Introduction of IBPS AFO Mains Previous Year Question Paper 2024
If you’re preparing for the IBPS Agriculture Field Officer (AFO) exam, analyzing the IBPS AFO Mains Previous Year Question Paper 2024 is one of the smartest ways to boost your preparation. Real exam questions give you insights into the exam pattern, difficulty level, and topic-wise weightage — which no mock test can fully replicate.
In this blog, you’ll find the complete 60-question set from the 2024 AFO Mains exam, along with:
Correct answers
Detailed, easy-to-understand explanations
Clarifications of all options, not just the right one
Links to important topics for revision
Whether you’re targeting IBPS AFO 2025 or reviewing your performance, this post gives you a solid conceptual foundation and helps you focus your studies in the right direction.
IBPS AFO Mains Previous Year Question Paper 2024 with Answers and Explanations PDF Download
Q1. Which type of organism thrives in high organic substrate conditions?
(a) Autotrophs
(b) Heterotrophs
(c) Biotroph
(d) Aerobic
(e) Autochthonous
📝 Additional Information
Heterotrophs grow best where organic matter is abundant, kyunki ye organisms apna khana khud nahi bana sakte — ye organic carbon ko consume karte hain, jaise compost ya decomposed material.
Autotrophs CO₂ se apna khana banate hain, unhe organic substrate ki zarurat nahi hoti.
Biotrophs living host par depend karte hain, na ki sirf organic matter par.
Aerobic ka matlab hai oxygen ki zarurat, lekin wo organic substrate se direct link nahi rakhta.
Autochthonous microbes kam organic matter me survive karte hain — ye opposite condition hai.
So, heterotrophs clearly fit karte hain is situation me.
🐑 Q2. What is the typical oestrous cycle duration for ewes?
(a) 20 (18–24 days)
(b) 21 (20–25 days)
(c) 15 (14–18 days)
(d) 10 (6–14 days)
(e) 16 (14–19 days)
📝 Additional Information
Ewes (female sheep) ka typical oestrous cycle ~17 to 21 days ke beech hota hai, lekin average 20 days maana jata hai. Is range me hormonal changes hote hain jo ovulation ke liye responsible hote hain.
Option (a) ka range 18–24 days diya gaya hai, jo actual physiological range ke sath match karta hai.
❌ Other Options Briefly:
(b) 21 (20–25 days): Close hai, but upper limit thodi zyada hai. Clinical average 20 mana jata hai.
(c) 15 (14–18 days): Ye goats (doe) ke liye closer hota hai, not sheep.
(d) 10 (6–14 days): Ye cycle duration kisi bhi healthy farm animal ke liye too short hai.
(e) 16 (14–19 days): Again, thoda short hai ewes ke average ke comparison me.
Q3. What percentage of male plants is found in dioecious types of papaya?
(a) 10
(b) 20
(c) 15
(d) 25
(e) 30
📝 Additional Information
Dioecious papaya me male aur female plants alag-alag hote hain. Jab seed se plantation hota hai, to lagbhag 15% male plants develop hote hain, jo fruit nahi dete. Only female or hermaphrodite plants fruit bearing hote hain. Isliye nursery level pe plant sex identification zaruri hoti hai.
❌ Options Explained:
(a) 10%: Thoda low hai actual average se.
(b) 20%, (d) 25%, (e) 30%: Ye sab thoda high hai compared to standard field observation.
📘 Related Topic: Horticulture – Papaya Reproduction Types
🎯 Difficulty: Moderate – Requires factual clarity.
🌾 Q4. What is the composition of loam soil in terms of sand, silt, and clay?
(a) Equal percentage of sand, silt, and clay
(b) Equal proportion of sand, silt, and clay
(c) Equal properties of sand, silt, and clay
(d) No relation with sand, silt, and clay
(e) Dominated by sand, silt, and clay
📝 Additional Information
Loam soil ek balanced soil type hoti hai jisme approx. 40% sand, 40% silt, aur 20% clay hota hai. Isme water-holding capacity, aeration, aur fertility sab ka balance hota hai, isliye ideal soil mani jati hai crop cultivation ke liye.
❌ Options Explained:
(b): “Proportion” vague hai — correct term is “percentage”.
(c): “Properties” equal nahi hoti — sand, silt, clay alag properties rakhte hain.
(d): Loam ka base hi in tino se banta hai — so incorrect.
(e): “Dominated by all three” illogical hai — kisi ek dominant soil ko loam nahi kahenge.
📘 Related Topic: Soil Science – Soil Texture Classification
🎯 Difficulty: Easy – Basic conceptual question.
Q5. Where is the ICAR Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering located?
(a) Ranchi
(b) Kolkata
(c) Kanpur
(d) Hyderabad
(e) Bhopal
📝 Additional Information
ICAR-CIAE (Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering) ka headquarter Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh me located hai. Ye institute farm mechanization, post-harvest technology, irrigation systems etc. par R&D karta hai. Ye India me agricultural engineering field ka pioneer institute hai.
❌ Options Explained:
(a) Ranchi: ICAR-IIHR ka regional centre hai, not CIAE.
(b) Kolkata: ICAR-CIFRI (Fisheries) hai yahan.
(c) Kanpur: IIT-Kanpur aur CSAU hai, but not CIAE.
(d) Hyderabad: ICAR-NAARM aur IIMR yahan hain.
📘 Related Topic: Agricultural Research Institutes – ICAR Network
🎯 Difficulty: Easy to Moderate – Static GK but frequently asked.
Q6. For determining water requirements, the drum head culture technique is used for which crop?
(a) Wheat
(b) Rice
(c) Potato
(d) Jute/Maize
(e) Rapeseed
📝 Additional Information
Drum head culture technique rice crop ke liye specially use hoti hai to measure its actual evapotranspiration and water requirement. Is method me ek metal drum use kiya jata hai jo plant ke root zone ko simulate karta hai, aur water use precisely measure kiya jata hai.
