CBSE Class 12 Question Paper 2026 Solution Agriculture

FOR CBSE CLASS 12 EXAM PREPARATION

CBSE Class 12 2026
Question Paper
Solution · Agriculture
EXAM YEAR TYPE SUBJECT

CBSE Class 12 2026 Question Paper Solution Agriculture

Notes · Sample Papers · Previous Year Papers · Mock Tests

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Marking Scheme
Strictly Confidential
(For Internal and Restricted use only)
Senior Secondary School Examination,2026 (XIIth)
SUBJECT NAME: - AGRICULTURE (Q.P. CODE: 332)

General Instructions: -
1 The CBSE has decided to introduce On Screen Marking (OSM) for the evaluation of
Class XII answer Book with the 2026 Examination.
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2 You are aware that evaluation is the most important process in the actual and

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correct assessment of the candidates. A small mistake in evaluation may lead to . co
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serious problems which may affect the future of the candidates, education system
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and teaching profession. To avoid mistakes, it is requested that before starting
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evaluation, you must read and understand the spot evaluation guidelines carefully.
policy is a confidential policy as it is related to the confidentialitya
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3
g“Evaluation
a Its leakage to publicconducted,
of evaluation done and several other aspects.
in any manner could lead to derailment of the
examination system and affect the life and future of millions of candidates.
Sharing this policy/document to anyone, publishing in any magazine and
printing in Newspaper/Website, etc. may invite action under various rules of
the Board and IPC.”
4 Evaluation is to be done as per instructions provided in the Marking Scheme. It
should not be done according to one’s own interpretation or any other
consideration. Marking Scheme should be strictly adhered to and religiously
followed. However, while evaluating, answers which are based on latest
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information or knowledge and/or are innovative, they may be assessed for
their correctness otherwise and due marks be awarded to them. In Class-XII,

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while evaluating two competency-based questions, please try to understand

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given answer and even if reply is not from marking scheme but correct
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competency is enumerated by the candidate, due marks should be awarded.
5 The Marking scheme carries only suggested value points for the answers.
These are in the nature of Guidelines only and do not constitute the complete
answer. The students can have their own expression and if the expression is
correct, the due marks should be awarded accordingly.
6 The Head-Examiner must go through the first five answer books evaluated by each
evaluator on the first day, to ensure that evaluation has been carried out as per the
instructions given in the Marking Scheme. If there is any variation, the same should
be zero after deliberation and discussion. The remaining answer books meant for
evaluation shall be given only after ensuring that there is no significant variation in
the marking of individual evaluators.
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7 Evaluators will mark( √ ) wherever answer is correct. For wrong answer CROSS ‘X’
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be marked. Evaluators will not put right (✓) while evaluating which gives an
impression that answer is correct and no marks are awarded. This is most
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If a question has parts, please award marks on the right-hand side for each part in

ag the OSM Portal. Marks awarded for different parts of the question will be totaled up
by the OSM System.
9 If a question does not have any parts, marks must be awarded in the left-hand
margin in the OSM Portal. This may also be followed strictly.
10 No marks to be deducted for the cumulative effect of an error. It should be
penalized only once.

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11 A full scale of marks 60 marks as given in Question Paper) has to be used. Please
do not hesitate to award full marks if the answer deserves it.

12 Every examiner has to necessarily do evaluation work for full working hours i.e., 8
hours every day and evaluate 20 answer books per day in main subjects and 25
answer books per day in other subjects (Details are given in Spot Guidelines).This
is in view of the reduced syllabus and number of questions in question paper.
13 Ensure that you do not make the following common types of errors committed by
the Examiner in the past:-
● Answers marked as correct, but marks not awarded. (Ensure that the right tick
mark is correctly and clearly indicated. It should merely be a line. Same is with
the X for incorrect answer.)
● Half or a part of answer marked correct and the rest as wrong, but no marks
awarded.
14 While evaluating the answer books if the answer is found to be totally incorrect, it
should be marked as cross (X) and awarded zero (0)Marks.
15 The Examiners should acquaint themselves with the guidelines given in the
“Guidelines for Spot Evaluation” before starting the actual evaluation.
16 The candidates are entitled to obtain photocopy of the Answer Book on request on
payment of the prescribed processing fee. All Examiners/Additional Head
Examiners/Head Examiners are once again reminded that they must ensure that
evaluation is carried out strictly as per value points for each answer as given in the
Marking Scheme.
17 If a candidate attempts both alternatives/options in a question where only one
option/ alternative is required to be attempted, the Evaluator shall award
marks in both the options. The system will take the higher of two scores and
disregard the other response.
18 In a question having two options/alternatives, if a candidate has attempted
only one, then the evaluator shall mark “NA” (Not attempted) against the
option that has not been attempted by the candidate.

