Q59 · UPSC Prelims 2018 · Set A · Environment and Ecology

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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 practices2.Adopting minimum tillage3.Avoiding the cultivation of plantation crops4.Using crop residues to cover soil surface5.Adopting spatial and temporal crop sequencing/crop rotationsSelect the correct answer using the code given below:

A 1, 3 and 4
B 2, 3, 4 and 5
C 2, 4 and 5
D 1, 2, 3 and 5

Correct answer: (c) 2, 4 and 5

Explanation

  1. A

    1, 3 and 4

    (a) 1, 3 and 4. Avoiding monoculture (1) is not itself a FAO Conservation Agriculture pillar, and avoiding plantation crops (3) is not a CA rule at all. Residue cover (4) is a genuine pillar, but this mix is wrong. This option is not the key.

  2. B

    2, 3, 4 and 5

    (b) 2, 3, 4 and 5. Minimum tillage, residue mulch and rotations (2, 4, 5) are CA, but statement 3 (avoiding plantation crops) does not belong. This option is not the key.

  3. C

    2, 4 and 5

    (c) 2, 4 and 5. Conservation Agriculture is defined by minimum soil disturbance, permanent organic cover (including crop residues), and crop rotations / spatial-temporal sequencing. Those are items 2, 4 and 5. Avoiding plantations is irrelevant; “avoid monoculture” is only a loose cousin of rotation, not a listed CA principle here. This option is the official key.

  4. D

    1, 2, 3 and 5

    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 5. It includes the false plantation ban and omits residue cover. This option is not the key.

Summary. Official key is (c) 2, 4 and 5. FAO Conservation Agriculture rests on three practices: minimum tillage, soil cover with residues, and diversified rotations or sequencing. Those map to statements 2, 4 and 5. Avoiding plantation crops is not a CA requirement. Avoiding monoculture is not listed as a separate pillar in the question’s accepted set. The WRAP letter is therefore (c).

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