Which of the following is/are the advantage/advantages of practising drip irrigation? 1. Reduction in weed 2. Reduction in soil salinity 3. Reduction in soil erosion Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only ✓ UPSC's answer
- (d) None of the above is an advantage of practising drip irrigation
Why the answer is (c)
• Drip irrigation delivers water slowly at the root zone of each plant.
• Because the inter-row soil stays dry, weed growth is reduced (1); because water is applied gently rather than flooded, soil erosion and run-off are reduced (3).
• Statement 2 is wrong: drip does not reduce salinity — salts can accumulate at the wetting front, though it avoids the waterlogging that flood irrigation causes.
• Drip also saves 30–50% water and raises yields; India subsidises it under PMKSY 'Per Drop More Crop'.
• Hence 1 and 3 only, option (c).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- Statement 2 is wrong: drip does not reduce salinity.
- (b) 3 only
- Weed reduction is also an advantage.
- (d) None of the above is an advantage of practising drip irrigation
- Weed and erosion reduction are real advantages.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2016, held on 7 August 2016. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.