❌ Options Explained:
Wheat, Potato, Jute, Rapeseed: In crops ke liye conventional field methods use hote hain; drum head technique rice ke liye specific hai.
📘 Related Topic: Agronomy – Water Requirement Determination
🎯 Difficulty: Moderate – Practical field knowledge based.
Q7. Which microorganism or biopesticide causes symptoms similar to caterpillar wilt on plants?
(a) Bacillus thuringiensis
(b) Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus
(c) Beauveria bassiana
(d) Bacillus sphaericus
(e) Paecilomyces lilacinus
📝 Additional Information
NPV (Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus) ek viral biopesticide hai jo mainly lepidopteran larvae (jaise Helicoverpa) ko infect karta hai. Infected larvae wilted appearance me latak jaate hain – isi liye isse “caterpillar wilt” jaisa symptom bola jata hai.
❌ Options Explained:
(a) Bt: Bacterial bioinsecticide hai, gut disrupt karta hai.
(c) Beauveria: Fungal pathogen hai, external white growth karta hai.
(d) B. sphaericus: Mosquito control ke liye use hota hai.
(e) P. lilacinus: Nematode control me use hota hai.
📘 Related Topic: Plant Protection – Biopesticides & Their Symptoms
🎯 Difficulty: Moderate
Q8. Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) are used to enhance the availability of which nutrient?
(a) Nitrogen
(b) Potassium
(c) Phosphorus
(d) Calcium
(e) Sulphur/Zinc
📝 Additional Information
Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) jaise Bacillus megaterium aur Pseudomonas striata soil me insoluble phosphates ko soluble form me convert karte hain, jisse plants usse absorb kar pate hain. Ye eco-friendly substitute hai chemical phosphatic fertilizers ka.
❌ Options Explained:
Nitrogen: Nitrogen-fixing bacteria (Rhizobium, Azotobacter) ke liye.
Potassium: K-mobilizing bacteria alag hote hain.
Calcium, Sulphur, Zinc: Specific chelators ya fungi use hote hain.
📘 Related Topic: Soil Microbiology – Biofertilizers
🎯 Difficulty: Easy – Very commonly asked.
Q9. What is the advanced stage of gully erosion where large portions of soil are transported?
(a) Sheet
(b) Rill
(c) Ravine
(d) Riverbank erosion
(e) Splash erosion
📝 Additional Information
Ravine erosion is the most severe stage of gully erosion jahan deep channels ban jaate hain due to continuous water flow, especially in black soils and badland areas. Isme large volume of topsoil wash out hota hai.
❌ Options Explained:
Sheet: Surface layer ka uniform removal.
Rill: Small channels form karte hain, early stage hota hai.
Riverbank erosion: Water body ke sides pe hota hai, na ki upland me.
Splash: Rain drop impact se surface soil hilti hai — very initial stage.
📘 Related Topic: Soil Conservation – Types of Erosion
🎯 Difficulty: Moderate – Concept-based.
Q10. What is the subvention rate for loans above ₹3 lakh and up to ₹5 lakh under the scheme during FY 2022-23?
(a) 1.5%
(b) 4%
(c) 2%
(d) 5%
(e) 3%
📝 Additional Information
As per GoI subvention scheme 2022–23, farmers taking loans between ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh get 2% interest subvention on the applicable rate. Is scheme ka maksad kisano ko affordable credit dena hai for crop production and allied activities.
❌ Options Explained:
1.5%, 3%, 4%, 5%: Other schemes ya MSME limits me aate hain, but agri term loans ke liye ₹3L–₹5L range me 2% officially notified hai.
📘 Related Topic: Agriculture Finance – Interest Subvention Schemes
🎯 Difficulty: Easy to Moderate – Static policy-based
Q11. What is the term for woodland and widely spaced trees covered by grasses in a hot climate?
(a) Mangrove forest
(b) Savannah
(c) Boreal forest
(d) Cloud forest
(e) Subtropical Forest
📝 Additional Information
Savannah is a tropical ecosystem jahan widely spaced trees aur dense grasses hoti hain, mostly in hot climates like Africa, parts of India, and Australia. Ye area drought-tolerant hota hai aur wildlife-rich hota hai.
❌ Options Explained:
Mangrove: Coastal saline forests.
Boreal: Cold, coniferous forests (Taiga region).
Cloud forest: High elevation, misty forests.
Subtropical forest: Denser vegetation than savannah, less grassy.
📘 Related Topic: Ecology – Forest Types
🎯 Difficulty: Easy
Q12. What is the fat content present in Double Tone Milk?
(a) 3%
(b) 2%
(c) 1.5%
(d) 2.5%
(e) 3.5%
📝 Additional Information
According to FSSAI standards, Double Toned Milk (DTM) contains 1.5% fat and 9% SNF (Solid Not Fat). It’s a low-fat milk suitable for people managing cholesterol or calorie intake.
❌ Options Explained:
3%, 3.5%: These are for Full Cream milk.
2%, 2.5%: Toned milk, not double toned.
📘 Related Topic: Dairy Science – Milk Classification
🎯 Difficulty: Easy – Fact-based
Q13. Muga silkworm feeds on which plants?
(a) Morus alba
(b) Terminalia arjuna
(c) Machilus bombycina
(d) Bombax ceiba
(e) Ricinus communis
📝 Additional Information
Muga silkworm (Antheraea assamensis) is native to Assam and feeds on Machilus bombycina, locally known as “Som” plant. This host plant is essential for producing the golden muga silk.
❌ Options Explained:
Morus alba: Food for Mulberry silkworm.
Terminalia arjuna: Medicinal tree, not a host.
Bombax ceiba: Timber tree.
Ricinus communis: Food for Eri silkworm.
