With reference to the passage on Indian agricultural sector, the following assumptions have been made.

Question

With reference to the passage on Indian agricultural sector, the following assumptions have been made.

The growing divergence between the fortunes of the agricultural and non-agricultural economy in India could have been reduced/contained by:

I. adapting large-scale cultivation of commercial crops and viable corporate farming.

II. providing free insurance for all crops and heavily subsidizing seeds, fertilizers, electricity and farm machinery at par with developed countries.

Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?

1. A. I only
2. B. II only
3. C. Both I and II
4. D. Neither I nor II (Correct answer)

Correct Answer

Option D — Neither I nor II

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Neither I nor II.

Key Points

• The passage says agriculture suffered relative stagnation while non-agriculture grew.
• Assumption I (large-scale commercial/corporate farming) — the passage doesn't suggest this as a remedy, and it could even worsen the situation.
• Assumption II (free insurance, heavy subsidies) — not supported either; the passage doesn't suggest subsidy parity with developed countries as a fix.
• Neither I nor II is valid.