Assertion (A): The process of crossbreeding is used to develop
new varieties of crops.
Reason (R): Crossbreeding helps combine desirable traits from
two different varieties, leading to enhanced yield and disease resistance.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct
explanation of A.
Explanation: Crossbreeding combines the beneficial traits of
two parent varieties, improving attributes like yield, disease resistance, and
adaptability.
Assertion (A): Genetic modification can enhance the nutritional
content of crops.
Reason (R): Genetic modification involves the transfer of genes
to introduce specific traits, such as increased vitamin content.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct
explanation of A.
Explanation: Genetic modification (GM) allows for the
introduction of genes that can increase the nutritional value of crops, such as
enhancing vitamin A content in rice (Golden Rice).
Assertion (A): Hybrid varieties of crops are more productive
than pure-bred varieties.
Reason (R): Hybrid varieties exhibit hybrid vigor, showing
enhanced growth and yield due to the combination of genetic diversity.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct
explanation of A.
Explanation: Hybrids show hybrid vigor (heterosis), where the
offspring are more robust and produce better yields than their parent varieties.
Assertion (A): Plant breeding plays a crucial role in improving
food production.
Reason (R): Plant breeding involves selecting desirable traits
and combining them to improve crop yields and quality.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct
explanation of A.
Explanation: Plant breeding helps in the development of crops
with better yield, disease resistance, and improved quality by selecting and
combining desirable traits.
Assertion (A): The use of biofertilizers enhances soil
fertility.
Reason (R): Biofertilizers are natural fertilizers that improve
nutrient availability by fixing nitrogen or decomposing organic matter.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct
explanation of A.
Explanation: Biofertilizers contain microorganisms that
naturally enrich the soil with nutrients, such as nitrogen fixation and organic
matter decomposition, thus improving soil fertility.
Assertion (A): Bt-cotton is resistant to bollworm.
Reason (R): The genes responsible for producing Bacillus
thuringiensis toxin are inserted into the cotton plant’s genome.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct
explanation of A.
Explanation: Bt-cotton has been genetically modified to produce
a toxin from Bacillus thuringiensis, which is toxic to bollworms, thus
making the plant resistant to pest damage.
Assertion (A): Vermicomposting is an effective method of waste
management.
Reason (R): Earthworms break down organic waste into
nutrient-rich humus, improving soil structure and fertility.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct
explanation of A.
Explanation: Vermicomposting uses earthworms to decompose
organic waste, converting it into valuable humus that improves soil fertility
and structure.
Assertion (A): Aquaculture is an important method for enhancing
food production.
Reason (R): Aquaculture allows the cultivation of fish and
other aquatic organisms in controlled environments, leading to increased
production.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct
explanation of A.
Explanation: Aquaculture involves farming fish and other
aquatic species under controlled conditions, thus boosting food production and
reducing pressure on wild fish populations.
Assertion (A): Mycorrhizal fungi form a symbiotic relationship
with plants.
Reason (R): Mycorrhizal fungi help plants absorb water and
nutrients, particularly phosphorus, in exchange for sugars from the plant.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct
explanation of A.
Explanation: Mycorrhizal fungi form mutualistic relationships
with plant roots, aiding in nutrient and water absorption while receiving
carbohydrates from the plant.
Assertion (A): Microorganisms can be used in food production.
Reason (R): Certain microorganisms are involved in processes
like fermentation, which enhances the flavor and preservation of food.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct
explanation of A.
Explanation: Microorganisms like yeast and bacteria are used in
fermentation to produce products like bread, yogurt, and alcohol, enhancing
flavor and shelf life.
Assertion (A): Fish is a rich source of proteins and essential
fatty acids.
Reason (R): Fish contains high-quality proteins and omega-3
fatty acids, which are beneficial for health.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct
explanation of A.
Explanation: Fish is an excellent source of proteins and
omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining heart health and
overall well-being.
Assertion (A): Tissue culture technology helps in the
production of disease-free plants.
Reason (R): Tissue culture involves growing plants in
controlled environments from a small piece of tissue, ensuring the absence of
pathogens.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct
explanation of A.
Explanation: Tissue culture techniques allow the production of
disease-free plants by growing them from explants in sterile conditions,
minimizing the risk of pathogen contamination.
Assertion (A): In-vitro fertilization is a technique used for
improving crop yields.
Reason (R): In-vitro fertilization allows controlled
fertilization and crossbreeding, leading to better genetic combinations in
crops.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct
explanation of A.