📘 Related Topic: Sericulture – Host Plants of Silkworms
🎯 Difficulty: Moderate
🍄 Q14. Gibberellin was first isolated from which organism?
(a) Fungus
(b) Virus
(c) Bacteria
(d) Mycoplasma
(e) BGA
📝 Additional Information
Gibberellins were first discovered from the fungus Gibberella fujikuroi, which caused the “foolish seedling disease” in rice. This hormone later proved to promote stem elongation, germination, and flowering in plants.
❌ Options Explained:
Virus, Bacteria, Mycoplasma: Don’t produce plant hormones.
BGA (Blue Green Algae): Fixes nitrogen, not related to gibberellin.
📘 Related Topic: Plant Growth Regulators – Discovery & Functions
🎯 Difficulty: Easy.
Q15. The Journal of Plant Nutrition is published by?
(a) Indian Soil Science Society
(b) American Society of Agronomy
(c) Taylor and Francis Limited
(d) Oxford Academic Journal
(e) Organic Institute
📝 Additional Information
Journal of Plant Nutrition is an international peer-reviewed journal published by Taylor & Francis, covering topics like nutrient management, soil fertility, and plant-soil interactions. It’s a reputed platform for researchers globally.
❌ Options Explained:
(a): Publishes “Journal of the Indian Society of Soil Science”.
(b): Publishes Agronomy Journal.
(d): Covers broader biology and agriculture.
(e): Not an official publisher.
📘 Related Topic: Agricultural Research Publications
🎯 Difficulty: Moderate – GK based
Q16. What is the unit of crop water use efficiency?
(a) kg/ha/mm
(b) gm/ha/m
(c) Kg/hac/cm
(d) mm/kg
(e) kg/ha
📝 Additional Information
Crop Water Use Efficiency (WUE) ka matlab hota hai ki ek crop kitni yield deti hai per mm irrigation water ke use par. Iska standard unit hota hai:
👉 kg yield / ha area / mm water used = kg/ha/mm
❌ Options Explained:
(b), (c): Wrong unit combinations – not used in agronomy.
(d): mm/kg is inverse; not logical in crop terms.
(e): kg/ha is just yield; water efficiency show nahi karta.
📘 Related Topic: Agronomy – Irrigation & WUE
🎯 Difficulty: Moderate – Unit-based conceptual.
Q17. In soil, both organic and inorganic colloids suspended in water carry a charge of?
(a) Neutral
(b) Positive
(c) Negative
(d) No
(e) Optimistic
📝 Additional Information
Soil ke colloids (organic like humus aur inorganic like clay minerals) mostly negatively charged hote hain. Ye negative charge cation exchange capacity (CEC) ke liye responsible hai — jisse nutrients soil me bind hote hain.
❌ Options Explained:
(a) Neutral / (d) No: Scientific terms me incorrect.
(b) Positive: Only a few oxides (like Fe/Al) may carry +ve charge in acidic pH.
(e) Optimistic: Fun option 😄, not a scientific term.
📘 Related Topic: Soil Chemistry – Soil Colloids
🎯 Difficulty: Easy – Conceptual fact.
Q18. Arka Puneet, a variety of mango resistant to spongy tissue and producing oval-shaped fruit, is developed by crossing?
(a) Dassehari × Neelum
(b) Alphonso × Banganapalli
(c) Ratna × Alphonso
(d) Neelum × Alphonso
(e) Banganapalli × Alphonso
📝 Additional Information
Arka Puneet is a hybrid mango variety developed by IIHR, Bengaluru by crossing Neelum × Alphonso. Is variety ki khasiyat hai:
Spongy tissue resistance
Attractive golden yellow color
Good keeping quality
❌ Options Explained:
Other crosses (like Ratna, Banganapalli) give different hybrids but not Arka Puneet.
📘 Related Topic: Horticulture – Mango Varietal Development
🎯 Difficulty: Moderate – Variety memory based.
Q19. Which is a non-protein nitrogen component found in fish?
(a) TMAO
(b) Collagen
(c) Myosin
(d) Typson
(e) Acetone
📝 Additional Information
TMAO is a major non-protein nitrogenous compound in fish, jo post-mortem breakdown hone par Trimethylamine (TMA) banata hai — jisse fishy smell aata hai. TMAO helps in osmotic regulation in marine fishes.
❌ Options Explained:
Collagen, Myosin, Typson: Protein components.
Acetone: Ketone body, not specific to fish.
📘 Related Topic: Fisheries – Fish Biochemistry
🎯 Difficulty: Moderate – Specific factual question.
Upcoming agriculture exams 2025
Q20. Which type of soil contains high organic content and humus?
(a) Peat Soil
(b) Red Soil
(c) Laterite Soil
(d) Arid Soil
(e) Desert Soil
📝 Additional Information
Peat soils are dark, soft, aur highly organic soils jo waterlogged conditions me banti hain. Isme high humus aur organic carbon hota hai, mostly found in wetland areas like parts of Kerala, West Bengal.
❌ Options Explained:
Red, Laterite, Arid, Desert: Inme organic matter low hota hai due to climate and leaching.
📘 Related Topic: Soil Science – Soil Types & Properties
🎯 Difficulty: Easy
Q21. Leaf area index is measured by which instrument?
(a) Propeller meter
(b) Ceptometer
(c) Orifice meter
(d) Lux meter
(e) Air flow meter
📝 Additional Information
Leaf Area Index (LAI) batata hai ki ek ground area par kitna total leaf surface area present hai. Ceptometer isme use hota hai as it measures light interception under canopy, jisse LAI calculate kiya jata hai.
❌ Options Explained:
(a) Propeller meter: Wind speed ke liye hota hai.
(c) Orifice meter: Liquid/gas flow rate ke liye use hota hai.
(d) Lux meter: Light intensity measure karta hai, LAI nahi.
(e) Air flow meter: Air velocity ke liye, not leaf measurement.
