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

1. Avoiding the 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:

Conservation Agriculture (CA), as defined by the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), is a resource-saving agricultural approach that aims for acceptable profits, high and sustained production, and environmental conservation.

The three main principles of Conservation Agriculture are:

• Minimum tillage and soil disturbance.
• Permanent soil cover with crop residues and live mulches.
• Crop rotation and intercropping.

Based on these principles:

• Adopting minimum tillage is a key component of CA.
• Using crop residues to cover the soil surface is also a fundamental practice.
• Adopting spatial and temporal crop sequencing/crop rotations aligns with the principle of crop rotation.
• While avoiding monoculture is beneficial, it is incorporated within the broader principle of crop rotation and diversification.
• The cultivation of plantation crops is not directly related to the core principles of Conservation Agriculture. It depends on specific farming systems and environmental conditions.

Therefore, options 2, 4, and 5 are correct.

Hence, option c is the correct answer.

Sources:

• FAO - Conservation Agriculture