Passage

Passage – 2 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 ?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only ✓ UPSC's answer
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Why the answer is (b)

• The passage opens by reporting a claim that organic farming is inherently safer and healthier, and then questions it: in India the sector is young and poorly regulated.

• Assumption 1 is not valid: the passage blames confusion, poor regulation and misuse (contaminated manure, wrongly dosed sprays), not organic farming as such; it does not say the method is inherently unsafe.

• Assumption 2 is valid: farmers and consumers are 'confused about what products are best for them' and use them in harmful ways, which shows they need to be educated.

• Hence 2 only, option (b).

Why the other options are wrong

(a) 1 only: Assumption 1 is incorrect because the passage states organic farming is inherently safer, and the risks arise from poor regulation and misuse, not inherent unsafety.
(c) Both 1 and 2: Assumption 1 is incorrect because the passage does not claim organic farming is inherently unsafe, only that current practices in India are risky due to lack of regulation.
(d) Neither 1 nor 2: Assumption 2 is correct because the passage explicitly mentions that farmers and consumers are confused about product selection and usage, indicating a need for education.

Asked in the CSAT Paper II of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2023, held on 28 May 2023. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.