Correct Answer: Adaptation of traditional agricultural methods
 

Solution : Francis Buchanan-Hamilton's observations on rural society highlighted the adaptation of traditional agricultural methods, providing insights into how rural communities continued to employ age-old farming techniques amidst changing circumstances.

Correct Answer: ACBD

Solution : The correct choice is the third option.

The initial sentence (A) introduces the concept of biogas as a mixture of methane, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen. The subsequent sentence (C) explains the process of biogas production through anaerobic degradation, clarifying that it occurs in the absence of oxygen. The third sentence (B) follows by highlighting the positive aspects of biogas, stating that it is a non-polluting, clean, and low-cost fuel. Finally, the last sentence (D) concludes the paragraph by noting that biogas is primarily used in rural areas where ample animal and agricultural waste is available, eliminating the risk of health hazards associated with other fuels.

Therefore, the correct answer is ACBD.

Correct Answer: By providing training and financing
 

Solution : The correct answer is (b) By providing training and financing

The establishment of a cooperative society in a rural area for the production of organic agricultural products, along with seeking support from government schemes for financing and training, would likely benefit rural farmers by enhancing their skills, knowledge, and access to financial resources. This support can contribute to the overall development and sustainability of agriculture in the rural community.

Correct Answer: National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)
 

Solution : The correct answer is (a) National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).

NABARD is a specialized development bank in India that focuses on the agricultural and rural sectors. It provides long-term credit to farmers for various agricultural activities, including crop production, land development, farm mechanization, irrigation, and other allied activities.

NABARD offers credit facilities to farmers through its Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) and other agricultural development programs. It provides loans to farmers through cooperative banks, regional rural banks (RRBs), and other financial institutions.

In addition to providing credit, NABARD also plays a crucial role in promoting rural development, rural infrastructure, agricultural research and development, and capacity building among farmers and rural communities.

While the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is the central bank of India and plays a regulatory role in the overall banking system, including setting monetary policies, it is NABARD that specifically focuses on providing long-term credit to farmers and rural development.

Correct Answer: Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
 

Solution : The correct answer is (a) Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.

The assertion that diversification of agricultural activities helps in reducing the risk associated with crop failure is true. By diversifying their activities, farmers reduce their dependency on a single crop and spread their risks across multiple crops or alternative sources of income. This reduces the vulnerability to crop failure caused by factors such as adverse weather conditions, pests, diseases, or market fluctuations.

The reason provided, which states that diversification allows farmers to explore alternative sources of income beyond traditional crops, is indeed the correct explanation for why diversification helps in reducing the risk of crop failure. By engaging in activities such as animal husbandry, agroforestry, horticulture, or value-added processing, farmers can generate income from various sources and mitigate the impact of crop failure on their overall livelihood.

Therefore, both assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.

Correct Answer: Disruption of agricultural practices

Solution : Correct Option: 3
Explanation: A significant consequence of the partition for Punjab's agriculture was the disruption of agricultural practices. The partition led to the division of land, displacement of farmers, and loss of agricultural resources, which had a profound impact on the region's agricultural economy.

Correct Answer: Agricultural products

Solution : The correct option is Agricultural products.

The Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) operates as an independent entity within India's Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, tasked with the crucial role of proposing minimum support prices (MSPs) for a range of vital agricultural products. This includes staple crops such as wheat and rice, essential cash crops like sugarcane and cotton, as well as protein-rich pulses like gram, masur, and moong, along with oilseeds including groundnut, mustard, and sunflower. Additionally, CACP extends its recommendations to encompass barley and jute. Through its recommendations, CACP plays a pivotal role in stabilizing the income of farmers and ensuring the availability of these key agricultural products in the market.

Correct Answer: Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.

Solution : The correct answer is (a) Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.

The assertion is true. Data and studies consistently show that poverty rates are higher in rural areas compared to urban areas in India. Rural areas often face challenges such as limited access to quality education, healthcare, infrastructure, and employment opportunities, which contribute to higher poverty rates.

The reason is the correct explanation of the assertion. In India, a significant portion of the population lives in rural areas, and agriculture is a major source of livelihood for many rural households. However, agricultural incomes can be low due to various factors such as fragmented land holdings, dependence on rain-fed agriculture, lack of modern technology and infrastructure, and fluctuating market conditions. These factors contribute to higher poverty rates in rural areas compared to urban areas.

Therefore, both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.

Correct Answer: lingering

Solution : The correct choice is the third option.

The term lingering in this context implies that the locust plague threat is persisting or remaining over the economies of India, Pakistan, and Iran. It suggests a continuing and potentially concerning impact on their economic situations.

Therefore, the right answer is lingering.

Correct Answer: It is recognised as a full species.

Solution : The second option is the correct choice.

The statement "It is recognised as a full species" will not help us identify the bird.

The reason is that recognising the Black Drongo as a full species provides information about its taxonomic classification. it does not provide distinctive visual or behavioural characteristics that would aid in the identification of the bird. Identifying a bird typically involves features such as physical appearance, colouration, size, behaviour, or other specific traits.