UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Statements A, B and D are correct: IPM reduces chemical dependence, conservation tillage with organic matter improves soils and diversification and rotation reduce pests and risks. Statement C is incorrect because sustainable agriculture does not always mean zero external inputs; rather, it emphasises judicious, efficient and environmentally sound use. Thus, the right combination is A, B and D only.

Option A:
Option A is incomplete as it omits D, which correctly notes the role of diversification and rotation in sustainable systems. Without D, the picture of sustainable agriculture is partial.

Option B:
Option B is correct because it assembles all three valid statements and excludes C, which presents an extreme and inaccurate view of sustainability. It reflects the balanced approach promoted in the syllabus.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect since it accepts C as correct along with B and D. Including the idea that any external input is incompatible with sustainability misrepresents agricultural science.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it groups A with C and D and leaves out B. While A and D are true, accepting C and excluding B on soil health makes the combination logically inconsistent.

Statements A, C and D are correct because they describe widely accepted principles and practices of sustainable agriculture. Diversification, conservation tillage, organic methods and a balance between environmental quality and farm income are central goals. Statement B is incorrect as excessive reliance on chemical inputs is characteristic of unsustainable, input-intensive agriculture. Therefore, the combination that includes A, C and D only is the correct answer.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because it includes A and C but omits D. While diversification and conservation tillage are valid aspects, leaving out the goal of maintaining soil fertility and environmental quality along with profitability makes the set incomplete. A comprehensive answer must recognise this objective.

Option B:
Option B is correct because it captures the full cluster of correct statements while excluding the misleading one. It reflects that sustainable agriculture integrates diversified systems, ecological practices and long-term soil and environmental health with economic viability. By omitting statement B, it avoids endorsing overuse of chemicals.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect because it adds statement B to an otherwise correct set. Statement B falsely portrays heavy use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides as a feature of sustainability, which contradicts concerns about soil degradation, water pollution and biodiversity loss. The presence of this false statement invalidates the option.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it claims that B, C and D are correct, again treating B as acceptable. Although C and D are right, including B, which promotes unsustainable input dependence, makes the combination inconsistent with the concept of sustainable agriculture.