Explanation: In-vitro fertilization is used in plant breeding
to control fertilization and create hybrid varieties with improved
characteristics like higher yields.
Assertion (A): Transgenic crops are genetically modified to
resist pests.
Reason (R): Genetic engineering techniques are used to
introduce genes that produce pest-resistant proteins in crops.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct
explanation of A.
Explanation: Transgenic crops are engineered to produce
proteins (like Bt toxin) that make them resistant to specific pests, reducing
the need for chemical pesticides.
Assertion (A): Agroforestry is the practice of integrating
trees with crops or livestock.
Reason (R): Agroforestry helps increase biodiversity and
provides economic benefits by combining the strengths of both trees and crops.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct
explanation of A.
Explanation: Agroforestry combines trees with crops or
livestock, providing multiple benefits such as improved biodiversity, enhanced
soil fertility, and economic returns from diverse sources.
Assertion (A): Organic farming avoids the use of synthetic
chemicals and fertilizers.
Reason (R): Organic farming promotes sustainable agriculture by
using natural fertilizers and pesticides.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct
explanation of A.
Explanation: Organic farming uses natural or organic inputs
instead of synthetic chemicals, emphasizing sustainability and environmental
health.
Assertion (A): Green Revolution led to an increase in food
production.
Reason (R): The Green Revolution introduced high-yielding
varieties of crops, chemical fertilizers, and modern farming techniques.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct
explanation of A.
Explanation: The Green Revolution transformed agriculture by
introducing high-yielding varieties, chemical fertilizers, and advanced
irrigation techniques, leading to increased food production.
Assertion (A): The use of biopesticides reduces the
environmental impact of farming.
Reason (R): Biopesticides are derived from natural organisms
and have a lower toxicity to non-target species compared to synthetic chemicals.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct
explanation of A.
Explanation: Biopesticides, being naturally derived, are less
harmful to the environment and beneficial organisms, making them a more
sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides.
Assertion (A): Integrated pest management (IPM) combines
biological, chemical, and cultural control methods.
Reason (R): IPM reduces pest populations to manageable levels
without relying solely on chemical pesticides.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct
explanation of A.
Explanation: IPM integrates multiple pest control strategies to
minimize the use of chemical pesticides and reduce their environmental impact
while effectively controlling pests.
Assertion (A): Biofortification involves enhancing the
nutritional quality of crops.
Reason (R): Biofortification increases the content of essential
vitamins and minerals in crops through breeding or genetic modification.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct
explanation of A.
Explanation: Biofortification aims to improve the nutritional
content of crops, such as increasing the levels of Vitamin A, iron, or zinc, to
combat malnutrition.
Assertion (A): Monoculture farming can deplete soil nutrients.
Reason (R): Growing the same crop repeatedly in the same soil
leads to the depletion of specific nutrients that the crop requires.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct
explanation of A.
Explanation: Monoculture farming, when practiced over extended
periods, depletes the soil of specific nutrients, requiring the use of synthetic
fertilizers to replenish them.
Assertion (A): Crossbreeding improves the disease resistance of
plants.
Reason (R): Crossbreeding combines desirable traits from
different plant varieties, including resistance to specific diseases.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct
explanation of A.
Explanation: By combining the genetic material from different
varieties, crossbreeding can enhance disease resistance in plants.
Assertion (A): Pesticides can be harmful to the environment.
Reason (R): Pesticides can affect non-target organisms like
pollinators and soil microorganisms, disrupting the ecosystem.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct
explanation of A.
Explanation: The widespread use of pesticides can have
unintended consequences on the environment by harming beneficial organisms, such
as bees and soil microorganisms, thus disturbing the ecosystem balance.
Assertion (A): Irrigation plays a significant role in crop
production.
Reason (R): Irrigation provides a consistent water supply,
helping crops grow in regions with inadequate rainfall.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct
explanation of A.
Explanation: Irrigation is essential for maintaining adequate
soil moisture for crops, especially in arid regions or during dry periods,
ensuring consistent crop growth.
Assertion (A): Crop rotation helps in maintaining soil
fertility.
Reason (R): Different crops require different nutrients, and
rotating crops allows the soil to replenish nutrients naturally.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct
explanation of A.
Explanation: Crop rotation prevents nutrient depletion and
minimizes pest buildup by alternating crops with different nutrient
requirements, which helps maintain soil fertility.
Assertion (A): The use of genetically modified (GM) crops can
reduce the need for chemical pesticides.
