Passage

There is a claim that organic farming is inherently safer and healthier. The reality is that because the organic farming industry is still young and not well-regulated in India, farmers and consumers, alike, are not only confused about what products are best for them, but sometimes use products in ways that could harm them as well. For example, since organic fertilizers are difficult to obtain on a large scale in India, farmers often use farmyard manure, which may contain toxic chemicals and heavy metals. Certain plant sprays, such as Datura flower and leaf spray, have an element called atropine. If it is not applied in the right dose, it can act on the nervous system of the consumer. Unfortunately, how much and when to use it are not well-researched or regulated issues.

QUESTION

CSAT

Easy

Comprehension

Prelims 2023

Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical, rational and practical message conveyed by the author of the passage?

Select an option to attempt

Explanation

Option A is incorrect: It is a little extreme in drawing an inference that In India, organic farming should not be promoted as a substitute for conventional farming. The passage is using a cautionary, rather than an exaggerated, tone regarding organic farming. Further, the author is nowhere found comparing or even promoting conventional farming at the cost of organic farming in the passage.

Option B is incorrect: This option is extreme. Nowhere has the author indicated that there are no safe organic alternatives to chemical fertilizers. In fact the author of the passage states the contrary that “since organic fertilizers are difficult to obtain on a large scale in India” implying that safe (can assume safe) organic alternatives to chemical fertilizers are present, but not accessible or readily available.

Option C is correct: The passage mentions, “The reality is that because the organic farming industry is still young and not well-regulated in India, farmers and consumers, alike, are not only confused about what products are best for them, but sometimes use products in ways that could harm them as well.” The passage in the further lines goes on to explain the same. Therefore, we can correctly infer that In India, farmers need to be guided and helped to make their organic farming sustainable.

Option D is incorrect: This option is extreme. The passage does not discuss the profit or market aspect of organic farming at all.