MCQ on Crop improvement and Breeding

1) Which of the following is true about the 109 new crop varieties unveiled in August 2024?

 (A) They include a rice variety for saline coastal areas and a durum wheat rich in zinc and iron .

 (B) All were developed by foreign companies and imported.

 (C) They are all genetically modified organisms, banned in India.

 (D) They will decrease crop yields by 20%. 

 Correct Answer: (A)

 Explanation: Among the 109 new varieties (released Aug 2024) are climate-resilient, high-yielding types. Notably, CR Dhan 416 rice is suited for coastal saline areas, and a new durum wheat variety has enhanced zinc and iron content . These varieties are developed by Indian research institutes. Options (B) and (C) are false (they were Indian-developed, not banned GMOs), and (D) contradicts their goal of increasing yields.

2)  According to official reports, how many of India’s new crop varieties in 2024 exhibit

 tolerance to various stresses?

 (A) None of them.

 (B) About 50 varieties.

 (C) Over 450 varieties .

 (D) All are sensitive to drought. 

 Correct Answer: (C)

 Explanation: The Agriculture Minister reported in 2024 that 455 of India’s new crop varieties show

 resistance or tolerance to biotic/abiotic stresses . This includes tolerance to heat, drought, salinity, and

 even biofortification (e.g. varieties enriched in micronutrients). Options (A) and (D) are wrong (many are stress-tolerant), and (B) underestimates the number.

3) In response to a WHO classification of arecanut as carcinogenic, what did India’s  government announce?

 (A) An immediate nationwide ban on arecanut cultivation.

 (B) A large-scale research study on arecanut’s health effects .

 (C) Suing WHO in international court.

 (D) Government promotion of arecanut chewing. 

 Correct Answer: (B)

 Explanation: After the WHO’s classification, the Indian government decided to fund a comprehensive study called “Evidence-Based Research on Arecanut and Human Health” . This indicates a measured approach rather than immediate bans. Options (A), (C), and (D) are incorrect; (A) did not occur and (D) is contrary to health findings.

 

4)  What is the aim of India’s National Clean Plant Programme (CPP) launched in 2024?

 (A) To reduce pesticide use by 50%.

 (B) To supply high-quality, virus-free planting material for fruit crops, improving productivity and

 export quality .

 (C) To ban import of all fruit plants.

 (D) To electrify orchards with solar panels. 

Correct Answer: (B)

 Explanation: The Clean Plant Programme (CPP) was launched to provide disease-free, virus-indexed

 planting material of fruit crops across India, thereby improving fruit quality and yield . It is aimed at

 strengthening the quality of fruit production for domestic and export markets. Options (A) and (C) are

 incorrect descriptions, and (D) is unrelated.

5)  Which of the following statements is correct about India’s SPICED scheme (2024) for spices?

 (A) It focuses on boosting exports and cardamom productivity with an outlay of ₹422.3 crore .

 (B) It bans spice exports to neighboring countries.

 (C) It is exclusively for leather goods.

 (D) It mandates genetically modified spices only. 

 Correct Answer: (A)

 Explanation: SPICED (2024) is a Spices Board initiative to enhance spice exports and productivity (especially  cardamom), with ₹422.3 crore approved for FY2023–26 . It includes sub-programs for value addition, GI promotion, etc. Options (B), (C), and (D) are false.