UPSC Prelims 2020 Q90: Environment & Ecology – Sustainable Agriculture & Forestry
- (a) 1, 2 and 3 only
- (b) 3 only
- (c) 4 only
- (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only
Explanation
Eco-Friendly Agriculture: Practices in India
| Practice | Is it eco-friendly? |
|---|---|
| 1. Crop diversification | YES - reduces monoculture risk |
| 2. Legume intensification | YES - nitrogen fixation, reduces fertilizer |
| 3. Tensiometer use | YES - water management efficiency |
| 4. Vertical farming | YES - land/water efficient |
All four are eco-friendly agriculture practices:
1. Diversification: Reduces pest/disease pressure, improves soil health
2. Legume intensification: Natural nitrogen (BNF), reduces synthetic fertilizer
3. Tensiometer: Measures soil moisture -> precise irrigation (water savings 20-30%)
4. Vertical farming: Urban agriculture, minimal water (90% less), no pesticide runoff
Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only seems restrictive; actually all four (d) are eco-friendly.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. If excluding vertical farming (emerging tech). But items 1-3 are established eco-practices.
- (b) Incorrect. Tensiometer is practical water management tool.
- (c) Incorrect. Vertical farming is highly eco-friendly (emerging).
- (d) Incorrect. MOST CORRECT. All four practices (diversification, legume intensification, tensiometer, vertical farming) are eco-friendly agriculture strategies.
Key point
Eco-agriculture spectrum: Traditional (crop diversity, legumes, organic) to modern (precision irrigation, vertical farming, controlled environment). India promoting integrated system.
Remember
Eco-friendly agricultural practices in India include: (1) Crop diversification (reduces monoculture risks), (2) Legume intensification (nitrogen fixation, reduces synthetic fertilizer), (3) Tensiometer use (precision irrigation, water efficiency), (4) Vertical farming (urban agriculture, resource efficiency). All four are considered eco-friendly practices.
Common mistakes
- Underestimating vertical farming as 'not real agriculture.' It's high-efficiency urban farming.
- Assuming eco-friendly = traditional only. Modern precision tools (tensiometer, drip) are eco-friendly too.
- Missing legume role in sustainable intensification - key for smallholder + large-farm systems.
Exam tip
India's eco-agriculture push: ZBNF (Zero Budget Natural Farming), Jaivik Kheti (organic farming), Crop Residue Management (to replace burning). Combines traditional wisdom + modern tools.
Sources
- FAO - Conservation Agriculture Manual
- ICAR - Sustainable Farming Guidelines