📘 Related Topic: Agronomy – Crop Growth Measurement
🎯 Difficulty: Moderate
Q22. Lordosis disease in fish is caused by the deficiency of?
(a) Vit B12
(b) Vit C
(c) Vit B3
(d) Vit D
(e) Vit B2
📝 Additional Information
Lordosis is a skeletal deformity in fish jisme spinal bending hota hai — mostly due to Vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D helps in bone mineralization, aur iski kami se backbone deform hoti hai especially in cultured fish.
❌ Options Explained:
(a) B12: Nervous function ke liye.
(b) C: Immunity, wound healing.
(c) B3 (Niacin): Pellegra, not lordosis.
(e) B2: Skin & eye related, not skeletal.
📘 Related Topic: Fish Nutrition – Vitamin Deficiency Symptoms
🎯 Difficulty: Moderate
🧬 Q23. For the very first time Artificial Insemination in India was introduced by?
(a) Dr. Sampath Kumaran
(b) P Bhattacharya
(c) Dr. G Choudhary
(d) Elias Ivanoff
(e) G C Banerjee
📝 Additional Information
Elias Ivanoff, a Russian scientist, was the first to introduce Artificial Insemination (AI) technique in India in 1939. He was working at IVRI (Indian Veterinary Research Institute), Izatnagar during that time.
❌ Options Explained:
Others were involved in animal science, but not credited with AI’s introduction.
📘 Related Topic: Animal Reproduction – History of AI in India
🎯 Difficulty: Static GK, factual
Q24. Which of the following is the hybrid variety of apple made by crossing Red Delicious × Ambri, which is colorful and sweet in taste and has good shelf life?
(a) Sunheri
(b) Ambroyal
(c) Lal Ambri
(d) Ambrich
(e) Chaubatia Anupam
📝 Additional Information
Lal Ambri is a hybrid apple variety developed from Red Delicious × Ambri. Is variety ki khasiyat:
Bright red color
Sweet taste
Good keeping quality
Ye Kashmir region ke liye bhi suitable hoti hai.
❌ Options Explained:
(a, b, d, e): Other hybrids hain but different parentage ke saath.
📘 Related Topic: Horticulture – Apple Hybrid Varieties
🎯 Difficulty: Moderate
Q25. Pusa Jai Kisan is a variety of?
(a) Mustard
(b) Lentil
(c) Rice
(d) Wheat
(e) Maize
📝 Additional Information
Pusa Jai Kisan is a well-known mustard variety developed by IARI. Is variety me:
High oil content
Moderate resistance to diseases
Short duration crop cycle hota hai
Ye rabi season ke liye suitable hai aur widely cultivated hai across India.
❌ Options Explained:
(b–e): Is naam ki variety in crops me nahi milti.
📘 Related Topic: Oilseed Varieties – Mustard
🎯 Difficulty: Easy to Moderate – Memory-based
Q26. In which demonstration type is the method of doing something shown to farmers (like broadcasting, sowing, grafting) to explain and motivate them to adopt new techniques?
(a) Extension education
(b) Front Line demonstration
(c) Method demonstration
(d) Result demonstration
(e) Farm and Home visit
📝 Additional Information
Method demonstration ek extension teaching method hai jisme “How to do” focus hota hai. Jaise grafting, sowing, nursery raising — inka step-by-step practical demo diya jata hai taaki farmers khud seekh sakein aur adopt karein.
❌ Options Explained:
(a) Extension education: Broader term, not specific to demonstrations.
(b) FLD: Focuses on performance of new tech, not training method.
(d) Result demo: “Showing results,” not “how to do.”
(e) Farm/Home Visit: Advisory tool, not method teaching.
📘 Related Topic: Agricultural Extension – Demonstration Methods
🎯 Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Q27. Which of the following is true about the limit of the KCC (Kisan Credit Card) scheme?
(a) Scale of finance + threshold operational holding + 5% for post-harvest loss
(b) Scale of finance + threshold operational holding + 10% for family expenses
(c) Scale of finance + threshold operational holding + 10% for family expense + 5%/20% for one more expense + Crop insurance
(d) Scale of finance + Operational holding + 10% for farm asset management + 5%/20% for one more expense + Crop insurance
(e) Scale of finance for the crop × Extent of area cultivated + 10% of limit towards post-harvest + 20% of limit towards repairs and maintenance expenses of farm assets + crop insurance
📝 Additional Information
KCC Scheme Limit calculation me include hote hain:
Scale of Finance × area
10% for household expenses
5–20% for maintenance or other needs
Plus crop insurance
Iska total hota hai composite limit, not just crop loan.
❌ Options Explained:
(a, b): Partial components.
(d, e): Technically confusing and incomplete for official format.
📘 Related Topic: Agri Finance – KCC Structure & Benefits
🎯 Difficulty: Moderate to High (detailed scheme knowledge)
Q28. In Minimum Support Price (MSP), CACP considers A2+FL cost for return. What does FL indicate?
(a) Comprehensive cost of rent of own land
(b) Interest on own capital
(c) Future loss because of uncertainties
(d) Wages taken as labour for his own family members
(e) Comprehensive cost of leased land
📝 Additional Information
In A2 + FL,
A2 = Actual paid out cost
FL = Family Labour, yaani farmer ne apne family members ko jo labour me lagaya uska imputed wage
Yeh CACP ka ek cost category hai MSP calculation ke liye.
❌ Options Explained:
(a, b, e): These fall under C2 cost, not A2+FL.
(c): Not included as a standard cost.
📘 Related Topic: Agricultural Pricing – MSP Cost Concepts
🎯 Difficulty: Moderate
Q29. Vanaraja chicken variety was developed by which ICAR Directorate of Poultry Research?
