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Free JAMB Past Question for agriculture
Q.1The Nigerian government provides incentives for small and medium-sized farms, aiming to increase local food production and reduce dependence on imports. This action directly addresses which importance of agriculture?
A) Source of foreign exchange.
B) Provision of food.
C) Source of employment.
D) Supply of industrial raw materials.
The Nigerian government provides incentives for small and medium-sized farms, aiming to increase local food production and reduce dependence on imports. This action directly addresses which importance of agriculture?
A) Source of foreign exchange.
B) Provision of food.
C) Source of employment.
D) Supply of industrial raw materials.
Correct Answer: option b
Further reading: Importance of agriculture in the Nigerian economy
Show explanation
A direct consequence of increasing local food production is the provision of food for the country's population, which is a fundamental importance of agriculture.
Q.2What is the primary role of soil fauna, such as earthworms, in maintaining soil fertility?
A) They consume excess plant nutrients.
B) They increase soil compaction.
C) They aerate the soil and decompose organic matter.
D) They primarily serve as crop pests.
What is the primary role of soil fauna, such as earthworms, in maintaining soil fertility?
A) They consume excess plant nutrients.
B) They increase soil compaction.
C) They aerate the soil and decompose organic matter.
D) They primarily serve as crop pests.
Correct Answer: option c
Further reading: Soil physical properties and organisms
Show explanation
Soil fauna like earthworms and insects are vital for soil fertility. They burrow through the soil, which improves aeration and water infiltration, and they decompose organic matter, releasing nutrients back into the soil.
Q.3What is the main difference between maintenance ration and production ration for livestock?
A) Maintenance ration is for young animals, while production ration is for adults.
B) Maintenance ration provides nutrients for essential body functions, while production ration provides for additional output like milk or eggs.
C) Maintenance ration is fed to sick animals, while production ration is for healthy ones.
D) Maintenance ration is for ruminants, while production ration is for non-ruminants.
What is the main difference between maintenance ration and production ration for livestock?
A) Maintenance ration is for young animals, while production ration is for adults.
B) Maintenance ration provides nutrients for essential body functions, while production ration provides for additional output like milk or eggs.
C) Maintenance ration is fed to sick animals, while production ration is for healthy ones.
D) Maintenance ration is for ruminants, while production ration is for non-ruminants.
Correct Answer: option b
Further reading: Feeding and nutrition of farm animals.
Show explanation
Maintenance ration provides just enough nutrients to keep an animal healthy and sustain basic body functions without any loss or gain of weight. Production ration, on the other hand, is an additional amount of feed provided to support extra productivity, such as milk, meat, or egg production.
Q.4Which of these methods is an example of a cover crop used to maintain soil fertility?
A) Planting maize between rows of cassava.
B) Planting legumes like cowpea to cover the soil.
C) Allowing the land to lie fallow for a season.
D) Applying inorganic fertilizer.
Which of these methods is an example of a cover crop used to maintain soil fertility?
A) Planting maize between rows of cassava.
B) Planting legumes like cowpea to cover the soil.
C) Allowing the land to lie fallow for a season.
D) Applying inorganic fertilizer.
Correct Answer: option b
Further reading: Methods of maintaining soil fertility.
Show explanation
Cover crops are plants, often legumes, grown to cover the soil, which helps to prevent erosion, suppress weeds, and, in the case of legumes, fix nitrogen, thereby improving soil fertility. Planting maize and cassava together is intercropping, and leaving land fallow is a different method of fertility maintenance. Inorganic fertilizer is a synthetic input.
Q.5The process of converting forage crops into silage primarily involves which method of preservation?
A) Sun-drying the crops.
B) Anaerobic fermentation.
C) Cooking and canning.
D) Chemical desiccation.
The process of converting forage crops into silage primarily involves which method of preservation?
A) Sun-drying the crops.
B) Anaerobic fermentation.
C) Cooking and canning.
D) Chemical desiccation.
Correct Answer: option b
Further reading: Post-harvest operations.
Show explanation
Silage is a method of preserving pasture and forage crops for livestock feed. The process relies on anaerobic fermentation, where beneficial bacteria produce lactic acid, which lowers the pH and preserves the crop. Hay-making, on the other hand, involves sun-drying.
Q.6The tillage practice of deep ploughing is most likely to be used for which of the following purposes?
A) Conserving soil moisture.
B) Controlling perennial weeds.
C) Reducing labor costs.
D) Minimizing soil disturbance.
The tillage practice of deep ploughing is most likely to be used for which of the following purposes?
A) Conserving soil moisture.
B) Controlling perennial weeds.
C) Reducing labor costs.
D) Minimizing soil disturbance.
Correct Answer: option b
Further reading: Tillage practices.
Show explanation
Deep ploughing is a type of soil tillage that involves turning the soil to a considerable depth. This practice is effective for burying and killing deep-rooted perennial weeds and preparing a seedbed for certain crops, though it can also lead to soil erosion.
