Q. 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
b) 3 only
c) 4 only
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Correct Answer : a) 1, 2 and 3 only
Question from UPSC Prelims 2020 GS Paper
Explanation:
Official UPSC Answer: a) 1, 2 and 3 only
1. Crop diversification: This is widely practiced in India as an eco-friendly approach that reduces pest pressure, improves soil health, and increases resilience to climate fluctuations.
2. Legume intensification: This is an eco-friendly practice in India where farmers incorporate more leguminous crops (like pulses) that naturally fix nitrogen in the soil, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.
3. Tensiometer use: This is considered eco-friendly in Indian agriculture as it helps farmers monitor soil moisture levels accurately, leading to more efficient water use and irrigation scheduling, particularly important in water-stressed regions.
4. Vertical farming: While this is an eco-friendly practice globally, it has limited widespread adoption in India’s agricultural landscape, being mostly confined to urban settings and specialized operations rather than being considered a traditional eco-friendly practice in Indian agriculture.