(a) CARI, Izzatnagar
(b) DPR, Hyderabad
(c) KVAF, Bangalore
(d) CPBF, Mumbai
(e) CPBF, Chandigarh
📝 Additional Information
Vanaraja is a dual-purpose poultry bird (meat + egg) developed by ICAR-DPR (Directorate of Poultry Research), Hyderabad. Ye variety:
Backyard poultry ke liye suitable hai
Disease resistant
Fast growing
❌ Options Explained:
CARI: Alag poultry varieties ke liye famous hai, not Vanaraja.
CPBF & KVAF: Not involved in Vanaraja breeding.
📘 Related Topic: Animal Husbandry – Poultry Varieties
🎯 Difficulty: Easy
Q30. Laboratory testing under DPPS is approved by which autonomous body under ISO/IEC 17011?
(a) ICAR
(b) NABL laboratory certification
(c) National Horticultural Board
(d) NCIPM
(e) National Accreditation for Testing and Calibrating Laboratories
📝 Additional Information
DPPS (Draft Plant Protection Schedule) me jo lab testing hoti hai — wo ISO/IEC 17011 ke under “NABL” accredited labs se certified honi chahiye.
NABL ka full form hai: National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories
❌ Options Explained:
(a, c, d): Agricultural bodies hain but accreditation agency nahi hain.
(b): Confusing wording — correct name is (e), full form of NABL.
📘 Related Topic: Plant Protection – Legal & Lab Testing Standards
🎯 Difficulty: Moderate – GK + regulatory understanding
Q31. Which of the following inoculum, when cultured in a laboratory, can be used to increase the availability of Phosphorous in the soil?
(a) Azolla
(b) Azospirillum
(c) Azotobacter
(d) Pseudomonas striata
(e) Anabaena
📝 Additional Information
Pseudomonas striata is a type of Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB). Ye bacteria insoluble phosphorus compounds ko soluble form me convert karta hai, jo plants easily absorb kar sakte hain — jaise rock phosphate ko available banata hai.
❌ Options Explained:
Azolla & Anabaena: Nitrogen fixing biofertilizers (especially in rice).
Azospirillum, Azotobacter: Nitrogen-fixing bacteria, not phosphorus solubilizers.
📘 Related Topic: Soil Microbiology – Biofertilizers
🎯 Difficulty: Moderate
Q32. For Egg shell formation, which nutrient is essential?
(a) Ca
(b) P
(c) Mg
(d) Fe
(e) K
📝 Additional Information
Calcium is the most critical nutrient for egg shell formation in poultry. Lack of Ca can lead to thin, weak, or cracked shells. Commercial poultry diets typically include limestone or oyster shell powder to provide calcium.
❌ Options Explained:
P: Important for bones but secondary for eggshell.
Mg, Fe, K: Important for metabolism, but not for shell formation.
📘 Related Topic: Poultry Nutrition – Mineral Requirements
🎯 Difficulty: Easy – Fact-based
Q33. What is the electrical conductivity of soil in ds/m under good management and drainage practices, which gives satisfactory production?
(a) 3 to 4
(b) 0.25–0.50
(c) 0.5–2
(d) 0.75–2.25
(e) 0.10–0.25
📝 Additional Information
Soil EC (Electrical Conductivity) indicates salt concentration in soil. Under good drainage & proper management, EC between 0.5 to 2 dS/m is considered ideal for healthy crop growth. Above 4 dS/m = saline soil.
❌ Options Explained:
(a): Too high, leads to yield loss.
(b), (e): Too low; may indicate nutrient deficiency.
(d): Partially acceptable, but borderline high.
📘 Related Topic: Soil Science – Soil Salinity Management
🎯 Difficulty: Moderate
Q34. The phenomenon by which heterozygous individuals are phenotypically distinguishable from homozygous types is called?
(a) Genetic recombination
(b) Incomplete dominance
(c) Heritability
(d) Heredity
(e) Homozygous
📝 Additional Information
Incomplete dominance me heterozygous genotype ka phenotype intermediate hota hai between two homozygous types. Example: Red (RR) × White (rr) = Pink (Rr) in flowers.
❌ Options Explained:
(a): Crossing over of genes.
(c): Trait transfer rate from parent to offspring.
(d): General term for inheritance.
(e): Refers to same allele pair (RR or rr), not heterozygous.
📘 Related Topic: Genetics – Types of Inheritance
🎯 Difficulty: Moderate
Q35. Irradiation (or Gamma radiation) amount required in kGy to stop the sprouting of potato and reduce solanine production is?
(a) 0.03 kGy
(b) 0.1 kGy
(c) 0.01 kGy
(d) 0.25 kGy
(e) 0.30 kGy
📝 Additional Information
Gamma irradiation of 0.1 kGy (100 Gy) is sufficient to prevent sprouting in stored potatoes and also helps in reducing solanine (a toxic glycoalkaloid) production. This is a widely accepted post-harvest treatment.
❌ Options Explained:
(a, c): Too low to stop sprouting.
(d, e): Higher doses; may affect quality and texture.
📘 Related Topic: Post-Harvest Technology – Irradiation of Food Crops
🎯 Difficulty: High – Technical data-based
Q36. What is the germination percentage required for the hybrid seed production of tomato?
(a) 80%
(b) 85%
(c) 70%
(d) 90%
(e) 75%
📝 Additional Information
Hybrid seed production ke liye high-quality seed hona zaroori hai. Tomato ke liye, minimum 85% germination standard set kiya gaya hai under seed certification norms. Isse ensure hota hai ki crop uniform aur healthy grow kare.
❌ Options Explained:
(c), (e): Germination rate low hai, hybrid standard meet nahi karta.
(a): Close but not accepted officially.
(d): Ideal ho sakta hai, but required nahi.
📘 Related Topic: Seed Science – Seed Standards for Hybrids
🎯 Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Q37. What is the right time for harvesting Button mushrooms?
