Question 86 from UPSC CSE 2018 - Environment

Question

With reference to the circumstances in Indian agriculture, the concept of 'Conservation Agriculture' assumes significance. Which of the following fall under Conservation Agriculture?
1. Avoiding monoculture practices
2. Adopting minimum tillage
3. Avoiding the cultivation of plantation crops
4. Using crop residues to cover the soil surface
5. Adopting spatial and temporal crop sequencing/crop rotations
Select the correct answer using the code given below:

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. 2, 4, and 5

Strategy: - Focus on the three core principles of Conservation Agriculture (CA): minimal soil disturbance, permanent soil cover, and diversified crop rotation.
- Select statements that directly align with these principles, such as minimum tillage, utilizing crop residues, and practicing crop rotation/sequencing.
- Exclude statements that do not represent core CA principles (e.g., avoiding monoculture as a standalone) or are irrelevant (e.g., avoiding plantation crops).

Key Info: Conservation Agriculture (CA) is an approach to managing agro-ecosystems for sustainable and increased productivity, enhanced natural resource conservation, and improved environmental outcomes. It is based on three interlinked core principles:

- **Minimum soil disturbance:** Achieved by zero or reduced tillage, this preserves soil structure and organisms, reduces erosion, and lowers fuel or energy use. Minimum tillage supports healthy root and soil biology.
- **Permanent soil cover:** Maintaining soil cover through crop residues or cover crops protects soil from rain impact, erosion, water loss, and suppresses weeds. This also enhances soil organic matter content and biological activity.
- **Diversified crop rotations/sequencing:** Growing different crops in rotation (spatially and temporally) disrupts pest and disease cycles, improves soil fertility and resilience, and prevents nutrient depletion. Crop rotation is a vital management measure for soil health.

Avoiding monoculture can be a supporting practice but is not a standalone CA principle; instead, the focus is on active crop rotation. Avoiding plantation crops has no bearing on Conservation Agriculture, as plantations can adopt CA principles. Key associated practices for CA include: no burning of residues, integrated pest and nutrient management, and limited heavy machinery use. CA is widely promoted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and leading Indian research bodies for its potential to improve productivity and resilience against climate change.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: 1, 3, and 4

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: 2, 3, 4, and 5

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: 1, 2, 3, and 5