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)

Option (D) — 3 only

• The Rainfed Area Development (RAD) programme under NMSA aims to improve the quality of life of farmers in rainfed areas by promoting Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) that combine crops, livestock, fishery, forestry, and other activities.
• RAD focuses on diversification rather than monoculture, and it targets rainfed areas specifically, not irrigated regions.
• The key objective is to enhance productivity, minimize climatic risks, and provide livelihood diversification through sustainable farming practices in rainfed areas.

• 1. Encouraging monoculture in rainfed areas: Incorrect. RAD promotes diversified Integrated Farming Systems, not monoculture. Monoculture increases vulnerability to climate risks, which is contrary to RAD's objectives.
• 2. Increasing rice cultivation in irrigated regions: Incorrect. RAD is specifically designed for rainfed areas, not irrigated regions. It does not focus on increasing cultivation of any single crop in irrigated areas.
• 3. Enhancing productivity and minimising climatic risks through Integrated Farming Systems (IFS): Correct. This is the core objective of RAD, which uses IFS to build resilience and improve livelihoods in rainfed areas.