(a) Lower part gets round, and mushroom turns brown
(b) When the mushroom attains egg size
(c) When 30–35 cm head with double height of pedicle and twice the height of stem
(d) Diameter gets bigger 2–3 times than the lower stem
(e) Harvesting is done at button stage
📝 Additional Information
Button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) ko tab harvest kiya jata hai jab wo button stage par ho — yaani cap fully unopened hoti hai, and size 2.5–3.5 cm ke beech hota hai.
Is stage par shelf life bhi acchi hoti hai aur market value high hoti hai.
❌ Options Explained:
(a): Overmature stage ka sign hai.
(b), (c), (d): Size parameters inaccurate or confusing.
📘 Related Topic: Mushroom Cultivation – Harvest Timing
🎯 Difficulty: Moderate
Q38. GMO food developed using genetic engineering or having microorganisms in it is known as?
(a) Organic food
(b) Novel food
(c) Genetically modified or Engineered food
(d) Health food
(e) Conventional food
📝 Additional Information
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) ya GMO food wo hota hai jisme genes genetic engineering ke through modify kiye gaye hote hain. Iska goal hota hai better yield, pest resistance ya nutrition improvement.
❌ Options Explained:
(a) Organic: Without chemicals, GM nahi hota.
(b): Novel food ka broader meaning hota hai.
(d): Health food = nutritious; GM se direct link nahi.
(e): Conventional = traditional, non-GMO
📘 Related Topic: Biotechnology – GM Food & Crops
🎯 Difficulty: Easy
Q39. For AI (Artificial Insemination), the semen is collected and stored at -196°C using which of the following?
(a) Liquid nitrogen
(b) Burst ice
(c) Cold ice
(d) Helium nitrogen
(e) Sodium
📝 Additional Information
Artificial Insemination me semen ko long-term preserve karne ke liye use hota hai liquid nitrogen, jiska boiling point –196°C hota hai. Is temperature par sperm viability maintain rehti hai.
❌ Options Explained:
(b, c): Ice ka temperature sirf 0°C tak hota hai.
(d): Helium + Nitrogen combo nahi hota normally.
(e): Sodium is metal, not cryogenic material.
📘 Related Topic: Animal Reproduction – Semen Storage in AI
🎯 Difficulty: Easy
Q40. Who has been appointed as the convenor of the Sub-Committees (SSCs) of the District Consultative Committee (DCC) for the regulation of credits?
(a) LDO of Reserve Bank of India
(b) DDM of NABARD
(c) Lead District Manager
(d) District Collector
(e) CEO of Zilla Parishad
📝 Additional Information
Lead District Manager (LDM) ko appoint kiya gaya hai as the convenor of Sub-Committees of DCC (District Consultative Committee). Inka role hota hai:
District level par credit flow monitor karna
Bank coordination
Priority sector lending targets
❌ Options Explained:
(a, b): Advisory role hote hain, convenor nahi.
(d, e): Administrative post, banking sub-committee ka convenor nahi.
📘 Related Topic: Agri Finance – DCC & Lead Bank Scheme
🎯 Difficulty: Moderate
Q41. Marigold is used as a trap crop for which among the following?
(a) Jassids
(b) Thrips
(c) Nematode
(d) Aphid
(e) Whitefly
📝 Additional Information
Marigold (Tagetes spp.) ko trap crop ke roop me grow kiya jata hai to control root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.). Is plant ke roots me aise compounds hote hain (jise thiophenes kehte hain) jo nematodes ko attract karte hain aur unki growth ko inhibit karte hain.
❌ Options Explained:
(a, b, d, e): Ye sucking pests hain, but marigold unke liye trap crop nahi hota.
📘 Related Topic: Integrated Pest Management – Trap Cropping
🎯 Difficulty: Moderate
Q42. What is the maximum limit per borrower in the Agriculture sector under priority sector lending by banks, NBFC (other than MFIs)?
(a) ₹10 lakhs
(b) ₹15 lakhs
(c) ₹20 lakhs
(d) ₹25 lakhs
(e) ₹5 lakhs
📝 Additional Information
As per RBI guidelines, agriculture sector ke under, NBFCs (excluding MFIs) ke liye priority sector lending ka maximum limit per borrower ₹20 lakh tak hota hai.
Is limit ke under farmers loan, working capital, infrastructure ke liye apply kar sakte hain.
❌ Options Explained:
(a, e): Outdated or for different categories.
(b, d): Not officially notified for this particular cap.
📘 Related Topic: Agri Finance – Priority Sector Lending
🎯 Difficulty: High (Static + Banking awareness)
Q43. What are the symptoms of Brucellosis disease in goats?
(a) Abortion in late pregnancy
(b) Abdomen pain and Loss of appetite
(c) Abortion or delivery of immature baby calf
(d) Swollen udder and Pain in udder and yield reduction
(e) Fever, nasal discharge and coughing
📝 Additional Information
Brucellosis is a bacterial disease (caused by Brucella melitensis) which primarily affects pregnant goats. Common symptom = abortion in the last trimester of pregnancy. It is zoonotic and spreads to humans via milk/contact.
❌ Options Explained:
(b): General symptoms, not specific.
(c): Refers more to Bovine brucellosis.
(d): Mastitis symptoms.
(e): Respiratory diseases.
📘 Related Topic: Animal Diseases – Bacterial Infections in Goats
🎯 Difficulty: Moderate
Q44. Convulsions of the mammary gland and cessation of lactation and shrinkage of alveolus is termed as?
(a) Galatopoiesis
(b) Involution
(c) Galactophore
(d) Galectoxidase
(e) Lacteal
📝 Additional Information
Involution is the physiological process after lactation stops, where mammary gland shrinks, alveoli regress, and milk secretion ends. It happens naturally after weaning or forced drying-off.
❌ Options Explained:
(a): Wrong spelling (should be Galactopoiesis = milk formation).
(c): Galactophore = milk duct.
