With reference to micro-irrigation, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1) Fertilizer/nutrient loss can be reduced. 2) It is the only means of irrigation in dry land farming. 3) In some areas of farming, receding of ground water table can be checked. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

Statement 1 is correct. Drip and sprinkler systems deliver water and nutrients directly to the root zone, and fertigation puts fertilizer where the roots can use it. Surface runoff and leaching losses fall sharply, which is why nutrient use efficiency improves.

Statement 2 is wrong. Micro-irrigation is not the only means in dryland farming. Dryland agriculture relies on rainwater harvesting, contour bunding, watershed development, mulching, drought-tolerant crops and contingency planning. Micro-irrigation is one tool among many, and it is costly for most small rainfed holdings.

Statement 3 is correct. Where water-intensive crops such as sugarcane, banana or cotton are grown on canal or tube-well water, drip systems cut withdrawals substantially. In such areas, falling water tables can be checked or slowed. This links to the National Water Policy and to PMKSY's 'per drop more crop' theme, which is useful for Mains GS-II and GS-III answers on groundwater overexploitation.

Core concept: water-use efficiency, and the difference between saving water and increasing water availability. Mains angle: groundwater depletion in Punjab and Haryana and the case for micro-irrigation.

Trap: Students see 'only means' in statement 2 and assume the whole statement is factual. Absolute words like 'only' in a statement should make you check it carefully.