UPSC Prelims 2022 · GS Paper I
Question 22: Economy and Social Development
“System of Rice Intensification” of cultivation, in which alternate wetting and drying of rice fields is practised, results in :
- 1.Reduced seed requirement
- 2.Reduced methane production
- 3.Reduced electricity consumption
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).
In the System of Rice Intensification, young seedlings are planted singly at wide spacing, which cuts seed use sharply. Alternate wetting and drying stops the soil from staying waterlogged, so methane-producing microbes are less active and methane falls. Less irrigation also means less pumping, so electricity use drops. All three effects hold.
- 1. Single young seedlings at wide spacing need far less seed.
- 2. Intermittent drying curbs methane-producing microbes.
- 3. Less irrigation means less pumping and lower electricity use.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement 1 is correct, (b) goes: it leaves 1 out.
What you needed to know: Single young seedlings at wide spacing need far less seed.
- Then, if you were sure statement 2 is correct, (c) goes: it leaves 2 out.
What you needed to know: Intermittent drying curbs methane-producing microbes.
- Then, if you were sure statement 3 is correct, (a) goes: it leaves 3 out.
What you needed to know: Less irrigation means less pumping and lower electricity use.
Only (d) is left. This one needs every statement.
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) Wrong. Electricity savings from less pumping are also real.
- (b) Wrong. Reduced seed requirement is also a feature.
- (c) Wrong. Reduced methane is also a feature.
- (d) Correct. Less seed, less methane and less pumping.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2022, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.