Step 1: Definition of Mulching.
Mulching is an agricultural method involving covering the soil surface with organic or inorganic substances to preserve moisture, control temperature, and inhibit weed proliferation.
Step 2: Evaluation of Practices.
- Green Manuring: Involves embedding green plants into the soil to enhance fertility, rather than surface coverage.
- Conservation Tillage: Focuses on minimizing ploughing to protect soil, distinct from surface covering.
- Mulching: Correctly identifies the practice of covering the soil surface with materials such as straw, leaves, or plastic.
- Contour Farming: Involves cultivating along slopes and does not pertain to surface covering.
Step 3: Determination.
Therefore, the act of covering the soil surface is identified as mulching.
Final Answer: \[\boxed{\text{The practice is called Mulching.}}\]
Oilseeds scenario of India
India is next to the USA, China, and Brazil in vegetable oils production. Areas and production of oilseeds crops is next to food crops. India accounts for 14% of the world’s oilseeds area, 8% of the world’s oilseeds output, and 11% of the world’s edible oils consumption. India grows nine field oilseeds crops, of which linseed and castor are non-edible. In the edible oilseeds crops, soybean has the highest acreage followed by rapeseed-mustard, groundnut, sesame, safflower, sunflower, and niger. India is not self-sufficient in oilseeds production, and 50% of the requirement of vegetable oils is met through imports. Of the total import, about 60% is palm oil. Among the states, Madhya Pradesh ranks at the top in the area and production of vegetables oils, followed by Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh. Oilseeds occupy about 13-14% of the gross cropped area and account for nearly 1.4% to gross national product and 7% of the value of all agricultural commodities.