1. Which of the following institutions was established under the Regional Rural Banks Act, 1976?

  • A. NABARD
  • B. Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)
  • C. SIDBI
  • D. EXIM Bank

Answer: B. Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)

Explanation: RRBs were established under the Regional Rural Banks Act, 1976, to provide banking and credit facilities to rural areas.

2. Which of the following is the major source of atmospheric nitrogen fixation in leguminous crops?

  • A. Azotobacter
  • B. Azospirillum
  • C. Rhizobium
  • D. Frankia

Answer: C. Rhizobium

Explanation: Rhizobium forms symbiotic nodules on the roots of leguminous crops and fixes atmospheric nitrogen.

3. Which of the following is the scientific name of pigeonpea (Red gram)?

  • A. Vigna radiata
  • B. Cajanus cajan
  • C. Vigna mungo
  • D. Lens culinaris

Answer: B. Cajanus cajan

Explanation: Pigeonpea, also known as red gram or arhar, belongs to the species Cajanus cajan.

4. Which of the following diseases of wheat is caused by Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici?

  • A. Leaf rust
  • B. Stripe rust
  • C. Stem rust
  • D. Loose smut

Answer: C. Stem rust

Explanation: Stem rust (black rust) of wheat is caused by Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici.

5. Which of the following is the recommended pH range for optimum availability of phosphorus in soils?

  • A. 3.5–4.5
  • B. 6.0–7.0
  • C. 8.5–9.5
  • D. Above 10.0

Answer: B. 6.0–7.0

Explanation: Phosphorus is most available to plants in soils with a near-neutral pH of about 6.0–7.0.

6. Which of the following crops is known as the "Queen of Cereals"?

  • A. Wheat
  • B. Rice
  • C. Maize
  • D. Barley

Answer: C. Maize

Explanation: Maize is known as the "Queen of Cereals" because of its high yield potential and wide adaptability.

7. Which of the following is the minimum isolation distance for certified seed production of self-pollinated crops such as wheat?

  • A. 3 m
  • B. 10 m
  • C. 50 m
  • D. 200 m

Answer: A. 3 m

Explanation: Self-pollinated crops require only a small isolation distance (commonly 3 m) during certified seed production.

8. Which committee recommended the establishment of Regional Rural Banks in India?

  • A. Narasimham Committee
  • B. M.S. Swaminathan Committee
  • C. M. Narasimham Working Group
  • D. M. Narasimham Committee on Banking Sector Reforms

Answer: C. M. Narasimham Working Group

Explanation: The Working Group on Rural Banks headed by M. Narasimham (1975) recommended the establishment of Regional Rural Banks.

9. Which of the following hormones is primarily responsible for breaking seed dormancy?

  • A. Abscisic acid (ABA)
  • B. Gibberellic acid (GA₃)
  • C. Ethylene
  • D. Cytokinin

Answer: B. Gibberellic acid (GA₃)

Explanation: Gibberellic acid promotes seed germination by overcoming dormancy and stimulating enzyme production.

10. Which of the following is the headquarters of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)?

  • A. Hyderabad
  • B. New Delhi
  • C. Lucknow
  • D. Karnal

Answer: B. New Delhi

Explanation: ICAR, the apex body for agricultural research and education in India, is headquartered in New Delhi.