With reference to the current trends in the cultivation of sugarcane in India, consider the followin

Q: What is UPSC Prelims?

UPSC Prelims is a competitive examination conducted in India. This question is from the 2020 UPSC Prelims Science & Technology paper.

Q: How can I prepare for UPSC Prelims Science & Technology?

To prepare for UPSC Prelims Science & Technology, practice previous year questions (PYQs), understand concepts thoroughly, and solve mock tests regularly. This 2020 question covers Science & Technology in Current Affairs topic.

Q: What is the difficulty level of this question?

This UPSC Prelims 2020 Science & Technology question has a hard difficulty level.

Q: Where can I find more UPSC Prelims previous year questions?

You can find more UPSC Prelims previous year questions on AspirantMitraa. Browse by subject, topic, year, and difficulty level to practice effectively.

Question

With reference to the current trends in the cultivation of sugarcane in India, consider the following statements:A substantial saving in seed material is made when 'bud chip settlings' are raised in a nursery and transplanted in the main field.When direct planting of seeds is done, the germination percentage is better with single-budded setts as compared to setts with many buds.If bad weather conditions prevail when seeds are directly planted, single-budded seeds have better survival as compared to large setts.Sugarcane can be cultivated using settlings prepared from tissue culture.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: C — 1 and 4 onlyStep-by-step Solution:Statement 1: Correct. Bud chip technology uses single buds (bud chips) raised in a nursery to produce settlings, saving 90% seed material compared to conventional setts (6‑8 tonnes/ha). ✓Statement 2: Incorrect. Germination percentage of three‑bud setts is generally higher than single‑bud setts; single‑bud setts are prone to moisture loss. ✗Statement 3: Incorrect. Large setts (multi‑bud) have better survival in adverse weather because they have stored food reserves, unlike single‑bud setts. ✗Statement 4: Correct. Tissue culture (micropropagation) can produce disease‑free sugarcane settlings for planting, though currently less economical than conventional methods. ✓Why other options are incorrect:Option A (1 and 2): Statement 2 false.Option B (3 only): Statement 3 false.Option D (2,3,4): Statements 2 and 3 false.Key Concept: Sugarcane is vegetatively propagated. Bud chip technology reduces seed cost and breaks the cycle of seed‑borne diseases. Tissue culture is used for rapid multiplication of elite varieties. The government’s National Policy on Sugarcane Bio‑Ethanol promotes sustainable sugarcane cultivation.

Master UPSC Prelims with Our Test Series

More Questions from Science & Technology in Current Affairs

Frequently Asked Questions

Master UPSC Prelims with Our Test Series

More Questions from Science & Technology in Current Affairs

Frequently Asked Questions