption.
🔵 41. Which of the following millets is known for the highest calcium content?
A) Pearl millet
B) Foxtail millet
C) Finger millet
D) Little millet
Answer: C) Finger millet
Rationale: Finger millet has around 344 mg calcium per 100g, the highest among cereals and millets.
🔵 42. Finger millet is best grown in which type of soil?
A) Sandy loam
B) Black cotton soil
C) Red loam
D) Saline soil
Answer: C) Red loam
Rationale: Well-drained red loamy soils with moderate fertility are best for ragi cultivation.
🔵 43. Finger millet belongs to which family?
A) Poaceae
B) Fabaceae
C) Solanaceae
D) Brassicaceae
Answer: A) Poaceae
Rationale: Finger millet is a grass and belongs to the Poaceae family like most cereals.
🔵 44. Seed rate for line sowing of finger millet is:
A) 2–3 kg/ha
B) 5–8 kg/ha
C) 10–15 kg/ha
D) 20–25 kg/ha
Answer: C) 10–15 kg/ha
Rationale: For line sowing, optimal seed rate ensures good plant population without excess competition.
🔵 45. The critical stage of irrigation in finger millet is:
A) Germination
B) Tillering
C) Flowering and grain filling
D) Ripening
Answer: C) Flowering and grain filling
Rationale: Moisture stress during flowering or grain filling drastically reduces yield.
🔵 46. Which traditional tool is used for weeding in finger millet?
A) Plough
B) Khurpi
C) Cycle weeder
D) Guntaka
Answer: D) Guntaka
Rationale: Guntaka is a widely used local implement for weeding in ragi fields.
🔵 47. Finger millet has how many chromosomes?
A) 2n = 14
B) 2n = 20
C) 2n = 36
D) 2n = 48
Answer: D) 2n = 48
Rationale: The tetraploid nature of finger millet makes its chromosome number 2n = 48.
🔵 48. Finger millet cultivation is most suitable for which type of climate?
A) Cold and wet
B) Hot and dry
C) Temperate and humid
D) Warm and moderately dry
Answer: D) Warm and moderately dry
Rationale: Ragi thrives in warm climates with 350–500 mm rainfall during its growing period.
🔵 49. Which processing method increases bioavailability of nutrients in finger millet?
A) Roasting
B) Soaking
C) Malting
D) Milling
Answer: C) Malting
Rationale: Malting improves digestibility and nutrient absorption, especially calcium and iron.
🔵 50. What is the botanical name of finger millet?
A) Eleusine indica
B) Eleusine coracana
C) Eleusine africana
D) Pennisetum glaucum
Answer: B) Eleusine coracana
Rationale: Finger millet’s botanical name is Eleusine coracana, widely cultivated in India and Africa.
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