With reference to the circumstances in Indian agriculture, the concept of “Conservation Agriculture” assume significance. Which of the following fall under the Conservation Agriculture?

1. Avoiding monoculture practices
2. Adopting minimum tillage
3. Avoiding the cultivation of plantation crops
4. Using crop residues to cover soil surface
5. Adopting spatial and temporal crop sequencing/crop rotations

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2018 Prelims]

(a) 1, 3 and 4

(b) 2, 3, 4 and 5

(c) 2, 4 and 5

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 5

Answer: (c)        

Explanation:

• Conservation agriculture is an agricultural production approach that aims to achieve high and sustained production levels while conserving the environment and ensuring acceptable profits.
• This approach involves utilizing soils for crop production, while minimizing soil disturbance and maintaining crop residues on the soil surface to reduce environmental damage.
• There are three main principles of conservation agriculture:
  • minimum tillage and soil disturbance,
  • permanent soil cover with crop residues and live mulches, and
  • crop rotation and intercropping.