According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, one-third of food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted globally. Food is lost or wasted throughout the supply chain, from initial agricultural production to final household consumption. The increasing wastage also results in land degradation by about 45%, mainly due to deforestation, unsustainable agricultural practices, and excessive groundwater extraction. The energy spent over wasted food results in about 3.5 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide production every year. Decay also leads to harmful emissions of other gases in the atmosphere. Addressing the loss and wastage of food in all forms is critical to complete the cycle of food deficiency and food sustainability. Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: 1. The food distribution mechanism needs to be reimagined and made effective to reduce the loss and wastage of food. 2. Ensuring the reduction of wastage and loss of food is a social and moral responsibility of all citizens. Which of the assumptions given above is/are valid?

The correct answer is C because both assumptions are valid based on the provided passage. Analysis of Statement 1: "The food distribution mechanism needs to be reimagined and made effective to reduce the loss and wastage of food." The passage states that "Food is lost or wasted throughout the supply chain, from initial agricultural production to final household consumption." The "supply chain" inherently includes the distribution mechanism. The fact that a significant amount of food is lost or wasted implies that the current mechanisms are not effective and need improvement. Therefore, reimagining and improving the distribution mechanism is a logical and valid assumption to address the problem described. Analysis of Statement 2: "Ensuring the reduction of wastage and loss of food is a social and moral responsibility of all citizens." The passage highlights that food is wasted "throughout the supply chain," specifically mentioning "final household consumption." This directly implicates citizens in the problem. Furthermore, the passage details severe environmental consequences of food wastage, including land degradation, deforestation, excessive groundwater extraction, and significant carbon dioxide emissions. It concludes that "Addressing the loss and wastage of food in all forms is critical to complete the cycle of food deficiency and food sustainability." The gravity of these environmental impacts and the collective effort required to achieve sustainability for present and future generations strongly imply a social and moral responsibility for all citizens to contribute to reducing food loss and wastage.