English: Reading Comprehension Practice Paper Set 1 for IBPS, SBI and Other Competitive Exams

Reading Comprehension Practice Paper Set 1

Directions: Read the passage carefully and choose the best answer

Kashmir's highly perishable cherry crop has been damaged in the freak snowfall in late April. The situation worsened further as the subsequent rains coincident with the harvest. The fruit requires good winter precipitation and cool summers. "We were expecting a bumper crop this year, but the harvest disappointed us as nature intervened to our disadvantage," said growers from Ganderbal. Though the extent of the crop damage has not been quantified , officials put all losses to horticulture at around Rs. 200 crore. Kahmir grows over 7,1000 tonnes of cherries on 2,300 hectares, mostly in Kashmir valley where the climate conditions shit the fruit. Mr. Irfan Yasin, director, horticulture (planning and marketing) said the actual details of losses to the cherry crop were yet to be evaluated.

     The overall turnover of the cherry crop is worth less than Rs. 50 crore. The turnover could also be because only one-third of the total produce is sent to outside markets, especially Mumbai. Being highly perishable, cherries are supposed to reach the market within 50 hours. At present, Jammu and Kashmir lacks major cold storage facilities. The state has in recent years initiated a plan to set up two cold storage plants of 1,000 Metric Tons for Rs.6 crore each, but it failed as the southern firm quit the proposed joint venture. The project was later taken up with NABARD but the necessary spade work is yet to be begin. This facility would help growers manage the crop besides preventing slump in the market when supply outstrip demand. Moreover, the growers are totally depended on Indian Airlines and Railways for sending the crop to other markets.

Questions:

1) The reason for the failure of cherry crop this year is

1. abnormal snowfall and consequent rains
2. unseasonal snowfall
3. inclement weather condition prevailing at Kashmir
4. inadequate sun shine

2) Cherries are grown 

1. all over Jammu, Kashmir and Ladak.
2. on mountain slopes in Jammu and Kashmir.
3. mostly in Kashmir valley.
4. wherever the climate is pleasant.

3) What type of climate conditions suit the cherry fruit ?

1. Dry and humid
2. Warm and damp
3. Only warm
4. Good winter precipitation and cool summer conditions

4) The low turn over is not due to_________

1. limited market
2. limited transport
3. lack of major cold storage facilities
4. deteriorating flavour of cherries due to bad weather conditions

5) "Supply outstrip demand" means

1. supply is greater than demand
2. supply falls short in comparison to demand
3. supply is no match to demand
4. there is a supply without any demand