CBSE 2026 · Region 5 · Set 1 · Q18

Read the given source carefully and answer the questions that follow : Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana Floods have not only devastated life and property but also caused extensive soil erosion. Sedimentation also meant that the flood plains were deprived of silt, a natural fertilizer, further adding on to the problem of land degradation. It was also observed that the multipurpose projects induced earthquakes, caused water-borne diseases and pests and pollution resulting from excessive use of water. Irrigation has also changed the cropping pattern of many regions with farmers shifting to water intensive and commercial crops. This has great ecological consequences like salinisation of the soil. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana has been started which ensures access to some means to protective irrigation for all agricultural farms in the country, thus bringing much desired rural prosperity. Some of the broad objectives of this programme are to enhance the physical access of water on the farm and expand cultivable area under assured irrigation (har khet ko pani), improve on farm water, use efficiency to reduce wastage and increase availability both in duration and extent, irrigation and other water saving technologies (per drop more crop) and introduce sustainable water conservation practices, etc. ($\displaystyle 18.1$) Explain the role of floods in land degradation. ($\displaystyle 18.2$) How has irrigation changed cropping pattern ? ($\displaystyle 18.3$) Explain any two objectives of the 'Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana'.