MCQs on Genetics & Plant Breeding is a comprehensive question bank designed as per the ICAR Sixth Dean’s Committee syllabus. Covering key areas such as Crop Improvement (Rabi Crops) and Fundamentals of Seed Science and Technology, the book provides a wide range of objective questions from basic to advanced levels. It aims to strengthen conceptual understanding, support self-assessment, and enhance exam readiness. With chapter-wise organization, varied question types, and answer keys, it is ideal for B.Sc. and M.Sc. Agriculture students, as well as aspirants of JRF, NET, and other competitive examinations in agricultural sciences.

Dr. Md Hedayetullah, Assistant Professor in Agronomy at Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur (West Bengal), is a dynamic and influential figure in contemporary agricultural science, bringing a distinctive blend of expertise spanning research, education, extension policy implementation, and grassroots development.

He also leads the ICAR’s All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Chickpea at the BCKV Centre. This pivotal leadership role places him at the forefront of national efforts to enhance pulse crops, driving the development of high-yielding, climate-resilient varieties and sustainable production technologies crucial for India’s nutritional security and farm profitability.

Dr. Hedayetullah earned his PhD in Agronomy from BCKV. His academic excellence was further recognized with the prestigious Maulana Azad National Fellowship, affirming his dedication to advanced scholarly inquiry and deep subject matter expertise.

His career reflects a comprehensive engagement across the agricultural ecosystem, consistently bridging the gap between scientific investigation and practical application. As an Agronomist at the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), he gained crucial insight into agricultural finance, rural credit mechanisms, and the economic policies shaping farm performance and rural development. As an Assistant Professor at the M.S. Swaminathan Institute of Agriculture Science, he focused on sustainable development goals, conducting applied research and implementing innovative, environmentally sound farming practices. As an Assistant Professor at the College of Agriculture, Tripura, he honed his dedication to academic instruction and mentorship, gaining a deep understanding of the challenges faced by emerging agricultural students and researchers.

A prolific author and dedicated mentor, Dr. Hedayetullah has guided 8 M.Sc. and 2 PhD students to successful completion. His extensive scholarly output includes 15 books (authored or co-authored), over 50 peer-reviewed research papers in leading national and international journals, and numerous specialized book chapters. He serves as Principal Investigator for several major externally funded research projects, underscoring his capacity to lead complex scientific initiatives. His commitment to bringing scientific knowledge directly to farmers and the public is evident through extensive engagement in live television talks and impactful farmer training programs. Blending strong academic credentials, comprehensive experience in agricultural finance and field research, and a clear commitment to public outreach, Dr. Hedayetullah stands as an authoritative and inspiring guide for students beginning their journey in agricultural science.

Professor (Dr.) A. Zaman, Ph.D. in Agronomy, is an internationally recognized scientist with 40 years of profound experience in agricultural water management. His groundbreaking and original research in fields such as irrigation water management, rainfed agriculture, cropping systems, watershed management, dry land agriculture, and biodiversity conservation has garnered global appreciation and established him as an outstanding teacher within farm universities worldwide. Dr. Zaman is credited with developing a wealth of original concepts, strategies, techniques, and tools that have profoundly contributed to agricultural science and benefited global society.

Born on May 27, 1954, he is a distinguished Agronomist specializing in Agricultural Water Management for enhancing crop and water productivity. His extensive career spans influential leadership roles at Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya (BCKV) and Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya (UBKV) in West Bengal, India. He has notably served as Dean, Faculty of Agriculture; Director of Research; Head of the Department of Agronomy; and Chief Scientist in AICRP on Water Management (ICAR). With significant research experience in water management, a background in post-graduate teaching, and considerable administrative acumen, he has contributed extensively to agricultural research and education.

Since May 2020, Prof. Zaman has served as the Dean of the School of Agricultural Sciences at Sister Nivedita University, Kolkata. His extensive professional journey includes pivotal roles as Founder In-charge of Agriculture at The Neotia University (June 2018 to 2020), Emeritus Professor in Agriculture at M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management (September 2016 – May 2018), and Programme Coordinator for the World Bank-funded West Bengal Accelerated Development of Minor Irrigation Project (September 2014 – August 2016).

