Correct Answer: Both I and II are effects of independent causes

Solution : Given:
I. Since the past three years, State M has reported a sharp and substantial decline in the state’s agricultural produce.
II. In the last five years, there has been an increase in the overall average Rainfall by 6% in State M bringing respite to the farmers.

The first statement is not the cause or effect of the second as the overall increase in the average rainfall brought respite to the farmers.
Secondly, a decrease in agricultural produce will never bring respite to the farmers.

Thus, both I and II are effects of independent causes. Hence, the fourth option is correct.

Correct Answer: June

Solution : The correct answer is June.

In Odisha, Raja Parba, also called Mithun Sankranti, is a three-day celebration that is lavishly and fervently observed. June 14 is when it begins and concludes on June 16, 2023. The celebration is devoted to praising womanhood and paying tribute to Mother Earth.

Correct Answer: It reduced the demand for labor due to mechanization.

Solution : The impact of the Green Revolution on the employment pattern in Indian agriculture was a reduction in the demand for labor due to mechanization and the use of high-yielding variety seeds, which required less manual labor compared to traditional farming methods.

Correct Answer: Assertion is true, but the reason is false.

Solution : The correct answer is (c) Assertion is true, but the reason is false.

The assertion is true. Agriculture has historically been a significant sector in Pakistan, employing a substantial portion of the population.

The reason provided, stating that only a few percent of the workforce of Pakistan's population is engaged in agricultural activities, including farming and livestock rearing, is false. In reality, a significant percentage of Pakistan's workforce is engaged in agricultural activities. Agriculture continues to be a vital source of employment for rural populations in Pakistan.

Therefore, the assertion is true, but the reason is false.

Correct Answer: Deregulation and privatization  
 

Solution : A key feature of economic liberalization in India was deregulation and privatization, aimed at reducing government control and promoting private sector participation in the economy.  

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.

Diversification of agricultural activities does lead to sustainable land use, and the reason for this is that it prevents soil degradation and improves soil fertility through crop rotation.

When farmers diversify their agricultural activities by growing a variety of crops and practicing crop rotation, it helps prevent soil degradation. Crop rotation involves growing different crops in a specific sequence on the same land over time. This practice helps break the cycle of pests and diseases that can build up when the same crop is grown continuously. Different crops have different nutrient requirements and root systems, which can help maintain soil fertility and structure.

By rotating crops, farmers can reduce soil erosion, minimize nutrient depletion, and improve soil health. Additionally, diversification can contribute to more sustainable agricultural systems by reducing the reliance on specific crops and promoting biodiversity.

Therefore, the assertion that diversification of agricultural activities leads to sustainable land use is true, and the reason that it prevents soil degradation and improves soil fertility through crop rotation is the correct explanation for this assertion.

Correct Answer: (1) - (iii), (2) - (iv), 3 - (ii), 4 - (i)

Solution :

Hence, the correct option is 3.

Correct Answer: Agricultural growth

Solution : The correct answer is Agricultural growth.

An advanced and strategic first five-year plan was formulated to improve India’s economy after its independence in 1951. The plan aimed to bring changes, and make India self-sufficient, and economically powerful. The major focus behind the first Five-year plan was to handle agriculture development.

Correct Answer: crops

Solution : The correct choice is the fourth option.

The word crops is the most suitable option in this context because it broadly encompasses various plants cultivated for food, including grains, vegetables, and fruits. Locust swarms are notorious for causing significant damage to crops by devouring them, which aligns with the idea of attacking and devastating plantations.

Therefore, the right answer is crops.

Correct Answer: Both the assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
 

Solution : The correct answer is (b) Both the assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.

The assertion is true. The Green Revolution in India did lead to a decrease in agricultural employment. The introduction of high-yielding varieties of crops and modern farming techniques resulted in increased productivity per unit of land, reducing the need for labor in agriculture.

The reason is also true. The adoption of modern farming techniques did reduce the labor requirement in agriculture. Mechanization, the use of machinery, and improved farming practices allowed farmers to achieve higher yields with fewer workers.

However, the reason provided is not the correct explanation for the assertion. While the adoption of modern farming techniques reduced the labor requirement in agriculture, it doesn't directly explain the decrease in agricultural employment.Therefore, the correct answer is both the assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.