Passage

Directions for the next 2 (two) items : Read the following passage and answer the items that follow. Your answers should be based solely on the passage. Passage India is starting to deploy AI for critical use cases such as weather forecasting, pest detection and control, and crop yield optimisation. However, penetration is limited to a small subset of tech-savvy farmers. In the US and in Europe, generative AI tools have started offering precision farming at scale, integrating large datasets to provide real-time agronomic insights. For at-scale integration and accessibility of AI tools in India, it would be helpful to develop Indian languages-based AI tools for smallholder farmers, partner with AgTechs to create affordable AI solutions, and disseminate AI-based advisory services through government programmes.

Which of the following assumptions is/are valid? 1. Agricultural productivity has marched ahead in the West because of the economies of scale facilitated by the adoption of AI tools. 2. Affordable AI tools rendered available in local languages can help AI-based solutions reach more and more small farmers. 3. Though penetration is as yet low, critical application areas deploying AI tools are already in use in India. Select the answer using the code given below.

(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 2 and 3 only ✓ UPSC's answer

Why the answer is (d)

• Assumption 1 is not valid: the passage says generative AI tools have started offering precision farming in the US and Europe; it says nothing about economies of scale or productivity having "marched ahead" because of them.

• Assumption 2 is valid: the passage recommends Indian-language AI tools for smallholders and affordable AI solutions to achieve reach at scale.

• Assumption 3 is valid: India is already deploying AI in critical uses such as forecasting and pest control, though penetration is limited.

• Hence 2 and 3 only: (d).

Why the other options are wrong

(a) 1, 2 and 3: Assumption 1 is not supported by the passage.
(b) 2 only: Assumption 3 is also valid: AI is already deployed in critical uses in India.
(c) 1 and 3 only: Assumption 1 is not supported, and 2 is valid.

Asked in the CSAT Paper II of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026, held on 24 May 2026. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.