(d): Not a valid term.
(e): Lacteal = lymph vessel in small intestine.
📘 Related Topic: Animal Physiology – Lactation Phases
🎯 Difficulty: Technical
Q45. Which toxic compound is present in Cotton seed meal?
(a) Free Gossypol
(b) Marmeiosin
(c) HCN
(d) Aflatoxin
(e) Phytate
📝 Additional Information
Free Gossypol is a toxic phenolic compound found in cottonseed meal. High concentrations may cause reproductive failure and toxicity in non-ruminants (like poultry, pigs).
Ruminants tolerate it better due to microbial degradation.
❌ Options Explained:
(b): Not a known toxin.
(c) HCN: Present in sorghum, not cottonseed.
(d): Fungal toxin, mostly in groundnuts/cereals.
(e): Anti-nutrient, but not toxic like gossypol.
📘 Related Topic: Animal Nutrition – Toxins in Feed
🎯 Difficulty: Moderate to High
Q46. Mostly in Maharashtra and Karnataka, most adopted sugarcane practice is planting in October–November, and its life is 15–16 months. What is it called?
(a) Ratoon
(b) Suru
(c) Eksali
(d) Adsali
(e) Pre Seasonal
📝 Additional Information
Adsali sugarcane is sown in October–November, especially in Maharashtra and Karnataka. Iska crop duration hota hai 15–16 months, jo longer than other sugarcane types hota hai. Ye type zyada sucrose content produce karta hai.
❌ Options Explained:
(a) Ratoon: Previous crop ke leftover ratoons se grow hota hai.
(b) Suru: February–March me sown hota hai.
(c) Eksali: Single season crop (~11–12 months).
(e) Pre-seasonal: Planted just before monsoon (April–May).
📘 Related Topic: Agronomy – Sugarcane Cultivation Practices
🎯 Difficulty: Moderate
Q47. Which system is used for training in seedless grapes, which uses the advantage of the bower system but doesn’t use its disadvantages?
(a) Y trellis and Gabble
(b) Espalier
(c) Overhead and Kniffin
(d) Telephone and Kniffin
(e) Kniffin and V
📝 Additional Information
Telephone system is used in seedless grapes for better aeration, sunlight penetration, and ease of harvest. Ye system bower ke advantages ko retain karta hai but avoids its dense canopy disadvantages like disease buildup.
❌ Options Explained:
(a): Not commonly used in India.
(b): Used for ornamental purposes, not grapes.
(c, e): Kniffin suitable for temperate zones, not preferred in tropical seedless varieties.
📘 Related Topic: Horticulture – Training Systems in Grapes
🎯 Difficulty: High
Q48. The ratio of Yellow stem borer and Wolf spider (Predator) for the IPM management of Rice is?
(a) 1:5
(b) 1:10
(c) 1:15
(d) 1:20
(e) 10:1
📝 Additional Information
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) me Yellow Stem Borer (pest) and Wolf Spider (natural predator) ka economic threshold ratio hota hai 1:20. Yani, 1 stem borer per 20 spiders = no need for chemical control.
❌ Options Explained:
(a–c): Predator population kam hai; control weak hoga.
(e): Ratio ulta hai, which is incorrect.
📘 Related Topic: IPM in Rice – Biological Control Thresholds
🎯 Difficulty: Moderate to High
Q49. What is the percentage contribution of the livestock sector to the agriculture GVA in India?
(a) 30.23%
(b) 28.65%
(c) 33%
(d) 24%
(e) 25%
📝 Additional Information
According to recent government and NABARD reports, the livestock sector contributes ~25% to the Agriculture Gross Value Added (GVA). Ye income rural areas ke liye ek stable source hai, especially in dairy, poultry, and fisheries.
❌ Options Explained:
(a–c): Overestimated.
(d): Close, but not most recent accurate value.
📘 Related Topic: Agricultural Economics – Sectoral Contribution
🎯 Difficulty: Moderate
Q50. Which is the branch of meteorology in which forecast is done for crop, tillage, and animal husbandry?
(a) Synoptic meteorology
(b) Agriculture meteorology
(c) Dynamic meteorology
(d) Statistical meteorology
(e) Physical meteorology
📝 Additional Information
Agrometeorology ya Agricultural Meteorology ek branch hai jo climate data ka use karta hai to help in:
Crop scheduling
Tillage planning
Pest-disease forecasting
Animal shelter design
Forecasts include rainfall, temp, wind, humidity etc.
❌ Options Explained:
(a): Large-scale systems forecast.
(c): Study of atmospheric motion.
(d): Based on historical weather data.
(e): Focus on radiation, heat, etc.
📘 Related Topic: Agrometeorology – Applied Forecasting in Agriculture
🎯 Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Q51. The lignin and polysaccharide mixture which is left undigested in the stomach of the animal is called?
(a) Crude fibre
(b) Crude protein
(c) Prostaglandin
(d) Triglycerides
(e) Glycerol
📝 Additional Information
Crude fibre is the portion of feed that consists of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin which remains undigested in the animal stomach, especially in non-ruminants. Ye fibre help karta hai bowel movement me, but digestion nahi hota.
❌ Options Explained:
(b): Proteins; digestible part of feed.
(c): Hormone, not related to fibre.
(d), (e): Fat/lipid related.
📘 Related Topic: Animal Nutrition – Feed Composition
🎯 Difficulty: Easy
Q52. When rice seedlings are grown in nurseries, which implement is used to establish rice seedlings in puddled soil condition?
(a) Hand hoe
(b) Seed Drill
(c) Transplanter
(d) Seed cum fertilizer
(e) Planter
📝 Additional Information
Paddy transplanter is used for transplanting nursery-grown rice seedlings into puddled soil. Ye machine efficiency badhata hai, labour cost kam karta hai aur uniform spacing provide karta hai.
