Class 12 Rural Development Mock Test (CBSE)

Topics in Rural Development

• What is rural development
• Credit and marketing in rural areas
• Rural banking: a critical appraisal
• Agricultural market system
• Diversification into productive activities
• Animal husbandry
• Fisheries
• Horticulture
• Sustainable development and organic farming

Rural Development practice questions with answers

1. Q1Multiple choice·1 mark
   Which of the following best describes the primary advantage of organic farming in the context of sustainable rural development?

   1. (a)It gives much higher crop yields than chemical farming from the very first season.
   2. (b)It needs much less farm labour than chemical farming, saving farmers time and wages.
   3. (c)It gives produce a longer shelf life, so crops can be stored and sold much later.
   4. (d)It improves soil health and ecological balance without synthetic chemicals.
   Show answer and step marks

   1. Correct option: (d) It improves soil health and ecological balance without synthetic chemicals.+1

   Answer: (d)
2. Q2Multiple choice·1 mark
   Which of the following agricultural sectors has emerged as a vital source of livelihood and economic diversification in rural India, with the country securing a leading global position in the production of fruits and vegetables?

   1. (a)Sericulture
   2. (b)Fisheries
   3. (c)Horticulture
   4. (d)Animal husbandry
   Show answer and step marks

   1. Correct option: (c) Horticulture+1

   Answer: (c)
3. Q3Short answer·2 marks
   Define rural development and state any two key areas or issues that require urgent attention for the development of rural India.
   Show answer and step marks

   1. Definition: rural development is a comprehensive plan of action for the social and economic development of rural areas that lag behind in overall socio-economic development.+1
   2. First area, any one of: development of human resources (literacy, especially female literacy, education and skill development); health, including sanitation and public health; land reforms; development of the productive resources of each locality; infrastructure development (electricity, irrigation, credit, marketing, transport and village roads, agricultural research and extension); special measures for alleviating poverty and improving the living conditions of the weaker sections, with access to productive employment; or any other valid area.+0.5
   3. Second area, a different one from the same list.+0.5

   Answer: Rural development is a comprehensive plan of action for the socio-economic development of rural areas that lag behind. Any two areas of: development of human resources (literacy, education, skills); health and sanitation; land reforms; development of the productive resources of each locality; infrastructure (electricity, irrigation, credit, marketing, transport); poverty alleviation and better living conditions for the weaker sections.
4. Q4Short answer·2 marks
   Define rural development. State any two core areas that require fresh initiatives for the development of rural areas in India.
   Show answer and step marks

   1. Definition: rural development is a comprehensive plan of action for the social and economic upliftment of rural areas that lag behind in overall socio-economic development.+1
   2. First core area, any one of: development of human resources (literacy, especially female literacy, education and skill development); health, including sanitation and public health; land reforms; development of the productive resources of each locality; infrastructure development (electricity, irrigation, credit, marketing, transport and village roads, agricultural research and extension); special measures for alleviating poverty and improving the living conditions of the weaker sections, with access to productive employment; or any other valid area.+0.5
   3. Second core area, a different one from the same list.+0.5

   Answer: Rural development is a comprehensive plan of action for the socio-economic development of rural areas that lag behind. Any two core areas of: development of human resources (literacy, education, skills); health and sanitation; land reforms; development of the productive resources of each locality; infrastructure (electricity, irrigation, credit, marketing, transport); poverty alleviation and better living conditions for the weaker sections.
5. Q5Short answer·3 marks
   Explain any three measures adopted by the government to improve the agricultural marketing system in India.
   Show answer and step marks

   1. First measure explained, any one of: regulation of markets, creating orderly and transparent marketing conditions so farmers get fair prices; physical infrastructure such as roads, railways, warehouses, godowns, cold storage and processing units, which prevents distress sale; cooperative marketing societies, which help farmers realise fair prices for their produce; policy instruments such as Minimum Support Price for agricultural products, buffer stocks of wheat and rice kept by the FCI, and distribution of food grains and sugar through the PDS; or any other valid government measure (e.g. alternative channels such as Rythu Bazars or the e-NAM online market).+1
   2. Second measure explained, a different one from the same list.+1
   3. Third measure explained, a different one from the first two.+1

   Answer: Any three of: regulated markets (orderly, transparent conditions); physical infrastructure such as roads, warehouses, godowns and cold storage (prevents distress sale); cooperative marketing (fair prices); policy instruments such as MSP, FCI buffer stocks and the PDS.

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