What is/are the advantage/advantages of zero tillage in agriculture ? 1. Sowing of wheat is possible without burning the residue of previous crop. 2. Without the need for nursery of rice saplings, direct planting of paddy seeds in the wet soil is possible. 3. Carbon sequestration in the soil is possible. Select the correct answer using the code given below :
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3 ✓ UPSC's answer
Why the answer is (d)
• Zero tillage sows seed directly into unploughed soil with a seed drill, leaving crop residue in place.
• It lets wheat be sown straight into rice stubble with a Happy Seeder, removing the need to burn residue (statement 1) — a key answer to Punjab–Haryana stubble burning.
• Direct-seeded rice under zero tillage dispenses with nurseries and transplanting (statement 2), saving water and labour.
• Undisturbed soil and retained residue build organic matter, so carbon is sequestered (statement 3).
• Hence 1, 2 and 3, option (d).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- Carbon sequestration is also an advantage.
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- Residue-free wheat sowing is also an advantage.
- (c) 3 only
- Statements 1 and 2 are also correct.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2020, held on 4 October 2020. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.