Crop Production and Management – MCQs with Answers and Explanations
Class 8
Science
Chapter 1
Crop Production and Management — 50 Topic-wise MCQs with Answers & Explanations
CBSE Class 8 Science – Chapter Wise Study Materials Based on NCERT
CBSE Board Examinations — Chapter Presentation (Systematic):
- Unit Focus: Key concepts of agriculture — cropping seasons, soil, manure, irrigation, pest control, harvesting and storage.
- Question Style: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with clear solutions and concept-clearing explanations.
- Instructions: These MCQs are strictly NCERT-aligned for CBSE Class 8 board exam standard.
Note: No countdown timer is included. Use these MCQs for quizzes, self-assessment and classroom tests.
Topic 1: Basics & Crop Types (Questions 1–8)
Q1. Which of the following is a kharif crop?
A. Wheat
B. Gram
C. Rice (Paddy)
D. Barley
Answer: C. Rice (Paddy)
Explanation: Kharif crops are sown with the onset of monsoon and require more water. Rice (paddy) is a typical kharif crop; wheat and gram are rabi crops.
Q2. A crop grown primarily for sale and profit is called:
A. Staple crop
B. Cash crop
C. Subsistence crop
D. Fodder crop
Answer: B. Cash crop
Explanation: Cash crops like cotton and sugarcane are grown mainly for sale and income, unlike staple crops grown for local food needs.
Q3. Which practice involves growing two or more crops simultaneously on the same field?
A. Multiple cropping
B. Mixed cropping
C. Monoculture
D. Crop rotation
Answer: B. Mixed cropping
Explanation: Mixed cropping grows different crops at the same time on the same land; multiple cropping is growing crops in sequence in a year.
Q4. Which of these is a rabi crop?
A. Maize
B. Paddy
C. Wheat
D. Soybean
Answer: C. Wheat
Explanation: Wheat is sown in winter (rabi season) and harvested in spring. Maize and soybean are usually kharif crops in many regions.
Q5. Which term best describes the seasonal pattern: sowing in June–July and harvesting in October–November?
A. Rabi season
B. Kharif season
C. Zaid season
D. Winter cropping
Answer: B. Kharif season
Explanation: Kharif season aligns with monsoon months (June–September); crops sown then are harvested in autumn.
Q6. A staple crop grown widely for daily food in many parts of India is:
A. Cotton
B. Rice
C. Jute
D. Tea
Answer: B. Rice
Explanation: Rice is a staple food crop consumed widely. Cotton and jute are fibre crops; tea is a beverage crop.
Q7. Which of the following pairs is an example of mixed cropping?
A. Wheat followed by gram
B. Maize and beans grown together
C. Rice alone
D. Sugarcane monocrop
Answer: B. Maize and beans grown together
Explanation: Maize and beans grown simultaneously is mixed cropping; option A is multiple cropping (sequential).
Q8. Multiple cropping mainly aims to:
A. Reduce soil fertility
B. Increase land productivity
C. Encourage monoculture
D. Decrease biodiversity
Answer: B. Increase land productivity
Explanation: Multiple cropping uses the same land for more than one crop in a year, increasing total productivity.
Topic 2: Soil, Manure & Fertilizers (Questions 9–18)
Q9. Topsoil is considered most fertile because it contains:
A. Pure sand
B. High organic matter and microbes
C. Rocks and pebbles
D. Only water
Answer: B. High organic matter and microbes
Explanation: Topsoil contains humus and a high microbial population, which provides nutrients and supports plant growth.
Q10. Which of the following is organic manure?
A. Urea
B. Farmyard manure (FYM)
C. Single superphosphate
D. Potash
Answer: B. Farmyard manure (FYM)
Explanation: FYM is decomposed organic waste; urea and potash are chemical fertilizers.
Q11. Chemical fertilizers are primarily used to:
A. Improve soil texture only
B. Provide specific nutrients quickly
C. Increase earthworm population
D. Replace water
Answer: B. Provide specific nutrients quickly
Explanation: Fertilizers like NPK supply targeted nutrients to meet immediate crop demands; they don't significantly improve soil structure like organic manure.
