Question

Read the source given below and answer the questions by choosing the most
appropriate option:
There has been a gradual shift from cultivation of food crops to cultivation of fruits, vegetables, oil-seeds and industrial crops. This has led to the reduction in net sown area under cereals and pulses. With the growing population of India, the declining food production puts a big question mark over the country’s future food security. The competition for land between non-agricultural uses such as housing etc. and agriculture has resulted in reduction in the net sown area. The productivity of land has started showing a declining trend. Fertilisers, pesticides and insecticides, which once showed dramatic results, are now being held responsible for degrading the soils. Periodic scarcity of water has led to reduction in area under irrigation. Inefficient water management has led to water logging and salinity.

According to the information given above, there has been reduction in the net sown area under cereals and pulses. Identify the reason.
A. Lack of markets to sell cereals and pulses
B. Earn more income from non-agricultural sector
C. Need of huge labour in cultivating cereals and pulses
D. Availability of more profits from commercial crops

Answer 1

Answer:

Availability of more profits from commercial crops

Explanation:

The competition for land between non-agricultural uses such as housing etc. and agriculture has resulted in reduction in the net sown area.

Answer 2

The reason is D. Availability of more profits from commercial crops

• As mentioned in the given passage there has been an inclination towards other commercial crops.
• Not only this but some of these crops are much easier to harvest compared to food crops.
• These commercial crops like fruits and vegetables have a much more profit margin.
• Also, many of these crops don't need high quality of soil unlike the food crops, and thus become a better option in today's world when the nutritional value of soil has reached its bottom because of extensive use of pesticides.