Which among the following is/are the objective(s) of the Rainfed Area Development (RAD) initiative under the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)?

1. Encouraging monoculture in rainfed areas
2. Increasing rice cultivation in irrigated regions
3. Enhancing productivity and minimising climatic risks through Integrated Farming Systems (IFS)

Select the answer using the code given below:

1. 1 only
2. 1 and 2
3. 2 and 3
4. 3 only

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect

• The Rainfed Area Development (RAD) initiative does not encourage monoculture. It promotes crop diversification and the integration of crops with allied activities such as horticulture, livestock, fisheries, agroforestry, and apiculture.

Statement 2 is incorrect

• RAD is focused on rainfed areas, not on expanding rice cultivation in irrigated regions. The operational guidelines state that RAD was made operational to mainstream the development of rainfed areas in a sustainable manner.

Statement 3 is correct

• RAD under NMSA focuses on the Integrated Farming System (IFS) for enhancing productivity and minimising risks associated with climatic variability.

Answer: (d) 3 only; Difficulty Level: Easy