Question

Given below are two statements:
Statement I: A Malviya seed-cum fertilizer drill which is a two-row machine with adjustable row spacing and sowing depths has been developed at the CRIDA, Hyderabad.
Statement II: If the rapeseed and mustard crop are harvested at 20% and above moisture level, they do not require drying.

• A. Both Statement I and Statement II are true
• B. Both Statement I and Statement II are false
• C. Statement I is correct but Statement II is false
• D. Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is true

Hint:

Oilseeds generally require a lower moisture content for storage ($8-10\%$) compared to cereals ($12-14\%$) because high oil content displaces water and increases the risk of rancidity.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question tests the knowledge of agricultural institutions and post-harvest physiology of oilseeds.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Statement I analysis: The Malviya seed-cum-fertilizer drill was developed at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, not at CRIDA (Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture), Hyderabad.
CRIDA has developed its own specific drills for dryland areas, but the "Malviya" series is synonymous with the BHU agricultural engineering department.
Statement II analysis: For safe storage, rapeseed and mustard seeds must have a moisture content of around $8\%$.
If harvested at $20\%$ moisture, the seeds are highly susceptible to fungal growth and heating.
Therefore, they require immediate drying to bring down the moisture level to a safe storage limit.

Step 4: Final Answer:
Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect.