UPSC Prelims 2014 Q1: Environment & Ecology – Sustainable Agriculture & Forestry
What are the significances of a practical approach to sugarcane production known as
'Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative'?
1. Seed cost is very low in this compared to the conventional method of cultivation.
2. Drip irrigation can be practiced very effectively in this.
3. There is no application of chemical/inorganic fertilizers at all in this.
4. The scope for intercropping is more in this compared to the conventional method of
cultivation.
Select the correct answer
using the code given below:
- (a) 1 and 3 only
- (b) 1, 2 and 4 only
- (c) 2, 3 and 4 only
- (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (b) 1, 2 and 4 only
Explanation
Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative (SSI)
SSI is a way of growing sugarcane with less seed, less water and more yield.
It was promoted by ICRISAT and WWF from 2009.
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Seed cost is very low compared to the conventional method | Correct | Uses single-bud chips raised in a nursery, not whole cane setts |
| 2. Drip irrigation can be practiced very effectively | Correct | Wide spacing between rows suits drip lines |
| 3. There is no application of chemical/inorganic fertilizers at all | Incorrect | Organic methods are encouraged, but chemical fertilizers are not banned |
| 4. The scope for intercropping is more | Correct | Wide rows leave room for pulses and vegetables |
SSI and the conventional method compared:
| Feature | SSI | Conventional |
|---|---|---|
| Planting material | Bud chips, about 5,000 per acre | Setts, far more cane used |
| Spacing | Wide | Narrow |
| Water | Much less | Flood irrigation |
Answer: (b) 1, 2 and 4 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 3 is false; chemical fertilizers are not ruled out.
- (b) CORRECT. Low seed cost, drip irrigation and intercropping are the gains of SSI.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 3 is false, and statement 1 on seed cost is true.
- (d) Incorrect. The words 'at all' make statement 3 false.
Key point
Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative: single-bud chip seedlings, wide spacing, drip irrigation, intercropping; less seed and water; fertilizers not banned.
Remember
SSI = bud chips + wide rows + drip + intercrops.
Common mistakes
- Accepting 'no ... at all' in statement 3.
- Thinking 'sustainable' must mean fully organic.
- Not linking wide spacing to both drip irrigation and intercropping.
Exam tip
'Not at all', 'only', 'never' in a farming method are usually wrong.
Sources
- ICRISAT-WWF Project — Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative: Improving Sugarcane Cultivation in India (Training Manual)
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research — Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Coimbatore