In some places in the world, the productivity of staples such as rice and wheat has reached a plateau. Neither new strains nor fancy agrochemicals are raising the yields. Nor is there much unformed land left that is suitable to be brought under the plough. If global temperature continues to rise, some places will become unsuitable for farming. Application of technology can help overcome these problems. Agriculture technology is changing fast. Much of this change is brought about by affluent farmers in the West/Americas. Techniques developed in the West are being adapted in some places to make tropical crops more productive. Technology is of little use if it is not adapted. In the developing world, that applies as much to existing farming techniques as it does to the latest advances in genetic modification. Extending to the smallholders and subsistence farmers of Africa and Asia the best of today’s agricultural practices, in such simple matters as how much fertilizers to apply and when, would lead to a greatly increased availability of food for humanity. So would things like better roads and storage facilities, to allow for the carriage of surpluses to markets and reduce wastage.
Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made:
1. Growing enough food for generations will be a challenge.
2. Corporate farming is a viable option for food security in poor countries.
Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
Correct Answer :
1 only
Solution :
The correct option is 1 only.
Let us analyze the two assumptions based on the provided passage step-by-step:
Assumption 1: Growing enough food for generations will be a challenge.
The passage states that in some parts of the world, the productivity of staples like rice and wheat has hit a plateau, meaning yields are no longer increasing. It also notes that there is very little uncultivated land left suitable for farming, and global temperature rises could make existing farmlands unsuitable. These factors combined indicate that ensuring food security and growing enough food for future generations will indeed be a significant challenge. Thus, Assumption 1 is valid.
Assumption 2: Corporate farming is a viable option for food security in poor countries.
The passage mentions that applying technology, adapting techniques developed in the West to tropical crops, and extending the best agricultural practices (like fertilizer management) to smallholders and subsistence farmers of Africa and Asia would greatly increase food availability. However, the passage does not mention, suggest, or discuss "corporate farming" at all, let alone as a viable option for food security in poor countries. Thus, Assumption 2 is invalid.
Therefore, only Assumption 1 is valid, making 1 only the correct answer.
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