Question
UPSC Prelims 2021 Question:
How is permaculture farming different from conventional chemical farming?
- Permaculture farming discourages monocultural practices but in conventional chemical farming, monoculture practices are predominant.
- Conventional chemical farming can cause an increase in soil salinity but the occurrence of such phenomenon is not observed in permaculture farming.
- Conventional chemical farming is easily possible in semi-arid regions but permaculture farming is not so easily possible in such regions.
- Practice of mulching is very important in permaculture farming but not necessarily so in conventional chemical farming.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Detailed Solution
Explanation:
- The term ‘Permaculture’ (Permanent Agriculture) was first propagated in the 1970s by Australian biologist Bill Mollison. Permaculture is the novel farming system to make agriculture sustainable amidst extreme weather conditions (Droughts and Floods). It tries to fix the problems created due to conventional chemical farming. Between the two types, there are certain visible differences which are as follows:
|
Parameter |
Conventional Chemical Farming |
Permaculture |
|
Objective |
To provide food security to a larger population |
To provide multiple benefits (4F) such as food, fruits, fodder, fertilizer (From Agricultural residue) |
|
Crop Diversity |
To fix the hunger problem, this farming system restricted cultivation of cereals and pulses. |
To diversify benefits, the Principle of Permaculture discourages monoculture and widens the food basket (Horticulture & Floriculture). So, statement 1 is correct. |
|
Soil Health |
Leads to increase in soil salinity because of increased use of chemical fertilizers. |
Organic farming and zero budget natural farming ensures to fix soil degradation caused due to unchecked use of synthetic fertilizers. So, statement 2 is correct. |
|
Suitable Area |
This farming system is not suitable in arid and semi-arid areas due to saline soil and use of chemical fertilizers. |
Permaculture is compatible with local weather conditions like arid climate to ensure sustainable production. So, statement 3 is not correct. |
|
Soil Mulching |
Mulching is a method of covering the agricultural land to preserve moisture of the soil and improve soil fertility and health. It is not considered essential in conventional farming. |
It is an important component of this farming done with the purpose of nourishing the soil. So, statement 4 is correct. |
Therefore, option (2) is the correct answer.
Subject: Geography | Agriculture and Allied Sectors (geo)
Last updated on March, 2026
