Question
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)
Explanation
The Rainfed Area Development (RAD) scheme focuses on making rainfed agriculture more diversified, sustainable and resilient. Its approach is based on reducing farmers’ dependence on a single crop and integrating allied activities.
Statement 1 — Incorrect: RAD promotes Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) rather than monoculture. It encourages a combination of multi-cropping, horticulture, livestock, fisheries and agro-forestry to diversify farm income and reduce risk.
Statement 2 — Incorrect: RAD specifically targets rainfed areas, where irrigation is not assured. It is not aimed at expanding water-intensive crops such as rice in already irrigated regions.
Statement 3 — Correct: The scheme aims to make rainfed agriculture productive, sustainable, remunerative and climate-resilient. By diversifying crops and allied activities, it helps reduce the impact of droughts, heat stress, floods and crop failures on farm incomes.
Therefore, only Statement 3 is correct.