Explanation

• Cropping patterns describe how crops are arranged and grown over time on the same land.
• Some systems allow two crops to overlap in the same field.
• When the second crop is sown before the first is harvested, it is called relay cropping.

Last verified on 11-02-2026

Explanation

Heterosis

• Definition: Enhanced vigor, growth, or yield in a hybrid compared to the average of its parents
• Also Called: Hybrid vigor
• Common in: Maize, rice, cotton, and other crops
• Purpose: Increases productivity, disease resistance, and stress tolerance
• Mechanism: Due to complementation of favorable alleles from both parents

Last verified on 05-02-2026

Explanation

• The official estimate for 2006–07 sugarcane production was 54.8 million tons.
• It showed recovery due to better area under cultivation and improved yield.

Additional information:

• Wheat → ~23–24 million tons
• Rice → ~5.4–5.6 million tons
• Cotton → ~12–13 million bales
• Maize → ~3 million tons

Last verified on 11-02-2026

Explanation

• In FY 2006–07, ACAC (chaired by the SBP Governor) approved Rs. 160 billion target.

Additional information:

• 2005–06 target → Rs. 130 billion
• Increase → 23%

Last verified on 11-02-2026

Explanation

• Pakistan’s forests are classified into commercial (production) and protection forests.
• Total forest cover is low, estimated between 2% and 5.7% of the country’s area.
• Around one-third (33%) of forest area is commercial, managed for timber and other products.

Last verified on 11-02-2026

Explanation

• The share of livestock in agricultural growth almost doubled in 10 years from 25.3% in 1996 to 49.6% in 2006.
• Growth was driven by dairy, poultry, and meat production improvements.
• Livestock is now a major contributor to Pakistan’s GDP.

Last verified on 11-02-2026

Explanation

• Soil structure refers to the arrangement of soil particles into aggregates.
• Adding organic matter (compost, manure) improves porosity, aeration, and water retention.
• Chemical fertilizers mainly provide nutrients, not structure.
• Gypsum improves sodic soils but not general structure.
• Healthy soil structure promotes root growth and crop yield.

Last verified on 07-02-2026

Explanation

• Cross-pollinated crops rely on genetic diversity for vigor.
• Continuous selfing causes inbreeding depression, reducing yield and vitality.
• Traits become homozygous, but plants perform poorly.
• Examples: maize, sunflower, and sorghum show reduced growth with selfing.
• Selfing in cross-pollinated crops is generally avoided in breeding programs.

Last verified on 07-02-2026

Explanation

• Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) is a crop grown for its oil-rich seeds.
• The oil is used in cooking, cosmetics, and industrial applications.
• It is a drought-tolerant crop, suitable for arid regions.
• Flowers can be yellow, orange, or red, but mainly for oil production.

Last verified on 07-02-2026

Explanation

• Inbred lines are developed by repeated selfing and selection in cross-pollinated crops.
• This produces homozygous lines with stable traits.
• Used in hybrid seed production for crops like maize, sunflower, and sorghum.
• Inbred lines increase uniformity and yield potential in hybrids.
• They are genetically pure lines.

Last verified on 07-02-2026