Q.7The concept of scale of preference in agricultural economics helps a farmer to:
A) calculate the total production cost.
B) rank their needs and make choices based on their priorities.
C) determine the market price of their produce.
D) measure the elasticity of demand for their crops.
The concept of scale of preference in agricultural economics helps a farmer to:
A) calculate the total production cost.
B) rank their needs and make choices based on their priorities.
C) determine the market price of their produce.
D) measure the elasticity of demand for their crops.
Correct Answer: option b
Further reading: Principles of economics.
Show explanation
The scale of preference is an economic concept where individuals or businesses rank their wants in order of importance. A farmer uses this to make rational choices about what to produce, which resources to use, and how to allocate their limited capital.
Q.8A farmer notices a disease outbreak in his herd. He suspects the disease is caused by a protozoan. What would be an appropriate control measure?
A) Administering antibiotics.
B) Administering an antiviral vaccine.
C) Applying deworming medication.
D) Administering an antiprotozoal drug.
A farmer notices a disease outbreak in his herd. He suspects the disease is caused by a protozoan. What would be an appropriate control measure?
A) Administering antibiotics.
B) Administering an antiviral vaccine.
C) Applying deworming medication.
D) Administering an antiprotozoal drug.
Correct Answer: option d
Further reading: Disease prevention and control.
Show explanation
Different types of pathogens require specific treatments. Protozoal diseases, like coccidiosis, are controlled by antiprotozoal drugs, not antibiotics (for bacteria), vaccines (for viruses), or dewormers (for parasites).
Q.9A farmer wants to test the effectiveness of a new fertilizer on his yam crop. Which of the following is an essential basic concept in planning this agricultural experiment?
A) Ignoring the weather forecast.
B) Using a control group that does not receive the fertilizer.
C) Applying the fertilizer at a random rate.
D) Harvesting the crop prematurely.
A farmer wants to test the effectiveness of a new fertilizer on his yam crop. Which of the following is an essential basic concept in planning this agricultural experiment?
A) Ignoring the weather forecast.
B) Using a control group that does not receive the fertilizer.
C) Applying the fertilizer at a random rate.
D) Harvesting the crop prematurely.
Correct Answer: option b
Further reading: Agricultural experimentation.
Show explanation
A control group is a fundamental concept in agricultural experiments. It provides a baseline for comparison, allowing the farmer to accurately assess the effect of the new fertilizer by comparing the results to a group of yams that received no fertilizer.
Q.10Which of the following terms describes the act of a female goat giving birth?
A) Calving.
B) Farrowing.
C) Kidding.
D) Lambing.
Which of the following terms describes the act of a female goat giving birth?
A) Calving.
B) Farrowing.
C) Kidding.
D) Lambing.
Correct Answer: option c
Further reading: Terminologies in animal production.
Show explanation
The term kidding is specifically used to describe the act of a goat giving birth. Calving is for cattle, farrowing is for pigs, and lambing is for sheep.
Q.11What is the primary reason for conducting a quarantine program in animal improvement?
A) To separate animals based on their breed.
B) To provide a controlled environment for inbreeding.
C) To prevent the spread of diseases from newly introduced animals.
D) To cross-breed different species.
What is the primary reason for conducting a quarantine program in animal improvement?
A) To separate animals based on their breed.
B) To provide a controlled environment for inbreeding.
C) To prevent the spread of diseases from newly introduced animals.
D) To cross-breed different species.
Correct Answer: option c
Further reading: Animal improvement.
Show explanation
Quarantine is a method of animal improvement that is crucial for preventing the introduction and spread of diseases. Newly introduced animals are isolated for a period to ensure they are healthy before they are integrated into the existing herd.
Q.12Which of the following is an example of a mass media extension method?
A) A field demonstration plot.
B) A one-on-one visit by an extension agent.
C) A radio broadcast on new farming techniques.
D) A farmers' cooperative meeting.
Which of the following is an example of a mass media extension method?
A) A field demonstration plot.
B) A one-on-one visit by an extension agent.
C) A radio broadcast on new farming techniques.
D) A farmers' cooperative meeting.
Correct Answer: option c
Further reading: Agricultural extension methods.
Show explanation
Mass media extension methods, such as a radio broadcast, reach a large audience simultaneously. This is different from group methods like cooperative meetings or individual methods like one-on-one visits
Q.13Which of the following best describes the practice of rotational cropping?
A) Growing the same crop on the same plot year after year.
B) Growing different crops on the same plot in a planned sequence.
C) Growing multiple crops at the same time on the same plot.
D) Growing a mixture of crops without a specific pattern.
Which of the following best describes the practice of rotational cropping?
A) Growing the same crop on the same plot year after year.
B) Growing different crops on the same plot in a planned sequence.
C) Growing multiple crops at the same time on the same plot.
D) Growing a mixture of crops without a specific pattern.
Correct Answer: option b
Further reading: Cropping systems.
