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:
Contents19
- A1, 2 and 3 only
- B3 only
- C4 only
- D1, 2, 3 and 4
Show answer
Answer: (A) 1, 2 and 3 only
Crop diversification, legume intensification, and efficient irrigation management are considered important eco-friendly agricultural practices because they promote sustainability, conserve resources, and improve soil health.
1. Crop diversification — ECO-FRIENDLY: Growing different crops instead of monoculture improves soil fertility, reduces pest and disease incidence, and enhances agricultural sustainability. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
2. Legume intensification — ECO-FRIENDLY: Leguminous crops fix atmospheric nitrogen through root nodules, reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers and improving soil fertility naturally. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
3. Tensiometer use — ECO-FRIENDLY: A tensiometer measures soil moisture and helps farmers apply irrigation only when necessary. This promotes efficient water use and prevents over-irrigation. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
4. Vertical farming — NOT considered here: Although vertical farming is a modern technique that can save land and water, in this question it is not considered a conventional eco-friendly agricultural practice associated with improving soil health, biodiversity, or natural ecosystem sustainability. Hence, statement 4 is not correct.
Therefore, statements 1, 2 and 3 only are correct.
Answer: (A) 1, 2 and 3 only.
India's National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture emphasizes eco-friendly practices to reduce chemical inputs and environmental damage while maintaining productivity.
The question tests whether students can distinguish between truly sustainable agricultural methods versus conventional intensive farming practices.
Students must understand that eco-friendly agriculture spans traditional methods like crop diversification and legumes, precision tools like tensiometers, and modern innovations like vertical farming.
Crop Diversification
Indian Economy Crop diversification
Crop Diversification: Breaking Monoculture for Sustainability
Growing multiple crop varieties instead of single crop monoculture
Improves soil health and reduces pest/disease risk naturally
Includes intercropping, crop rotation, and mixed farming systems
Crop diversification means growing different types of crops instead of relying on a single crop (monoculture). This practice creates a more balanced and sustainable farming ecosystem.
Diversification vs Monoculture
Aspect | Monoculture | Crop Diversification |
|---|---|---|
Pest Risk | High - pests target single crop | Low - pests cannot spread easily |
Soil Health | Depletes same nutrients repeatedly | Improves - different crops use different nutrients |
Market Risk | High - price crash affects entire income | Reduced - multiple income sources |
Chemical Input | Heavy fertilizer/pesticide use | Reduced - natural pest control |
Types of Diversification
Intercropping: Growing two or more crops simultaneously on same field
Crop rotation: Growing different crops in sequence across seasons
Mixed farming: Combining crops with livestock in integrated system
Agroforestry: Growing crops alongside trees for multiple benefits
Question Connection
UPSC tested this as Statement 1 in the eco-friendly agriculture question. Students who think diversification is just about economics miss its core environmental benefits.
Trap: Thinking crop diversification is only about income security - it's primarily an environmental practice
Confusion: Crop rotation vs intercropping - rotation is sequential, intercropping is simultaneous
Mistake: Assuming diversification reduces productivity - it actually stabilizes yields long-term
Legume Intensification
Indian Economy Legume intensification
Legume Intensification: Natural Nitrogen for Soil Health
Legumes naturally fix atmospheric nitrogen into soil through root nodules
Reduces dependency on chemical fertilizers and improves soil fertility
Includes pulses, groundnut, soybean - major protein sources
Legume intensification means increasing the cultivation of leguminous crops (pulses, groundnut, soybean) in farming systems. Legumes have a unique ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen naturally.
Nitrogen Fixation Process
%%{init: {"flowchart": {"wrappingWidth": 460}}}%%
flowchart TD
s1["`**Rhizobium Bacteria**
Lives in **root nodules** of legume plants`"]
s2["`**Atmospheric Nitrogen**
Bacteria converts **N₂ gas** from air into ammonia`"]
s3["`**Soil Enrichment**
Plant releases **nitrogen compounds** into soil`"]
s4["`**Next Crop Benefits**
Following crops get **natural fertilizer** from soil`"]
s1 --> s2
s2 --> s3
s3 --> s4Major Legume Crops in India
Crop Type | Examples | Key Benefit | Growing Season |
|---|---|---|---|
Pulses | Arhar, Moong, Urad, Chana | Protein + Nitrogen fixation | Kharif & Rabi |
Oilseeds | Groundnut, Soybean | Oil + Nitrogen fixation | Kharif mainly |
Fodder | Berseem, Lucerne | Cattle feed + Soil improvement | Rabi season |
Question Connection
UPSC tested this as Statement 2. The key insight: legumes are eco-friendly because they reduce chemical fertilizer use while maintaining soil fertility naturally.