Reason (R): GM crops can be engineered to resist specific
pests, reducing the reliance on chemical pesticides.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct
explanation of A.
Explanation: GM crops can be engineered to produce their own
pest-resistant proteins (e.g., Bt toxin), reducing the need for chemical
pesticides and minimizing their environmental impact.
Assertion (A): Organic farming promotes biodiversity.
Reason (R): Organic farming practices avoid the use of
synthetic chemicals, which helps maintain a diverse range of organisms in the
ecosystem.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct
explanation of A.
Explanation: By avoiding synthetic pesticides and fertilizers,
organic farming supports a healthier environment and promotes biodiversity,
including beneficial insects and microorganisms.
Assertion (A): The introduction of high-yielding varieties
(HYVs) during the Green Revolution improved food security.
Reason (R): HYVs are more responsive to fertilizers and
irrigation, which increases their productivity and helps feed larger
populations.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct
explanation of A.
Explanation: High-yielding varieties (HYVs) were designed to
produce more food per unit of land, and their responsiveness to fertilizers and
irrigation contributed to increased food production during the Green Revolution.
Assertion (A): Animal husbandry is an important part of
enhancing food production.
Reason (R): Animal husbandry involves breeding animals for
food, fiber, and other products, contributing to food security and agricultural
income.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct
explanation of A.
Explanation: Animal husbandry contributes to food production by
providing meat, milk, wool, and other products, improving food security and the
economy.
Assertion (A): Synthetic fertilizers can lead to soil
degradation.
Reason (R): Overuse of synthetic fertilizers can lead to soil
acidification and a decrease in soil microbial diversity.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct
explanation of A.
Explanation: Excessive use of synthetic fertilizers can disrupt
the natural balance of the soil, leading to reduced microbial diversity and soil
acidification, which harms long-term soil fertility.
Assertion (A): Biofortification increases the mineral content
of crops.
Reason (R): Biofortification uses breeding techniques or
genetic engineering to increase essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and calcium
in crops.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct
explanation of A.
Explanation: Biofortification aims to improve the nutritional
content of crops, helping to combat malnutrition by increasing the levels of
vitamins and minerals in staple foods.
Assertion (A): Vermicomposting is an eco-friendly method of
waste management.
Reason (R): Earthworms decompose organic waste, turning it into
nutrient-rich compost that enhances soil fertility.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct
explanation of A.
Explanation: Vermicomposting uses earthworms to process organic
waste into high-quality compost, which is beneficial for soil health and an
environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers.
Assertion (A): Greenhouses are used to regulate the growth
environment of crops.
Reason (R): Greenhouses provide controlled temperature,
humidity, and light conditions, promoting faster and healthier plant growth.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct
explanation of A.
Explanation: Greenhouses help control the growing conditions of
plants, making it possible to grow crops in regions with adverse climates,
leading to improved yields and quality.
Assertion (A): Hybrid varieties of crops have better resistance
to diseases compared to non-hybrid varieties.
Reason (R): Hybrids combine traits from both parent plants,
including resistance to specific diseases, resulting in stronger crops.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct
explanation of A.
Explanation: Hybrid crops exhibit increased disease resistance
due to the genetic diversity inherited from both parent plants, leading to
improved crop resilience.
Assertion (A): The use of biopesticides reduces the risk of
pesticide resistance in pests.
Reason (R): Biopesticides are natural or bio-based agents that
target specific pests without affecting beneficial organisms.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct
explanation of A.
Explanation: Biopesticides are specific to the target pests,
reducing the chances of resistance development and minimizing harm to non-target
organisms, such as pollinators and beneficial insects.
Assertion (A): Tissue culture technology helps in the rapid
multiplication of superior plants.
Reason (R): Tissue culture allows the propagation of
genetically identical plants from small tissue samples, ensuring uniformity and
high quality.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct
explanation of A.
Explanation: Tissue culture enables the rapid propagation of
superior, disease-free plants from small tissue samples, ensuring consistency in
plant quality and yield.
Assertion (A): Plant tissue culture is used to produce
disease-free plants.
Reason (R): In tissue culture, plants are grown in sterile
conditions, preventing the spread of pathogens.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct
explanation of A.
Explanation: By using sterile conditions during tissue culture,
plants are less likely to carry diseases, and healthy, disease-free plants can
be produced.
Assertion (A): Micropropagation is a technique used to increase
the number of plants.
Reason (R): Micropropagation uses tissue culture to produce a
large number of genetically identical plants in a short time.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct
explanation of A.