Q12. Which practice helps in preventing soil erosion on slopes?
A. Terracing
B. Over-irrigation
C. Removing vegetation
D. Using more pesticides
Answer: A. Terracing
Explanation: Terracing reduces runoff speed and prevents topsoil loss; removing vegetation worsens erosion.
Q13. Vermicompost is produced by:
A. Chemical reaction
B. Earthworms decomposing organic waste
C. Burning crop residue
D. Adding fertiliser to soil
Answer: B. Earthworms decomposing organic waste
Explanation: Earthworms break down organic matter into nutrient-rich vermicompost, improving soil fertility.
Q14. Which nutrient is mainly supplied by urea?
A. Phosphorus
B. Nitrogen
C. Potassium
D. Calcium
Answer: B. Nitrogen
Explanation: Urea is a nitrogenous fertiliser used to promote vegetative growth (leaf development).
Q15. Excessive use of chemical fertilisers can cause:
A. Improved soil texture always
B. Water and soil pollution
C. Increase in earthworms
D. Decrease in crop yield immediately
Answer: B. Water and soil pollution
Explanation: Runoff and leaching of excess fertilisers can contaminate water bodies leading to eutrophication and degrade soil health over time.
Q16. Which of the following improves both soil fertility and structure over time?
A. Chemical fertiliser only
B. Organic manure
C. Pesticide
D. Inorganic salts
Answer: B. Organic manure
Explanation: Organic manures add humus and beneficial microbes, improving soil texture, aeration and water retention while supplying nutrients.
Q17. Which method helps farmers decide the correct type and amount of fertiliser to apply?
A. Guesswork
B. Soil testing
C. Watching the weather only
D. Using same dose every year
Answer: B. Soil testing
Explanation: Soil tests reveal nutrient levels and pH to guide accurate, site-specific fertiliser application, reducing waste and environmental harm.
Q18. Which of the following is NOT a component of healthy soil?
A. Organic matter
B. Microorganisms
C. Solid rock layer at the surface
D. Water and air in pores
Answer: C. Solid rock layer at the surface
Explanation: A solid rock layer on the surface prevents root growth and is not part of fertile topsoil; soil should be loose with pores for air and water.
Topic 3: Steps in Crop Production (Questions 19–30)
Q19. Which activity is done to loosen the soil before sowing?
A. Sowing
B. Ploughing
C. Threshing
D. Winnowing
Answer: B. Ploughing
Explanation: Ploughing turns and loosens soil, incorporates organic matter and prepares seedbed for sowing.
Q20. Levelling a field primarily helps to:
A. Increase pest attack
B. Ensure uniform distribution of water
C. Reduce seed quality
D. Promote erosion
Answer: B. Ensure uniform distribution of water
Explanation: Levelling creates a smooth surface, leading to even irrigation and crop emergence.
Q21. Seed drill is used for:
A. Harvesting crops
B. Weed removal
C. Sowing seeds at uniform depth and spacing
D. Drying grains
Answer: C. Sowing seeds at uniform depth and spacing
Explanation: Seed drills place seeds evenly, improving germination and reducing seed wastage.
Q22. Which step separates grains from stalks after harvesting?
A. Sowing
B. Threshing
C. Winnowing
D. Irrigation
Answer: B. Threshing
Explanation: Threshing detaches grains from the plant; winnowing follows to remove chaff.
Q23. Winnowing helps to:
A. Sow seeds
B. Remove chaff from grains using wind
C. Increase soil fertility
D. Water the crops
Answer: B. Remove chaff from grains using wind
Explanation: Winnowing separates lighter chaff from heavier grains by allowing wind to blow away the lighter particles.
Q24. Which of the following is NOT part of crop production sequence?
A. Sowing
B. IV drip creation
C. Harvesting
D. Storage
Answer: B. IV drip creation
Explanation: 'IV drip creation' is unrelated; irrigation methods like drip are used but not an 'IV drip creation' in crop production sequence.
Q25. Why is seed treatment done before sowing?
A. To change seed colour
B. To protect seeds from diseases and pests
C. To make seeds larger
D. To increase soil pH
Answer: B. To protect seeds from diseases and pests
Explanation: Seed treatment with fungicides or bioagents prevents seed-borne and soil-borne infections, improving germination.
