If there is inequality in the pattern of population growth, there is greater inequality in food production and utilisation. As societies become wealthier, their consumption of animal products increases. This means that a greater proportion of such basic foodstuff as grains and legumes that could feed humans directly is instead being converted into feed for poultry and large farm animals. Yet this conversion of plant-based food into animal food for humans is far from efficient. Only 16% of the calories fed to chickens are recovered by us when we eat them. This conversion rate goes down to five to seven per cent in large animals that are fed grain to add fat and some protein before slaughter.

With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made:

I. The food manufacturing and processing industries in every country should align their objectives and processes in accordance with the changing needs of the societies.

II. Wealthier societies tend to incur great loss of calories of food materials due to indirect utilisation of their agricultural produce.

Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?

The correct option is II only.

Let us analyze the given assumptions based on the context provided in the passage:

Analysis of Assumption I:

The passage discusses how wealthier societies consume more animal products, leading to an inefficient conversion of basic plant-based foodstuffs (like grains and legumes) into feed for livestock and poultry. However, it does not mention or discuss food manufacturing and processing industries, nor does it prescribe actions or policies regarding how these industries in every country should align their objectives. Therefore, Assumption I is far beyond the scope of the passage and is not a valid assumption.

Analysis of Assumption II:

The passage explicitly states that as societies become wealthier, their consumption of animal products increases, meaning basic foodstuffs like grains are fed to animals instead of directly to humans. It further points out that this conversion is "far from efficient," with only 16% of calories recovered from chickens and only 5% to 7% recovered from large animals. This inefficiency in converting agricultural produce (grains/legumes) into animal meat for human consumption directly leads to a significant loss of calories. Thus, Assumption II accurately reflects a valid underlying premise of the passage.

Hence, only assumption II is valid.