❌ Options Explained:
(a): Manual tool.
(b), (d), (e): Seed sowing machines; transplant ke liye nahi.
📘 Related Topic: Agronomy – Paddy Mechanization
🎯 Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Q53. Modified stems grow horizontally on or below the surface with nodes, internodes, and scars of leaves. This is called?
(a) Runner
(b) Offshoot
(c) Sucker
(d) Rhizome
(e) Tuber
📝 Additional Information
Rhizome is a modified underground stem jo horizontally grow karta hai aur nodes, internodes, and buds carry karta hai. Common examples: Ginger, Turmeric.
❌ Options Explained:
(a): Above surface stem (e.g., strawberry).
(b, c): Arise from base or root.
(e): Swollen storage organ (e.g., potato).
📘 Related Topic: Horticulture – Vegetative Propagation
🎯 Difficulty: Moderate
Q54. Which selective herbicide is commonly used for pre and post-emergence weed control in grasslike plants such as rice and maize or broadleaf crops?
(a) 2,4 D
(b) Glyphosate
(c) Atrazine
(d) Butachlor
(e) Pendimethalin
📝 Additional Information
Atrazine is a selective, systemic herbicide used mostly in maize and sorghum for broadleaf and grassy weed control. It can be used as pre- and early post-emergence.
❌ Options Explained:
(a): Used for broadleaf weeds in cereals.
(b): Non-selective herbicide.
(d, e): Butachlor for rice, Pendimethalin for broad-spectrum weeds.
📘 Related Topic: Weed Management – Herbicide Classification
🎯 Difficulty: Moderate
Q55. Fig is more susceptible to sunscald. It can be managed by?
(a) Training and girdling
(b) By some chemicals
(c) Maintaining the canopy and applying lime on exposed trunk
(d) Spray of GA₃
(e) Application of potassium
📝 Additional Information
Sunscald fig trees me tab hota hai jab trunk direct sunlight se damage ho jata hai. Isse prevent karne ke liye canopy maintain karna aur lime paint apply karna effective method hai.
❌ Options Explained:
(a): Training helps, but not direct cure.
(b): No specific chemicals work.
(d, e): Not related to sunscald control.
📘 Related Topic: Horticulture – Physiological Disorders
🎯 Difficulty: Moderate
Q56. What is the role of the elements like Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Mo other than K, Ca, and Mg in plants?
(a) Energy exchange, transfer, and bonding
(b) Regulators and carriers
(c) Chemical reaction activation enzymes
(d) Energy storage, carriers, and electron transfer
(e) Enzyme activation and carrier
📝 Additional Information
Micronutrients like Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Mo are mostly involved in enzyme activation, and they catalyze various biochemical reactions. Without them, plants suffer metabolic disorders.
❌ Options Explained:
(a, b, d, e): Partially correct, but not specific.
📘 Related Topic: Soil Science – Role of Micronutrients
🎯 Difficulty: High
Q57. What type of culture is used for producing triploid plants?
(a) Endosperm culture
(b) Callus culture
(c) Shoot meristem/Embryo culture
(d) Pollen culture
(e) Apical meristem
📝 Additional Information
Endosperm is triploid (3n) in nature, so endosperm culture is used in tissue culture labs to produce triploid plants, which are usually seedless and sterile, e.g., banana.
❌ Options Explained:
(b, c, d, e): For diploid/haploid culture.
📘 Related Topic: Biotechnology – Plant Tissue Culture
🎯 Difficulty: Moderate to High
Q58. It is the most notorious pest of cole crops, which almost defoliates plants by eating?
(a) Diamond back moth
(b) Leaf Webber
(c) Striped beetle
(d) Stem borer
(e) Painted bug
📝 Additional Information
Diamond back moth (Plutella xylostella) is a major pest of cole crops like cabbage, cauliflower. Larvae feed on leaves, leading to complete defoliation if not managed.
❌ Options Explained:
(b): Found in different crops.
(c): Affects cucurbits.
(d): Stalk borers, not leaf feeders.
(e): Sap suckers, not defoliators.
📘 Related Topic: Entomology – Pests of Vegetables
🎯 Difficulty: Moderate
Q59. The amount of water vapor that is present in the environment as opposed to how much water vapor it can hold in terms of percentage is called?
(a) Relative humidity
(b) Saturation water vapor pressure
(c) Vapor pressure deficit
(d) Dew point
📝 Additional Information
Relative humidity (RH) = (Actual vapor pressure / Saturation vapor pressure) × 100
Ye batata hai ki air kitni humid hai compared to its maximum capacity. Jab RH 100% hoti hai, dew formation ya rainfall ke chances badhte hain.
❌ Options Explained:
(b): Max vapor pressure.
(c): Difference between actual and saturation vapor pressure.
(d): Temp at which air gets saturated.
📘 Related Topic: Agrometeorology – Atmospheric Moisture
🎯 Difficulty: Easy
Conclusion
Going through the IBPS AFO Mains Previous Year Question Paper 2024 is more than just a revision tool — it’s a strategy to understand what matters most in the exam.
In this post, we’ve aimed to:
Make every answer meaningful through concept-based explanations
Help you understand the logic behind each option
Show you how real questions are framed to test deep knowledge
📌 Pro Tip: Bookmark this blog and revisit it during your last-month revision. Also, share it with your friends or classmates preparing for IBPS AFO.
If you want more resources like:
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Khumesh, a BSc Agriculture student and founder of AgriGramodaya.com, is on a mission to make pyqs the easiest and most accessible subject for students across India.
Having personally faced the challenge of finding clear, structured, and visual content for horticulture, he decided to build a complete one-page resource, breaking down the full syllabus into simple parts, supported by PPTs, summary notes, previous-year MCQs, and exam-oriented insights.
Every part of this subject is designed to help students from zero to advanced level, whether you’re preparing for semester exams or agriculture job exams.
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