Q26. A combine harvester performs which of the following functions?
A. Ploughing only
B. Threshing only
C. Cutting, threshing and cleaning in one operation
D. Seed drilling
Answer: C. Cutting, threshing and cleaning in one operation
Explanation: Combine harvesters mechanize multiple steps, increasing efficiency and reducing labour.
Q27. Which practice reduces seed wastage and ensures uniform plant population?
A. Broadcasting
B. Seed drilling
C. Random sowing
D. None of the above
Answer: B. Seed drilling
Explanation: Seed drills place seeds at the right depth and spacing improving germination and reducing wastage.
Q28. The process of removing weeds from the field is called:
A. Irrigation
B. Harvesting
C. Weeding
D. Threshing
Answer: C. Weeding
Explanation: Weeding prevents competition for nutrients and water between crops and unwanted plants.
Q29. Which step immediately follows harvesting in post-harvest processing?
A. Sowing
B. Threshing
C. Ploughing
D. Irrigation
Answer: B. Threshing
Explanation: After harvesting, crops are threshed to separate grains from stalks, followed by winnowing and drying for storage.
Q30. A farmer wants to reduce soil compaction and improve aeration; which practice helps most?
A. Continuous trampling
B. Ploughing and adding organic matter
C. Flooding the field
D. Burning the field
Answer: B. Ploughing and adding organic matter
Explanation: Ploughing loosens soil; organic matter increases porosity and supports microbial life improving aeration.
Topic 4: Irrigation & Water Management (Questions 31–38)
Q31. Which irrigation method is best for water conservation?
A. Flood irrigation
B. Drip irrigation
C. Canal irrigation
D. Sprinkler irrigation
Answer: B. Drip irrigation
Explanation: Drip irrigation applies water directly to the root zone, minimising evaporation and saving water compared to surface methods.
Q32. Sprinkler irrigation is most suitable for:
A. Rice paddy fields requiring standing water
B. Uneven terrain and orchards
C. Only deserts
D. Underwater crops
Answer: B. Uneven terrain and orchards
Explanation: Sprinklers distribute water uniformly over uneven land and are suitable for orchards and fields where standing water is not required.
Q33. Rainwater harvesting on farms helps to:
A. Increase runoff only
B. Store water for supplemental irrigation and recharge groundwater
C. Pollute rivers
D. Replace soil
Answer: B. Store water for supplemental irrigation and recharge groundwater
Explanation: Techniques like farm ponds and check dams capture rainwater for later use and groundwater recharge.
Q34. Over-irrigation may cause which of the following problems?
A. Waterlogging and salinization
B. Increased aeration
C. Reduced evaporation only
D. Stronger plant roots always
Answer: A. Waterlogging and salinization
Explanation: Excess water raises water table causing waterlogging; evaporation can concentrate salts leading to salinization harmful to crops.
Q35. Which practice increases water-use efficiency in fields?
A. Flooding the entire field daily
B. Scheduling irrigation based on crop needs
C. Watering regardless of crop stage
D. Ignoring soil moisture
Answer: B. Scheduling irrigation based on crop needs
Explanation: Timely irrigation matching crop water requirements saves water and improves yields compared to indiscriminate watering.
Q36. Which of these is a traditional water source for irrigation?
A. Tube well
B. Canals
C. Drip lines
D. Sprinkler heads
Answer: B. Canals
Explanation: Canals distributing river water are traditional; tube wells are more modern groundwater extraction methods.
Q37. Mulching primarily helps in:
A. Increasing evaporation
B. Reducing soil moisture loss
C. Removing soil nutrients
D. Killing earthworms
Answer: B. Reducing soil moisture loss
Explanation: Mulch cover reduces evaporation, conserves moisture, suppresses weeds and adds organic matter if biodegradable.
Q38. Which irrigation technique allows combining fertiliser application with water?
A. Flooding
B. Drip irrigation (fertigation)
C. Manual watering
D. None of the above
Answer: B. Drip irrigation (fertigation)
Explanation: Fertigation via drip systems delivers nutrients directly to the root zone efficiently, reducing wastage.