Show explanation
Rotational cropping involves the systematic and planned sequence of growing different crops on the same piece of land. This practice helps to manage pests and diseases, and it improves soil fertility.
Q.14Which of the following is an advantage of agricultural mechanization?
A) It requires less capital investment.
B) It reduces the need for skilled labor.
C) It increases the speed and efficiency of farm operations.
D) It is less susceptible to breakdown.
Which of the following is an advantage of agricultural mechanization?
A) It requires less capital investment.
B) It reduces the need for skilled labor.
C) It increases the speed and efficiency of farm operations.
D) It is less susceptible to breakdown.
Correct Answer: option c
Further reading: Agricultural mechanization
Show explanation
The use of farm machinery, or mechanization, significantly increases the speed and efficiency of agricultural operations, such as plowing, planting, and harvesting. This allows for the cultivation of larger areas and a reduction in labor-intensive tasks.
Q.15A farmer wants to prevent the spread of parasites in his poultry farm. What method, according to the syllabus, is a key preventative measure?
A) Dipping.
B) Spraying.
C) Deworming.
D) Sanitation.
A farmer wants to prevent the spread of parasites in his poultry farm. What method, according to the syllabus, is a key preventative measure?
A) Dipping.
B) Spraying.
C) Deworming.
D) Sanitation.
Correct Answer: option d
Further reading: Livestock health and disease prevention.
Show explanation
While dipping, spraying, and deworming are used for control, sanitation is the fundamental preventative measure against the spread of diseases and parasites. Proper sanitation breaks the life cycle of many pathogens and parasites.
Q.16Which of the following agricultural systems is characterized by farmers moving to a new plot of land after the soil fertility of the current plot is exhausted?
A) Intensive cultivation.
B) Crop rotation.
C) Shifting cultivation.
D) Permanent cultivation.
Which of the following agricultural systems is characterized by farmers moving to a new plot of land after the soil fertility of the current plot is exhausted?
A) Intensive cultivation.
B) Crop rotation.
C) Shifting cultivation.
D) Permanent cultivation.
Correct Answer: option c
Further reading: Systems of agriculture.
Show explanation
Shifting cultivation is an agricultural system where farmers clear a piece of land for farming and then move to a new area once the soil's fertility declines. This allows the previous plot to undergo natural regeneration. Crop rotation and permanent cultivation involve farming on the same land, while intensive cultivation maximizes output on a fixed area.
Q.17Which of the following is a common symptom of malnutrition in farm animals?
A) Increased milk production.
B) Faster growth rate.
C) Stunted growth or wasting.
D) Increased resistance to diseases.
Which of the following is a common symptom of malnutrition in farm animals?
A) Increased milk production.
B) Faster growth rate.
C) Stunted growth or wasting.
D) Increased resistance to diseases.
Correct Answer: option c
Further reading: Animal health.
Show explanation
Malnutrition, caused by a lack of essential nutrients, can lead to various negative effects on farm animals. A key symptom is stunted growth and wasting, as the animal's body lacks the necessary building blocks for proper development.
Q.18The establishment of a game reserve is primarily for what purpose?
A) To domesticate all wild animals.
B) To protect and conserve wildlife habitats and species.
C) To provide a space for hunting.
D) To convert wild animals into farm animals.
The establishment of a game reserve is primarily for what purpose?
A) To domesticate all wild animals.
B) To protect and conserve wildlife habitats and species.
C) To provide a space for hunting.
D) To convert wild animals into farm animals.
Correct Answer: option b
Further reading: Wildlife and apiculture.
Show explanation
Game reserves are established for the crucial purpose of conserving and protecting wildlife habitats and the animal species within them.
Q.19Which of the following is a biotic factor that affects agricultural production?
A) Rainfall.
B) Sunlight.
C) Pests.
D) Temperature.
Which of the following is a biotic factor that affects agricultural production?
A) Rainfall.
B) Sunlight.
C) Pests.
D) Temperature.
Correct Answer: option c
Further reading: Ecological factors.
Show explanation
Biotic factors are living or once-living components of an ecosystem that affect agricultural production. Pests, diseases, and beneficial organisms are all examples of biotic factors, while rainfall, sunlight, and temperature are abiotic (non-living) factors.
Q.20A persistent problem in agricultural development in Nigeria is the lack of capital for farmers. Which of the following is a direct consequence of this problem?
A) Increased use of modern technology.
B) High cost of labor.
C) Low adoption of improved farming practices.
D) Low demand for agricultural products.
A persistent problem in agricultural development in Nigeria is the lack of capital for farmers. Which of the following is a direct consequence of this problem?
A) Increased use of modern technology.
B) High cost of labor.
C) Low adoption of improved farming practices.
D) Low demand for agricultural products.
Correct Answer: option c
Further reading: Problems of agricultural development in West Africa.
Show explanation
When farmers lack capital, they are unable to afford essential inputs like improved seeds, fertilizers, and machinery, which leads to a low adoption of improved farming practices and, consequently, lower yields