UPSC Prelims 2024·CSAT·Reading Comprehension·Passage Comprehension

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. Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: 1. Organic farming is inherently unsafe for both farmers and consumers. 2. Farmers and consumers need to be educated about eco-friendly food. Which of the assumptions given above is/are correct?

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Last updated 23 May 2026, 3:31 pm IST
  1. A1 only
  2. B2 onlyCorrect
  3. CBoth 1 and 2
  4. DNeither 1 nor 2

Explanation

The passage highlights issues in organic farming in India due to lack of regulation, research, and proper practices, leading to confusion and potential harm. Analysis of Statement 1: "Organic farming is inherently unsafe for both farmers and consumers." The passage does not claim that organic farming is *inherently* unsafe. It points out that *because* the industry is young and unregulated in India, and *because* certain practices (like using contaminated manure or improperly dosed sprays) occur, there are risks. "Inherently" means fundamentally or by its very nature. The passage suggests problems with implementation and regulation, not with the core concept of organic farming itself. Therefore, this assumption is incorrect. Analysis of Statement 2: "Farmers and consumers need to be educated about eco-friendly food." The passage explicitly states that "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." This confusion and potential for harm directly imply a need for education regarding safe and proper practices in organic (eco-friendly) food production and consumption. Therefore, this assumption is correct. Based on the analysis, only Statement 2 is a correct assumption. The final answer is B.
Reading Comprehension: There is a claim that organic farming is inherently safer and healthier. The reality is that because the organic farming

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