UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 17
Which among the following is/are the objective(s) of the Rainfed Area Development (RAD) initiative under the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)?
- Encouraging monoculture in rainfed areas
- Increasing rice cultivation in irrigated regions
- Enhancing productivity and minimising climatic risks through Integrated Farming Systems (IFS)
Select the answer using the code given below :
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: D
Correct Option: D
Explanation: Rainfed Area Development promotes resilient, integrated farming rather than water-intensive monocropping, reducing risks from erratic rainfall.
Statement-wise Analysis:
Statement 1: Incorrect - Monoculture increases vulnerability and is not the initiative’s objective.
Statement 2: Incorrect - Expanding rice in irrigated areas is not the rainfed-area initiative’s purpose.
Statement 3: Correct - Integrated farming systems diversify income, improve productivity and mitigate climate risk.
Option-wise Analysis:
A: Incorrect - Includes unsupported item(s) 1 and omits supported item(s) 3.
B: Incorrect - Includes unsupported item(s) 1, 2 and omits supported item(s) 3.
C: Incorrect - Includes unsupported item(s) 2.
D: Correct - This option includes the supported item(s) and excludes the unsupported ones.