Topic 5: Pest Management (Questions 39–44)
Q39. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) includes all EXCEPT:
A. Biological control
B. Chemical pesticides as sole measure
C. Cultural practices
D. Monitoring and thresholds
Answer: B. Chemical pesticides as sole measure
Explanation: IPM combines various approaches; relying solely on chemical pesticides contradicts IPM principles.
Q40. Which is a biological control agent often used against caterpillars?
A. Ladybird beetles
B. Trichogramma wasps
C. Earthworms
D. Snails
Answer: B. Trichogramma wasps
Explanation: Trichogramma are egg-parasitic wasps used to parasitize caterpillar eggs; ladybirds mainly control aphids.
Q41. Which practice helps prevent pest build-up related to monoculture?
A. Continuous monocropping
B. Crop rotation
C. Removing beneficial insects
D. Increasing pesticide use
Answer: B. Crop rotation
Explanation: Rotating crops interrupts pest life cycles and lowers disease incidence linked to repetitive planting of same crop.
Q42. While using chemical pesticides, farmers should:
A. Use any quantity they prefer
B. Follow recommended doses and safety measures
C. Spray during windy conditions
D. Ignore PPE (personal protective equipment)
Answer: B. Follow recommended doses and safety measures
Explanation: Correct dosing and safety (PPE, timing) reduce harm to humans, beneficial organisms and environment.
Q43. An example of cultural pest control is:
A. Spraying broad-spectrum insecticide
B. Early sowing to avoid peak pest season
C. Releasing predatory wasps
D. Using genetically modified seeds
Answer: B. Early sowing to avoid peak pest season
Explanation: Cultural methods include sowing time adjustments, field sanitation and crop rotation to reduce pests.
Q44. Which of the following is NOT a biological control measure?
A. Introducing predators
B. Using parasitoids
C. Applying chemical fumigants indiscriminately
D. Using microbial pesticides
Answer: C. Applying chemical fumigants indiscriminately
Explanation: Biological control uses living organisms; chemical fumigants are chemical measures and can harm non-target species.
Topic 6: Harvesting, Storage & Post-harvest (Questions 45–50)
Q45. Threshing is carried out to:
A. Sow seeds
B. Separate grains from stalks
C. Irrigate the field
D. Make fertiliser
Answer: B. Separate grains from stalks
Explanation: Threshing detaches grains from the rest of the plant after harvest; it's followed by winnowing and drying.
Q46. Winnowing helps to remove:
A. Heavy stones
B. Lighter chaff from grains
C. Water from grains
D. Seeds from soil
Answer: B. Lighter chaff from grains
Explanation: Winnowing uses wind or a fan to blow away light chaff leaving heavier grains behind.
Q47. Proper drying of grains before storage prevents:
A. Increase in moisture only
B. Fungal growth and spoilage
C. Immediate germination
D. Better taste only
Answer: B. Fungal growth and spoilage
Explanation: Drying lowers moisture content, preventing fungal development and insect infestation during storage.
Q48. Storing grains in airtight containers helps to:
A. Increase insect infestation
B. Prevent moisture ingress and pest attack
C. Make grains grow larger
D. Reduce nutritional value
Answer: B. Prevent moisture ingress and pest attack
Explanation: Airtight containers limit air and moisture entry, reducing conditions favourable for pests and fungi.
Q49. Combine harvesters are preferred because they:
A. Increase manual labour
B. Perform cutting, threshing and cleaning fast
C. Are cheap for all farmers
D. Replace the need for irrigation
Answer: B. Perform cutting, threshing and cleaning fast
Explanation: Combine harvesters speed up operations and reduce post-harvest losses but can be costly; they mechanise multiple steps.
Q50. Which of the following is a simple natural method to protect stored grains from insects?
A. Mixing grains with sand
B. Adding neem leaves
C. Leaving grains wet
D. Exposing grains to rain
Answer: B. Adding neem leaves
Explanation: Neem leaves act as natural repellents; they help reduce insect attack in stored grains when used properly after drying.
Note: All MCQs are topic-wise and strictly follow NCERT chapter content, making them ideal for CBSE Class 8 revision and classroom assessment.