Trap: Confusing all crops with legumes - only legume family has nitrogen-fixing ability
Mistake: Thinking legumes take nitrogen from soil - they actually add nitrogen to soil
Confusion: Rhizobium bacteria vs other soil bacteria - Rhizobium specifically fixes nitrogen in legume roots
Tensiometer & Precision Irrigation
Indian Economy Tensiometer
Tensiometer: Smart Irrigation for Water Conservation
Tensiometer measures soil moisture to determine exact irrigation timing
Prevents over-irrigation and under-irrigation - saves water resources
Part of precision agriculture - technology-driven sustainable farming
A tensiometer is a scientific instrument that measures soil water tension (how tightly soil holds water). It tells farmers exactly when crops need watering, eliminating guesswork.
How Tensiometer Works
%%{init: {"flowchart": {"wrappingWidth": 460}}}%%
flowchart TD
s1["`**Installation**
Insert **ceramic tip** into soil at root zone depth`"]
s2["`**Water Tension Reading**
Gauge shows **soil moisture stress** level (0-100 units)`"]
s3["`**Irrigation Decision**
Irrigate when reading reaches **crop-specific threshold**`"]
s4["`**Water Conservation**
Apply **exact water amount** needed, no waste`"]
s1 --> s2
s2 --> s3
s3 --> s4Traditional vs Tensiometer Irrigation
Method | Decision Basis | Water Use | Environmental Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
Traditional | Farmer intuition, fixed schedule | Over-irrigation common | Waterlogging, nutrient loss |
Tensiometer | Scientific soil moisture data | Precise water application | Water conservation, no waterlogging |
Eco-Friendly Benefits
Water conservation: Reduces irrigation water use by 20-30%
Prevents waterlogging: Avoids soil salination and nutrient runoff
Energy savings: Less pumping reduces electricity/diesel consumption
Better yields: Optimal moisture improves crop quality and quantity
Question Connection
UPSC tested this as Statement 3. Many students might not recognize tensiometer as eco-friendly technology, but water conservation is a core environmental benefit.
Trap: Thinking tensiometer is just a farming tool - it's specifically an eco-friendly water conservation device
Confusion: Tensiometer vs pH meter - tensiometer measures moisture, pH meter measures soil acidity
Mistake: Assuming all irrigation technology is eco-friendly - only precision irrigation qualifies
Vertical Farming
Indian Economy Vertical farming
Vertical Farming: Stacked Agriculture for Urban Sustainability
Growing crops in vertically stacked layers using controlled environment
Uses 90% less water and 95% less land than traditional farming
Employs hydroponics, aeroponics and LED lighting for year-round production
Vertical farming grows crops in vertically stacked layers inside controlled buildings, using hydroponics (water-based nutrients) or aeroponics (mist-based nutrients) instead of soil.
Vertical Farming Components
# Vertical Farming System
## Growing Medium
- Hydroponics
- Aeroponics
- Aquaponics
## Environmental Control
- LED Lighting
- Climate Control
- Nutrient Monitoring
## Structure
- Stacked Shelves
- Tower Systems
- Container FarmsVertical vs Traditional Farming
Resource | Traditional Farming | Vertical Farming | Eco-Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
Land Use | Large horizontal area | 95% less land | Preserves natural habitats |
Water Use | High irrigation needs | 90% less water | Water conservation |
Pesticides | Chemical pest control | No pesticides needed | Zero chemical contamination |
Transport | Rural to urban shipping | Urban production | Reduced carbon footprint |
Vertical Farm Structure
Source: Dreamstime.com — Vertical Farming Facility with Stacked Shelves of Lush Green ... · www.dreamstime.com
Global Examples & India Context
Japan: Pioneer in vertical farming - produces lettuce, herbs commercially
Singapore: 30% food self-sufficiency target through vertical farms by 2030
India: Emerging in metros like Bengaluru, Hyderabad for leafy vegetables
Suitable crops: Leafy greens, herbs, strawberries, tomatoes (not cereals yet)
Question Connection
UPSC tested this as Statement 4. Students might think vertical farming is too futuristic to be eco-friendly, but its resource efficiency makes it highly sustainable.
Trap: Thinking vertical farming is not eco-friendly due to electricity use - resource savings outweigh energy costs
Mistake: Assuming vertical farming can grow all crops - currently limited to leafy vegetables and herbs
Confusion: Hydroponics in vertical farming vs traditional hydroponics - vertical farming maximizes space efficiency