UPSC Prelims 2020 · GS Paper I
Question 90: Geography
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 :
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (a).
Crop diversification, legume intensification (which adds nitrogen to the soil) and tensiometers (which show when to irrigate, saving water) are eco-friendly farming practices. Vertical farming is a controlled-environment technique that depends on artificial lighting and energy, and UPSC does not count it as an eco-friendly agricultural practice.
- 1. Crop diversification reduces pests and soil exhaustion.
- 2. Legumes fix nitrogen, cutting fertiliser use.
- 3. Tensiometers guide irrigation and save water.
- 4. Not counted by UPSC; it is energy intensive.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement 1 is correct, (b) and (c) go: each of them leaves 1 out.
What you needed to know: Crop diversification reduces pests and soil exhaustion.
- Then, if you were sure statement 4 is not correct, (d) goes: it includes 4.
What you needed to know: Not counted by UPSC; it is energy intensive.
Only (a) is left. You didn’t need statements 2 or 3.
Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Right: diversification, legumes and tensiometers.
- (b) Wrong: crop diversification and legume intensification are also eco-friendly.
- (c) Wrong: vertical farming alone is not accepted.
- (d) Wrong: UPSC does not count vertical farming.
Worth knowing: Vertical farming saves land and water, so excluding it from eco-friendly practices is debatable.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2020, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.