2023 CSAT, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2023 · CSAT

Question 34: Reading Comprehension

Passage – 2 · as printed by UPSC
Passage beginning “There is a claim that organic farming…”

Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical, rational and practical message conveyed by the author of the passage ?

aIn India, organic farming should not be promoted as a substitute for conventional farming.
bThere are no safe organic alternatives to chemical fertilizers.
cIn India, farmers need to be guided and helped to make their organic farming sustainable.
dThe aim of organic farming should not be to generate huge profits as there is still no global market for its products.

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).

The passage says organic farming in India is young and unregulated, so farmers and consumers are confused, and some inputs and sprays can hurt people when used wrongly because dose and timing are not researched. The practical message is that farmers need guidance and support so that their organic farming is safe and sustainable. It does not argue against promoting organic farming, call organic options unsafe across the board, or discuss global markets.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Wrong: the passage does not oppose promoting organic farming.
  • (b) Wrong: overstated; the harm comes from unregulated, misused inputs, not an absence of safe alternatives.
  • (c) Right: farmers need guidance and help to make organic farming sustainable.
  • (d) Wrong: profits and global markets are not discussed.

Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2023, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.