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Set- 4
Series: SR3PQ Q P Code: 332(P3320808)

Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination-2026
Marking Scheme – AGRICULTURE (Subject Code-808)
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Max. Time: 3 Hours
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Q1 Answer any 4 out of the given 6 questions on Employability skills (4x 1 = 4 marks) Marks

i (A) Listening 1

ii (C) Deadlines 1

iii
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FFM stands for Five Factor Model of individual’s personality. In relation to 1
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. the transition from normal
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personality disorders, the FFM is used to understand
e and unhealthy patterns.
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personality variations to dysfunctional, rigid,

iv (D) Cell a g 1

v Ourselves, abilities 1

vi Roof top rainwater harvesting refers to the process where rainwater is collected in the 1
tanks to be used later.

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Q. 2 Answer any 5 out of the given 7 questions (5x 1 = 5 marks)
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las i Food preservation contributes to food security by extending the shelf life
which reduces waste, ensures year-round availability and a g food
of food, 1

ag distribution. This creates a stable and reliable food supply.
facilitates

ii Swarming is the natural way a honeybee colony reproduces. It happens when a 1
large group of worker bees and the old queen leave their hive to establish a new
one.

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iii Vitamin C 1

iv Minimum of 45% fruit, by weight. 1

v Aonla or Pineapple or Bael or Apple or Pear or Mango or Cherry or Karonda or 1
Strawberry or Papaya. (Any one)

vi Soil drainage is important because it prevents waterlogging, ensures roots get 1
enough oxygen, helps avoid root rot and allows proper nutrient uptake for healthy
plant growth. (Any one)

vii A Hi-Tech Nursery provides healthy, disease-free seedlings with higher survival 1
rates, ensures year-round production and reduces resource costs. It increases
farmer profits, market competitiveness and offers faster returns on investment.
(Any one)

Q. 3 Answer any 6 out of the given 7 questions (6 x 1 = 6 marks)

i Manure has a wide range of nutrients in low, unstandardized concentrations, which 1
are released slowly. Fertilizer has high, precise concentrations of specific nutrients,
which are immediately available to plants.

ii Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) 1

iii Ventilation openings in wooden crates allow air circulation, which prevents heat 1
and moisture buildup, reduces spoilage, and keeps fruits and vegetables fresh.

iv 7 1

v Air/ atmosphere surrounding fruit 1

vi Pickle 1

vii Soil testing 1

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Q.4 Answer any 5 out of the given 6 questions (5 x 1 = 5 marks)

i The purpose of a Zero Energy Cool Chamber (ZECC) is to extend the shelf life of 1
fruits and vegetables by providing low-cost, eco-friendly cooling. It reduces
temperature and maintains high humidity without electricity, thereby minimizing
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weight loss, wilting, and spoilage after harvest. (Any One)

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ii 350 ppm
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1

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ATP / ADP 1 ag
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aDhaincha, Lobia and Sun hemp are mostly used for green manuring. (Any One)
iv 1

v Sodium Benzoate or Potassium metabisulphite 1

vi Sikkim 1

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Q.5 Answer any 5 out of the given 6 questions

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i Oilseed
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ii Any One method ag 1

a) Vacuum packaging, where air is removed from the package to prevent oxygen
exposure.
b) Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) – replacing oxygen with gases like CO₂
or N₂.
c) Oil covering
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ag v HACCP: Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point 1

vi Secondary processing of cereals includes the following processes: fermentation, 1
baking, puffing, flaking, frying and extrusion. (Any one)

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Q.6 Answer any 5 out of the given 6 questions (5 x 1 = 5 marks)

i Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium and Sulphur (Any one) 1

ii Post harvest 1

iii Pickle 1

iv Queen bee 1

v True 1

vi To avoid the shade effect on other crops. 1

SECTION B

SUBJECTIVE TYPE QUESTIONS

Answer any 3 out of the given 5 questions on Employability skills (3 x 2 = 6 marks)

Answer each question in 20-30 words

Q. 7 Four barriers are : 4 x ½=2

a) Physical barrier
b) Psychological barrier
c) Linguistic and cultural barrier
d) Personal factors
e) Noise and visual distractions (Any four)

Q. 8 Personality development is the development of an organised pattern of behaviours 2
and attitudes that makes a person distinctive. It occurs by the ongoing interaction of
temperament, character and environment.

(Any other relevant definition)

Q. 9 Electronic spreadsheets have many options to make the context look neat and easy 1+1=2
to read. This is called formatting.

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Example

i. Aligning the text
ii. Highlighting the text
iii. Font size
iv. Text wrapping
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vi. Underlining
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(Any other
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Q. 10 (i) They provide their expertise in services to create a market for technical 2x1=2
entrepreneur

(ii) They are not concerned with the manufacturing process but have more to do
with before and after the manufacturing process.