Explanation: Micropropagation allows for the mass production of
identical plants by growing them from small tissue samples, which is efficient
for commercial plant production.
Assertion (A): Crops grown through hydroponics require less
water compared to traditional farming.
Reason (R): Hydroponics uses a nutrient-rich water solution to
grow plants, reducing the need for large quantities of soil and water.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct
explanation of A.
Explanation: Hydroponic farming uses water more efficiently as
it recycles the nutrient solution, leading to reduced water consumption compared
to traditional soil-based farming.
Assertion (A): The Green Revolution led to a significant
increase in the use of fertilizers and pesticides.
Reason (R): High-yielding varieties (HYVs) required high inputs
of fertilizers and pesticides to achieve maximum productivity.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct
explanation of A.
Explanation: The Green Revolution's focus on increasing crop
yields through HYVs was accompanied by an increased reliance on chemical
fertilizers and pesticides to optimize growth.
Assertion (A): Cry proteins produced by Bacillus
thuringiensis are used to protect crops from pests.
Reason (R): Cry proteins are toxic to specific insects and
prevent damage to crops.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct
explanation of A.
Explanation: Cry proteins produced by Bacillus
thuringiensis are toxic to certain pests, providing an effective biological
control method for crop protection.
Assertion (A): Manure is a natural fertilizer used in organic
farming.
Reason (R): Manure is derived from animal waste and provides
essential nutrients to crops.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct
explanation of A.
Explanation: Manure is a natural fertilizer that enriches soil
by providing essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which
are necessary for plant growth.
Assertion (A): The use of irrigation systems has revolutionized
food production.
Reason (R): Irrigation systems ensure a consistent water
supply, reducing dependency on seasonal rainfall.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct
explanation of A.
Explanation: Irrigation systems have transformed agriculture by
providing a stable and controlled water supply, enabling farmers to grow crops
even in areas with insufficient rainfall.
Assertion (A): Cross-pollination increases genetic diversity in
plants.
Reason (R): Cross-pollination involves the transfer of pollen
between different plants, leading to the mixing of genetic material.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct
explanation of A.
Explanation: Cross-pollination increases genetic diversity by
allowing the exchange of genetic material between different plant individuals,
resulting in more varied offspring.
Assertion (A): Tissue culture technology is often used to
propagate rare and endangered plant species.
Reason (R): Tissue culture allows the growth of plants from
small tissue samples, making it easier to propagate rare species without the
need for large quantities of the original plant.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct
explanation of A.
Explanation: Tissue culture can be used to propagate endangered
species by taking small tissue samples from a single plant, reducing the need
for extensive wild collection.
Assertion (A): Biotechnological methods have been used to
improve the nutritional value of food crops.
Reason (R): Genetic modification and breeding techniques can
increase the concentration of essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals in
food crops.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct
explanation of A.
Explanation: Genetic modification and breeding programs aim to
enhance the nutritional content of crops, helping to combat malnutrition, such
as increasing vitamin A or iron levels in staple foods.
Assertion (A): Agricultural biotechnology has the potential to
reduce post-harvest losses.
Reason (R): Biotechnological techniques can develop crops with
longer shelf life and resistance to pests, reducing losses after harvest.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct
explanation of A.
Explanation: Crops modified through biotechnology can have
enhanced shelf life, resistance to spoilage, and fewer losses during storage and
transportation.
Assertion (A): Insect-resistant crops reduce the need for
chemical pesticides.
Reason (R): These crops are genetically engineered to produce
proteins that are toxic to specific insect pests, reducing the need for external
chemical inputs.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct
explanation of A.
Explanation: Insect-resistant genetically modified crops, such
as Bt cotton, produce their own pest-repelling proteins, reducing the need for
chemical pesticides.
Assertion (A): Agroforestry integrates trees with crops or
livestock.
Reason (R): Agroforestry systems combine the benefits of trees
with agricultural production, improving biodiversity, soil fertility, and
overall sustainability.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct
explanation of A.
Explanation: Agroforestry combines trees with crops or
livestock to improve land use efficiency, enhance soil health, and promote
biodiversity, contributing to sustainable agriculture.
Assertion (A): Integrated pest management (IPM) reduces the
reliance on chemical pesticides.
Reason (R): IPM combines biological, cultural, and mechanical
methods of pest control to reduce pest populations and minimize pesticide use.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct
explanation of A.
Explanation: Integrated pest management (IPM) incorporates
various non-chemical pest control methods, thereby reducing the dependency on
chemical pesticides and promoting sustainable farming practices.