Previous Year Question
What are the significances of a practical approach to sugarcane production known as ‘Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative’?
Seed cost is very low in this compared to the conventional method of cultivation.
Drip irrigation can be practised very effectively in this.
There is no application of chemical/inorganic fertilizers at all in this.
The scope for intercropping is more in this compared to the conventional method of cultivation.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
1 and 3
1, 2 and 4
2, 3 and 4
All of these
Correct Answer: B
Detailed Solution
Statement 1 is correct: Under the Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative—SSI, seedlings are raised in a nursery from single-bud chips instead of directly planting a large quantity of conventional three-budded sugarcane setts in the field. Healthy seedlings about 25–35 days old are transplanted into the main field. Since a smaller quantity of seed material is required, the cost of seed and its transportation becomes considerably lower than under the conventional method.
Statement 2 is correct: SSI emphasises wider plant spacing and controlled water management. Drip irrigation and fertigation can be used effectively with the widely spaced rows. Water is delivered directly to the root zone, reducing surface runoff, deep water losses and unnecessary evaporation.
Statement 3 is not correct: SSI does not completely prohibit the use of chemical or inorganic fertilizers. It emphasises optimum and efficient fertilizer use, organic manure, soil health and integrated nutrient management. Therefore, the requirement for chemical fertilizers may be reduced, but their complete non-use is not an essential feature of SSI.
Statement 4 is correct: Wider spacing is maintained between sugarcane rows under SSI. Pulses, vegetables or other suitable short-duration crops can be cultivated in the available space. Intercropping can provide more efficient land use, additional income, partial weed control and improvement in soil nutrient status through leguminous crops.