UPSC Prelims 2023 CSAT Paper II · Q34 of 77 Comprehension medium

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.

Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical, rational and practical message conveyed by the author of the passage ?

  1. (a) In India, organic farming should not be promoted as a substitute for conventional farming.
  2. (b) There are no safe organic alternatives to chemical fertilizers.
  3. (c) In India, farmers need to be guided and helped to make their organic farming sustainable. ✓ UPSC's answer
  4. (d) The aim of organic farming should not be to generate huge profits as there is still no global market for its products.

Why the answer is (c)

• The passage highlights that the organic farming industry in India is young and lacks proper regulation, leading to confusion among farmers and consumers.

• It specifically notes that due to the unavailability of large-scale organic fertilizers, farmers resort to using farmyard manure, which may contain toxic chemicals and heavy metals.

• The text also points out that certain plant sprays, like Datura, contain atropine, and incorrect dosing can harm the consumer's nervous system because usage guidelines are not well-researched or regulated.

• The core problem identified is the lack of guidance, research, and regulation regarding the safe and effective use of organic inputs.

• Therefore, the most logical and practical message is that farmers require proper guidance and support to ensure their organic farming practices are safe and sustainable, rather than abandoning the practice entirely.

• Option (c) directly addresses the need for guidance and sustainability, aligning with the author's concern about the current lack of regulation and research.

Why the other options are wrong

(a) In India, organic farming should not be promoted as a substitute for conventional farming.
The author does not argue against promoting organic farming but rather emphasizes the need for better regulation and guidance to make it safe and effective.
(b) There are no safe organic alternatives to chemical fertilizers.
The passage states that organic fertilizers are difficult to obtain on a large scale, not that no safe organic alternatives to chemical fertilizers exist.
(d) The aim of organic farming should not be to generate huge profits as there is still no…
The passage does not discuss profit motives or the existence of a global market for organic products; it focuses on safety, regulation, and practical challenges for farmers.

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.

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