Many farmers use synthetic pesticides to kill infesting insects. The consumption of pesticides in some of the developed countries is touching 3000 grams/hectare. Unfortunately, there are reports that these compounds possess inherent toxicities that endanger the health of the farm operators, consumers and the environment. Synthetic pesticides are generally persistent in environment. Entering in food chain they destroy the microbial diversity and cause ecological imbalance. Their indiscriminate use has resulted in development of resistance among insects to insecticides, upsetting of balance in nature and resurgence of treated populations. Natural pest control using the botanical pesticides is safer to the user and the environment because they break down into harmless compounds within hours or days in the presence of sunlight. Plants with pesticidal properties have been in nature for millions of years without any ill or adverse effects on the ecosystem. They are easily decomposed by many microbes common in most soils. They help in the maintenance of biological diversity of predators and the reduction of environmental contamination and human health hazards. Botanical pesticides formulated from plants are biodegradable and their use in crop protection is a practical sustainable alternative.

On the basis of the above passage, the following assumptions have been made :
1. Synthetic pesticides should never be used in modern agriculture.
2. One of the aims of sustainable agriculture is to ensure minimal ecological imbalance.
3. Botanical pesticides are more effective as compared to synthetic pesticides.

Which of the assumptions given above is/are correct?

Question

Many farmers use synthetic pesticides to kill infesting insects. The consumption of pesticides in some of the developed countries is touching 3000 grams/hectare. Unfortunately, there are reports that these compounds possess inherent toxicities that endanger the health of the farm operators, consumers and the environment. Synthetic pesticides are generally persistent in environment. Entering in food chain they destroy the microbial diversity and cause ecological imbalance. Their indiscriminate use has resulted in development of resistance among insects to insecticides, upsetting of balance in nature and resurgence of treated populations. Natural pest control using the botanical pesticides is safer to the user and the environment because they break down into harmless compounds within hours or days in the presence of sunlight. Plants with pesticidal properties have been in nature for millions of years without any ill or adverse effects on the ecosystem. They are easily decomposed by many microbes common in most soils. They help in the maintenance of biological diversity of predators and the reduction of environmental contamination and human health hazards. Botanical pesticides formulated from plants are biodegradable and their use in crop protection is a practical sustainable alternative.

On the basis of the above passage, the following assumptions have been made :
1. Synthetic pesticides should never be used in modern agriculture.
2. One of the aims of sustainable agriculture is to ensure minimal ecological imbalance.
3. Botanical pesticides are more effective as compared to synthetic pesticides.

Which of the assumptions given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: 2 only The passage contrasts synthetic pesticides with botanical pesticides. Synthetic pesticides persist in the environment, cause bioaccumulation, destroy microbial diversity, and lead to ecological imbalances and insect resistance. In contrast, botanical pesticides are biodegradable, break down quickly, support biodiversity, and offer a sustainable alternative. Let us evaluate the assumptions: 1. "Synthetic pesticides should never be used in modern agriculture." This is invalid because the word "never" is extremely restrictive. The passage notes the hazards of synthetic pesticides but does not state they must be completely banned or never used under any circumstance. 2. "One of the aims of sustainable agriculture is to ensure minimal ecological imbalance." This is valid. Since botanical pesticides are promoted as a "practical sustainable alternative" because they decompose easily and maintain biodiversity without causing ecological imbalances, it is logical to assume that sustainable agriculture aims to minimize ecological harm. 3. "Botanical pesticides are more effective as compared to synthetic pesticides." This is invalid. The text says botanical pesticides are "safer", but does not claim they are more "effective" at pest control. Therefore, only assumption 2 is correct, making option B the correct choice.

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