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Q. 11 Green workers services include : 4 x ½ =2

(i).
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Electricians – who install solar panels
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(ii).
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Plumbers – who install solar water

(iii). Construction workers – whoagbuild energy-efficient green buildings.
(iv). Technicians and workers – involved in establishing wind power farms and
those working for clean and renewable energy development.

(Any other relevant point)

Answer any 3 out of the given 5 questions in 20-30 words each (3 x 2 = 6 marks)
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c. Q.o12 The s
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estages
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grain filling, fruit setting) when water is most essential. Stress at these
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i. Wheat: Crown root initiation, tillering, jointing,. booting, flowering, milk and
dough stages (Any one)
ii. Maize: Early vegetative, taselling and silking stage. (Any one)

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Q. 13 Tips for storage of high quality horticultural produce (Any two) 1+1=2

a) Store only high quality produce, free of damage, decay and of proper
maturity (not over ripe or under-mature).
b) Knowledge of the appropriate storage conditions.
c) Avoid lower than recommended temperatures in storage, because many
commodities are susceptible to damage from freezing or chilling.
d) Do not over load storage rooms or stack containers closely.
e) Provide adequate ventilation in the storage room.
f) Keep storage rooms clean.
g) Storage facilities should be protected from rodents by keeping the immediate
outdoor area clean, and free from trash and weeds.
h) Containers must be well ventilated and strong enough to with stand stacking.
Do not stack containers beyond their stacking strength.
i) Avoid storing ethylene sensitive commodities with those that produce
ethylene.
j) Avoid storing produce known for emitting strong odors (apples, garlic, onions,
turnips, cabbages and potatoes) with odor-absorbing commodities.
Inspect stored produce regularly for signs of injury, water loss, damage and
disease.
k) Remove damaged or diseased produce to prevent the spread of problems.

Q. 14 a) Honey (Any two) 2x½+
i. Honey is a nutritious food, rich in energy and vitamins. 2 x ½ =2
ii. Medicines: It is used as a carrier in Ayurvedic and Unani medicines. It
acts as a laxative and prevents cold, cough and fever.
iii. It is used in religious ceremonies.
iv. It goes in the making of alcoholic drinks and beauty lotions.
v. Another important use is in scientific research for making bacterial
cultures.
vi. It is also utilised for making poison baits for certain insect pests.
b) Bee wax (Any two)
i. Making of candles (the modern candles are made of paraffin wax, a
petroleum product)
ii. Making pharmaceutical preparations

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iii. Preparation of varnishes and paints
iv. Water proofing and waxing of threads
v. Formation of comb foundation (wax foundation in apiaries).

Q. 15 Any two differnces 2 x1 = 2

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occur. (Any Two)
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Q. 16 Common defects seen during jelly preparation and the primary reasons why they 2 x 1 =
2

i. Jelly is failed to set:- Jelly is failed to set due to addition of too much sugar,
lake of acid the end-point, cooking below the end-point, cooking beyond the
end-point and prolonged cooking.
ii. Cloudy or foggy jelly:- Cloudy or foggy jelly due to use of non-clarified juice or

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extract, use of immature fruits, over-cooking, non-removal of scum, faulty

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pouring and premature gelation.

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Formation of crystals in jelly:- Formation of crystals in jelly due to addition of

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excess sugar and also to over-concentration of jelly.

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phenomenon of spontaneous exudation of fluid from a gel is called syneresis
and weeping and is caused by excess of acid, too low concentration of sugar,
insufficient pectin, premature gelation and fermentation

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Answer any 2 out of the given 3 questions in 30-50 words each (2 x 3 = 6 marks)

Q. 17 Key features of formal style garden (Any three) 1½ + 3 x
½ =3
(i) Garden is symmetrical with square, rectangular and road cut at right angles.

(ii) It has enclosure/boundary

(iii) Flower beds also in geometric design

(iv) Planting arrangements of trees and shrubs in geometrical and kept in shape by
trimming or training.

Example

a) Formal style – Rashtrapati Bhavan( Amrit Udhyan) (New Delhi, India)
b) Informal style – Shantiniketan Gardens (West Bengal, India)
c) Free style: Rose garden of Ludhiana

(Any other suitable examples for each type of garden)

Q. 18 Factors Governing Soil Fertility 6 x ½ =3

A. Natural factors (Any three)

i. Parent material
ii. Topography
iii. Climate
iv. Depth of Soil Profile
v. Physical Condition of Soil
vi. Soil Age
vii. Soil Erosion
viii. Nutrient status in Soil

B. Artificial Factors (Any three)

i. Waterlogging
ii. Cropping System
iii. Soil pH
iv. Soil Microorganisms
v. Organic matter content in Soil
vi. Method and time of ploughing

