With reference to the circumstances in Indian agriculture, the concept of "Conservation Agriculture" assumes significance. Which of the following fall under the Conservation Agriculture ? 1. Avoiding the monoculture practices 2. Adopting minimum tillage 3. Avoiding the cultivation of plantation crops 4. Using crop residues to cover soil surface 5. Adopting spatial and temporal crop sequencing/crop rotations Select the correct answer using the code given below :
- (a) 1, 3 and 4
- (b) 2, 3, 4 and 5
- (c) 2, 4 and 5 ✓ UPSC's answer
- (d) 1, 2, 3 and 5
Why the answer is (c)
• FAO defines Conservation Agriculture by three principles: minimum mechanical soil disturbance (minimum/zero tillage — 2), permanent soil cover with crop residues or cover crops (4), and diversified crop rotations and sequences in space and time (5).
• Avoiding monoculture (1) is an outcome of rotation rather than a stated principle in this framing, and avoiding plantation crops (3) is not part of it.
• CA improves soil health, water retention and carbon sequestration.
• Hence 2, 4 and 5, option (c).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1, 3 and 4
- Avoiding plantation crops is not a CA principle; minimum tillage is.
- (b) 2, 3, 4 and 5
- Avoiding plantation crops is not part of CA.
- (d) 1, 2, 3 and 5
- Avoiding plantation crops is not part of CA; residue cover is.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2018, held on 3 June 2018. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.