Question

Read the source given below and answer the questions by choosing the most appropriate option.

There has been a gradual shift from cultivation of food crops to cultivation of fruits, vegetables, oil-seeds and industrial crops. This has led to the reduction in net sown area under cereals and pulses. With the growing population of India, the declining food production puts a big question mark over the country’s future food security.

The competition for land between non-agricultural uses such as housing etc. and agriculture has resulted in reduction in the net sown area. The productivity of land has started showing a declining trend. Fertilisers, pesticides and insecticides, which once showed dramatic results, are now being held responsible for degrading the soils. Periodic scarcity of water has led to reduction in area under irrigation. Inefficient water management has led to water logging and salinity.

One can infer from the above given information that marginal and small farmers have been pushed out of cultivation. Which one of the following is the prominent cause?

विकल्प

• Food and fruit crops are expensive in market

• Shift to multifarious crops according to demand

• Periodic scarcity of water in many regions

• Soil degradation and extensive Green Revolution

Answer 1

Soil degradation and extensive Green Revolution