With reference to the circumstances in Indian agriculture, the concept of "Conservation Agriculture" assumes significance. Which of the following fall under the Conservation Agriculture? 1. Avoiding the monoculture practices 2. Adopting minimum tillage 3. Avoiding the cultivation of plantation crops 4. Using crop residues to cover soil surface 5. Adopting spatial and temporal crop sequencing/crop rotations Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. Conservation Agriculture is a farming system aimed at sustainable and profitable agriculture and improving livelihoods while protecting and enhancing the resource base and the environment. It is based on three core principles: - Minimum soil disturbance (i.e., minimum tillage or no-tillage). - Permanent soil cover (using crop residues or cover crops). - Diversification of plant species (e.g., through crop rotations). 2. Statement 1: While diversification is encouraged, strictly avoiding monoculture practices isn't always a mandatory component, though crop rotation (Statement 5) inherently moves away from continuous monoculture. The focus is more on rotation and cover. 3. Statement 2: Adopting minimum tillage (or no-tillage) is a fundamental principle of Conservation Agriculture. 4. Statement 3: There is no principle in Conservation Agriculture that requires avoiding the cultivation of plantation crops. The principles can potentially be adapted to various cropping systems. 5. Statement 4: Using crop residues to cover soil surface is a key principle for maintaining permanent soil cover, which helps reduce erosion, conserve moisture, and improve soil health. 6. Statement 5: Adopting spatial and temporal crop sequencing/crop rotations represents the principle of diversification, crucial for managing pests, diseases, and soil fertility. 7. Based on the core principles, statements 2, 4, and 5 clearly fall under Conservation Agriculture. This corresponds to option (C).