What are the significances of a practical approach to sugarcane produc

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 practiced 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 code given below.

1 and 3 only
1, 2 and 4 only
2, 3 and 4 only
1, 2, 3 and 4
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2014
The Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative (SSI) reduces seed cost by using single-budded setts, facilitates effective drip irrigation due to wider spacing, and increases the scope for intercropping in the wide inter-row spaces. Statement 3 is incorrect as SSI promotes reduced use but doesn’t entirely eliminate chemical fertilizers.
SSI is an agro-ecological approach to sugarcane cultivation that focuses on ‘more with less’ – more cane production using less seed, less water, and less land. Key practices include the use of single-budded setts or seedlings transplanted after raising them in a nursery, wider row spacing, and promotion of drip irrigation and organic manuring.
The advantages listed in statements 1, 2, and 4 are well-documented benefits of the SSI method compared to traditional sugarcane cultivation. Statement 3 is a common misconception or overstatement; SSI encourages integrated nutrient management, which includes organic sources and efficient use of inorganic fertilizers if needed, aiming for significant reduction rather than zero application.
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