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.

Read the following statements and find the correct from the given options:
I. Indian farmers are diversifying their cropping pattern.
II. They are shifting production from cereals to fruits, vegetables, etc.
III. Jute is in high demand in the Indian market.
Options:
A. I & II
B. II&III
C. III Only
D. II Only

Answer 1

The correct option is A.

Explanation:

• Indian farmers are actually diversifying their crop patterns.

• They have shifted from the production of fruit crops to the production of vegetables, fruits, oil-seeds and industrial crops.

• Although it has reduced the area for cultivation of cereals and pulses due to the increase in the development as well.

• Therefore, the correct option would be A.

Answer 2

The correct option is A. I & II

• The passage is about food production and cultivation methods.
• The production of various vegetables, oil seeds, fruits, and commercial crops has gradually replaced the cultivation of food crops.
• As a result, the net planted area for grains and pulses has decreased.
• This refers to Indian farmers changing their planting patterns and shifting production away from grains and toward fruits and vegetables, among other things.