Question 70 from UPSC CSE 2020 - ENVIRONME NT

Question

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:

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: D. 1, 2, 3, and 4

Strategy: Identify and confirm eco-friendly agricultural practices:

*   Crop diversification and legume intensification enhance soil health and ecological sustainability.
*   Tensiometers optimize water use, reducing excess irrigation.
*   Vertical farming minimizes land, water, and pesticide use.

All four practices qualify as eco-friendly.

Key Info: ## Crop Diversification
Involves growing two or more crop varieties across seasons or within a season. It reduces pest and disease incidence, enhances soil health, and stabilizes farmers' income. Common strategies in Indian agriculture include crop rotation and intercropping, especially with pulses and oilseeds.

## Legume Intensification
Refers to increasing legume (such as pulses, beans, peas, lentils) cultivation. Legumes naturally fix atmospheric nitrogen through symbiotic associations with Rhizobium bacteria, enriching soil fertility and reducing dependence on synthetic fertilizers. Their residue improves organic matter and overall soil structure, supporting low-input, climate-resilient farming.

## Tensiometer Use
Tensiometers are scientific instruments that measure soil water tension or matric potential, helping determine the optimal timing for irrigation. This minimizes water waste, ensures plants are not over- or under-watered, and supports water-efficient, environmentally sustainable agriculture, especially important in drought-prone or water-scarce areas.

## Vertical Farming
A form of controlled-environment agriculture where crops are grown in layers stacked vertically, often indoors in urban settings. It relies on hydroponics, aeroponics, or aquaponics, using minimal land and water, reducing pesticide needs, and enabling food production close to consumers. Countries like Japan and Singapore are noted for commercial vertical farms. While sustainable due to resource efficiency, it requires significant initial investment and energy use for lighting and climate control.

All four practices--crop diversification, legume intensification, tensiometer use, and vertical farming--align with contemporary principles of eco-friendly or sustainable agriculture. These principles emphasize resource conservation, soil health, reduced chemical usage, and minimal environmental impact.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: 1, 2, and 3 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: 3 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: 4 only

In the context of India, which of the following is/are considered to be practice(s) of eco-friendly agriculture? Crop diversification Legume intensification Tensiometer use Vertical farming Select the correct answer using the code given below:

In the context of India, which of the following is/are considered to be practice(s) of eco-friendly agriculture?

Crop diversification

Legume intensification

Tensiometer use

Vertical farming
Select the correct answer using the code given below: