Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Correct Option: 1 only

We must evaluate the statements regarding biopesticides based on the content of the passage: Statement 1: "They are not hazardous to human health." This is supported by the text, which states that botanical pesticides formulated from plants "help in the reduction of environmental contamination and human health hazards," making them safe and non-hazardous compared to synthetic ones. Statement 2: "They are persistent in environment." This is incorrect. The passage explicitly states that synthetic pesticides are persistent, whereas botanical pesticides "break down into harmless compounds within hours or days in the presence of sunlight," meaning they are biodegradable and NOT persistent. Statement 3: "They are essential to maintain the biodiversity of any ecosystem." This is incorrect. While biopesticides "help in the maintenance of biological diversity," claiming they are "essential to maintain the biodiversity of any ecosystem" is an extreme and inaccurate generalization, as natural non-agricultural ecosystems do not rely on agricultural biopesticides. Since statement 1 is correct and statements 2 and 3 are incorrect, the correct choice is "1 only", corresponding to option A.