Which of the following is a mitigation strategy for drought or weather-related crop losses?

• A. Reducing fertilizer usage to save water
• B. Irrigation scheduling, drainage, drought-tolerant varieties
• C. Harvesting earlier
• D. Increasing planting density

Answer: (B)

The main idea is managing water and plant resilience to limit losses from drought and unpredictable weather. Scheduling irrigation to match crop water needs ensures water is available at critical growth moments, reducing stress and protecting yields. Choosing drought-tolerant varieties gives crops traits that sustain production even when water is scarce, such as more efficient water use and stress tolerance. Proper drainage complements these by maintaining soil conditions that keep roots healthy and able to access the available moisture, preventing problems that can worsen drought stress. Together, these practices form a practical, integrated approach to mitigating drought-related losses. Other options don’t directly target water management and plant resilience in the same way, so they’re less effective as drought mitigation strategies.