Which one of the following statements is NOT correct for high yielding varieties (HYV)?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Very less susceptible to diseases and are not easily attacked by insects
High yielding varieties (HYV) are the improved seeds of wheat and rice spread in India during the Green Revolution of the 1960s. They give much larger harvests, but only with assured irrigation, heavy doses of fertiliser and regular use of pesticides. The question asks for the statement that does NOT describe them.
Option (1) Take less time for maturing, saving time for raising other crops in the same field — True of HYV. They ripen sooner than the traditional varieties, so a second or third crop can be taken in the same year.
Option (2) Plants are not very tall, semi-dwarf varieties are stronger and protected from strong winds, but produce less fodder — True of HYV. The short, stiff stems do not fall over under a heavy ear of grain or in strong wind, but they leave less straw for cattle.
Option (3) Very less susceptible to diseases and are not easily attacked by insects — Not true of HYV, so this is the answer. HYV crops are more prone to pests and diseases than the hardy local varieties, which is why the Green Revolution brought a sharp rise in the use of pesticides.
Option (4) Weeds have to be frequently removed from fields — True of HYV. The water and fertiliser given to HYV crops also feed the weeds, so the fields need frequent weeding.