UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Sustainable agriculture aims to meet present food needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs from the same resource base. It emphasises soil conservation,efficient water use and reduced chemical dependence. The stem highlights maintaining fertility,conserving water and protecting the environment for long term productivity,which clearly fits sustainable agriculture. Thus sustainable is the correct option.

Option A:
Subsistence agriculture focuses on producing enough food mainly for the farmer’s family with little surplus. It may or may not follow environmentally sound practices and is not defined by long term resource stewardship,so it does not fully match the description.

Option B:
Commercial agriculture is oriented toward market production and profit, often using high levels of inputs. Without specific safeguards,it can cause soil and water degradation. Therefore it does not inherently reflect the sustainability criteria mentioned in the question.

Option C:
Sustainable agriculture integrates ecological principles such as crop rotation,integrated pest management and agroforestry. These practices maintain productivity while minimising negative environmental impacts. This directly corresponds to the goals listed in the stem.

Option D:
Shifting agriculture involves clearing forest patches, cultivating them briefly and then moving on. It can be sustainable at low population densities but is not primarily defined by deliberate conservation measures,so it is not the best term here.