Prior to these roles, Dr. Zaman gained invaluable international experience as Head of the Irrigation Expatriate Team for the Government of Uganda (1994–1996) under an ITEC Programme. In this capacity, he was instrumental in designing, laying out, and installing farmer-managed small-scale irrigation systems for sustainable crop cultivation. His vast academic contributions include authorship of 10 textbooks in agriculture, several book chapters, over 150 peer-reviewed research papers, and 179 publications in national and international seminar and conference proceedings. Furthermore, he has significantly shaped future researchers, having guided 7 Ph.D. candidates and supervised over 50 postgraduate thesis works.

Crop Improvement (Rabi Crops) II

Chapter 1. Centres of Origin, Distribution of Species, Wild Relatives in Different Cereals
Chapter 2. Centres of Origin, Distribution of Species, Wild Relatives in Different Pulses
Chapter 3. Centres of Origin, Distribution of Species, Wild Relatives in Different Oilseeds
Chapter 4. Centres of Origin, Distribution of Species, Wild Relatives in Different Fibres
Chapter 5. Centres of Origin, Distribution of Species, Wild Relatives in Different Fodders
Chapter 6. Centres of Origin, Distribution of Species, Wild Relatives in Different Cash Crops
Chapter 7. Centres of Origin, Distribution of Species, Wild Relatives in Different Vegetable Crops
Chapter 8. Centres of Origin, Distribution of Species, Wild Relatives in Different Horticultural Crops (Other Than Vegetables)
Chapter 9. Plant Genetic Resources, Its Utilization and Conservation
Chapter 10. Study of Genetics of Qualitative and Quantitative Characters
Chapter 11. Important Concepts of Breeding in Self-Pollinated Crops
Chapter 12. Important Concepts of Breeding in Cross-Pollinated Crops
Chapter 13. Important Concepts of Breeding in Vegetatively Propagated Crops
Chapter 14. Major Breeding Objectives and Procedures including Conventional & Modern Innovative Approaches for Development of Hybrids and Varieties for Yield, Adaptability, Stability, Abiotic and Biotic Stress Tolerance and Quality: Physical
Chapter 15. Major Breeding Objectives and Procedures including Conventional & Modern Innovative Approaches for Development of Hybrids and Varieties for Yield, Adaptability, Stability, Abiotic and Biotic Stress Tolerance and Quality: Chemical
Chapter 16. Major Breeding Objectives and Procedures including Conventional & Modern Innovative Approaches for Development of Hybrids and Varieties for Yield, Adaptability, Stability, Abiotic and Biotic Stress Tolerance and Quality: Nutritional
Chapter 17. Hybrid Seed Production Technology in Wheat, Oat, Chickpea, Rapeseed and Mustard
Chapter 18. Ideo-type Concept, Climate Resilient Crop Varieties for Future

Fundamentals of Seed Science and Technology

Chapter 1. Introduction to Seed Technology – The Foundation of Agriculture
Chapter 2. Defining and Understanding Seed Quality
Chapter 3. The Silent Saboteurs: Causes of Varietal Deterioration
Chapter 4. Protecting Purity: Assessing and Maintaining Genetic Integrity
Chapter 5. The Ladder of Seed Classes – From Breeder to Farmer
Chapter 6. Cultivating Excellence: Foundation Seed Production
Chapter 7. From Field to Farmer: Certified Seed Production
Chapter 8. The Watchful Eye: Field Inspection in Seed Production
Chapter 9. Beyond the Field: Post-Harvest Seed Quality Management
Chapter 10. Refining the Promise: Seed Processing Procedures
Chapter 11. The Art of Drying: Preserving Viability through Moisture Control
Chapter 12. Protection and Imparting Strength: Seed Treatment
Chapter 13. Safeguarding the Future: Seed Storage Principles
Chapter 14. A Shield Against Threats: Seed Health Management in Storage
Chapter 15. The Legal Framework: Seed Certification and Legislation
Chapter 16. Upholding Standards: The Seed Act, Inspectors, and Enforcement
Chapter 17. The New Seed Bill 2019 and Quality Enhancement Techniques