UPSC Prelims 2026 · Question 38 of 96

UPSC Prelims 2026 question on Rainfed Area Development

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
Show answer

Answer: D. 3 only

Verdict

Only statement 3 is an objective of RAD, so the answer is Option (d).

Analysis

The Rainfed Area Development (RAD) component has been implemented under the NMSA since 2014-15. It aims to promote sustainable agricultural production through agro-climatic zone-specific Integrated Farming System (IFS) models developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

Statement by statement

Statement 1 is not correct: The Rainfed Area Development (RAD) programme promotes diversified farming systems, not monoculture.

Statement 2 is not correct: RAD specifically targets rainfed areas, not irrigated regions.

Statement 3 is correct: It adopts an area-based approach and focuses on the Integrated Farming System (IFS) for enhancing productivity and minimizing risks associated with climatic variability.

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