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Q. 19 Judging of End-Point of jam (Any three) 3 x 1 =3

i. Sheet or Flake test:-A small portion of jam is taken out during boiling, in a
spoon or wooden ladle and cooled slightly; it is then allowed to drop. If the
product falls off in the form of a sheet or flakes instead of flowing and a
continuous stream or syrup, it means that the end-point has been reached
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and product is ready, boiling is continued till the sheet is positive. . co
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ii. Temperature:- 1050C.
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iii.
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l Weight Test:- If total weight of jam is 1.5 time more than sugar weight, jam ag
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a is prepared.
Answer any 3 out of the given 5 questions in 50-80 words each (4 x 3 = 12 marks)

Q. 20 4 x 1 =4

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Point of comparison Sprinkler Irrigation Drip Irrigation

Water conservation
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Moderate – losses due to Very high – water applied
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evaporation & as
wind drift directly to root zone,
ag minimal loss

Crop suitability Best for widely spaced,
Best for close-growing
high-value crops (fruits,
crops (wheat, groundnut,
grapes, sugarcane, cotton,
vegetables, lawns)
vegetables)

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Initial investment Lower – moderate cost of Higher – costly installation
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of pipes, emitters, and
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a Impact on soil
erosion & salinity
May cause runoff, erosion, Prevents erosion, reduces
and uneven salt deposition salinity hazard by
if mismanaged maintaining uniform soil
moisture

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Q. 21 Biofertilizer are defined as preparations containing living cells or latent cells of 1+3=4
efficient strains of microorganisms that help crop plants for the uptake of nutrients
by their interactions in the rhizosphere.

Role of Biofertilizers in enhancing the soil fertility (Any three roles)

i. Fix atmospheric nitrogen and enrich soil fertility.
ii. They can add 20-200 kg N/ha year under optimum soil conditions and thereby
increases 15-30 percent of total crop yield
iii. Solubilize phosphorus and mobilize potassium for plant use.
iv. Some Biofertilizers (eg, Rhizobium BGA, Azotobacter sp) stimulate production
of growth promoting substance like vitamin- B complex, Indole acetic acid
(IAA) and Gibberellic acids etc.
v. They improve physical properties of soil, soil tilth and soil health in general.
vi. Improve soil health through organic matter decomposition and microbial
activity.
vii. Reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers, making farming sustainable and
cost-effective.

Q. 22 (a) It is especially important for horticultural crops (fruits, vegetables, flowers) 1+2+1=4
because they are highly perishable, have high moisture content, and are sensitive to
mechanical injury, temperature, and microbial attack.

(b) Post-harvest practices that extend the shelf life of produce (Any two)

i. Pre-cooling

ii. Curing

iii. Degreening

iv. Sorting

v. Grading

vi. Waxing

vii. Hot Water Treatment

viii. Radiation Treatment

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ix. Vapour heat treatment (VHT)

x. Fumigation

xi. Storage / Refrigeration

(c) Modern and traditional storage method used in rural India.
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Traditional Storage methods (Any One)
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a) Pit
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e) Sand and Coir Storage
f) High Altitude Storage
g) Zero Energy Cool Chamber

Modern Storage methods (Any One)

a) Cold Storage
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c) Controlled atmosphere (CA) storage
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d) Modified Atmospheric

Q. 23 8x½=4

Type of Packaging Key Features / Uses

1 Plastic film bags Common for consumer-size packs in fruit and
vegetable marketing.
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a 3 Net / Mesh bags Used for fruits like apple, citrus, guava, sapota

4 Sleeve packs Hold fruits firmly; superior visibility; good sales
appeal

5 Cling film Low water vapour transmission, high gas

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permeability; good for fresh produce wrapping.

6 Shrink / Stretch film Specialized plastic packaging; shrink wrapping
and stretch wrapping widely used.

7 Antimicrobial packaging Packaging materials with antimicrobial coatings
to reduce spoilage.

8 Wooden packaging Traditional; used for packing fruits and
vegetables during transport.

9 Bamboo mat holed boxes Suitable for transporting apples

10 Durable, reusable, and suitable for long-distance
Polypropylene boxes
markets.

11 Corrugated fibre board Economical, lightweight, widely used for fruits
(CFB) and vegetables.

12 Tetra-packaging Aseptic cartons (multi-layered); safe,
lightweight, and extend shelf life.

Q. 24 (a) Features of the queen bee (Any three) 3+1 =4

Queen Queen bee is the only perfectly developed female, that is has
well developed ovaries and other organs of female reproductive
system. She is largest in size. Its wings are smaller and are
shrivelled. Mouth parts for sucking food are shorter than that of
workers. No wax glands. Live for about 3 - 4 years. May lay eggs
at the rate of 800 - 1500 per day.

(b) Round Dance – Signals food source close to the hive (within 50-100 m); gives no
direction.

Waggle Dance – Signals distant food source (>100 m); conveys both distance (by
waggle duration) and direction (by angle to the sun).

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