UPSC Prelims 2019 CSAT Paper II · Q24 of 79 Comprehension medium

Passage

The rural poor across the world, including India, have contributed little to human-induced climate change, yet they are on the frontline in coping with its effects. Farmers can no longer rely on historical averages for rainfall and temperature, and the more frequent and extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods, can spell disaster. And there are new threats, such as sea level rise and the impact of melting glaciers on water supply. How significant are small farms ? As many as two billion people worldwide depend on them for their food and livelihood. Small-holder farmers in India produce 41 percent of the country's food grains, and other food items that contribute to local and national food security.

What is the most logical and rational corollary to the above passage ?

  1. (a) Supporting small farmers is an important part of any agenda regarding environmentally sustainable development. ✓ UPSC's answer
  2. (b) Poor countries have little role to play in the mitigation of global warming.
  3. (c) Due to a large number of farmer households, India will not have food security problem in the foreseeable future.
  4. (d) Only small-holder farmers in India can ensure food security.

Why the answer is (a)

• The passage establishes that rural poor and small farmers contribute little to climate change but face severe impacts like extreme weather and water scarcity.

• It highlights that small farms are critical for global livelihoods, with Indian small-holders producing 41% of food grains essential for food security.

• Therefore, protecting this vulnerable yet productive sector is necessary to maintain food security while addressing environmental challenges.

• Supporting small farmers aligns with both social equity (helping the poor) and environmental sustainability (managing climate risks in agriculture).

• This makes supporting small farmers a logical component of an environmentally sustainable development agenda.

Why the other options are wrong

(b) Poor countries have little role to play in the mitigation of global warming.
The passage states rural poor contribute little to climate change, but it does not imply poor countries have no role in mitigation, only that they are less responsible for the cause.
(c) Due to a large number of farmer households, India will not have food security problem in…
The passage notes that extreme weather events like droughts and floods can spell disaster for farmers, meaning food security is at risk, not guaranteed.
(d) Only small-holder farmers in India can ensure food security.
The passage states small-holders produce 41% of food grains, which is significant but not exclusive, so they cannot be the 'only' group ensuring food security.

Asked in the CSAT Paper II of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2019, held on 2 June 2019. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.

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