Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and other one labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A): Primary objective of summer ploughing is opening of the soil crust and turn the soil underneath.
Reason (R): It facilitates to sow the crops immediately after onset of monsoon.
In light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below.

Correct option is A

Explanation of the Correct Option (a): Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
Why Assertion (A) is TRUE:
· Summer ploughing is done during hot months before the onset of monsoon.
· Its main objectives include:
· Breaking the hard soil crust formed after previous cropping
· Turning the soil underneath to improve aeration
· Exposing soil-borne pests, insects, and weed seeds to heat
· Hence, the assertion correctly states the primary objective of summer ploughing.
Why Reason (R) is TRUE:
· Summer ploughing prepares the field well in advance of monsoon rains.
· When the first monsoon showers arrive:
· Soil is already loose and friable
· Moisture is quickly absorbed
· Seeds can be sown without delay
· Therefore, it facilitates immediate sowing after the onset of monsoon.
Why (R) is the Correct Explanation of (A):
· Opening the soil crust and turning the soil improves tilth and workability.
· This directly helps farmers to take advantage of early monsoon rains for timely sowing.
· Thus, the reason correctly explains the assertion.
Explanation of Other Options
Option (b): Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A)
· Incorrect because:
· Reason (R) directly explains the benefit achieved by summer ploughing.
· There is a clear cause–effect relationship.
Option (c): (A) is true but (R) is false
· Incorrect because:
· Reason (R) is also factually correct.
Option (d): (A) is false but (R) is true
· Incorrect because:
· Assertion (A) is correct and well-established in agronomy.
Key Points:
· Summer ploughing is a pre-monsoon tillage practice.
· Helps in soil aeration, moisture conservation, and pest control.
· Ensures timely sowing with the onset of monsoon.
· Improves crop establishment and yield potential.