In the context of India, which of the following is/are considered to be practice(s) of eco-friendly agriculture ? 1. Crop diversification 2. Legume intensification 3. Tensiometer use 4. Vertical farming Select the correct answer using the code given below :
- (a) 1, 2 and 3 only ✓ UPSC's answer
- (b) 3 only
- (c) 4 only
- (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Why the answer is (a)
• Crop diversification (1) breaks pest and disease cycles and reduces the risks of monoculture.
• Legume intensification (2) adds nitrogen to the soil through biological fixation and cuts the need for chemical fertiliser.
• Tensiometer use (3) measures soil moisture so that irrigation is given only when needed, saving water.
• Vertical farming (4) is not accepted: it grows crops indoors in stacked layers under artificial lighting and climate control, which uses a lot of energy, so it is not counted as an eco-friendly field practice in India.
• UPSC's official answer key gives (a).
• Hence 1, 2 and 3 only, option (a).
Why the other options are wrong
- (b) 3 only
- Crop diversification and legume intensification are also eco-friendly practices.
- (c) 4 only
- Vertical farming is not accepted, and items 1–3 are left out.
- (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
- Vertical farming (4) is not accepted by the official key.
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.