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CSAT 2023 paper

UPSC CSE CSAT 2023 · Question 34 · Reading comprehension

Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical, rational and practical…

Passage—2

There is a claim that organic farming is inherently safer and healthier. The reality is that because the organic farming industry is still young and not well-regulated in India, farmers and consumers, alike, are not only confused about what products are best for them, but sometimes use products in ways that could harm them as well. For example, since organic fertilizers are difficult to obtain on a large scale in India, farmers often use farmyard manure, which may contain toxic chemicals and heavy metals. Certain plant sprays, such as Datura flower and leaf spray, have an element called atropine. If it is not applied in the right dose, it can act on the nervous system of the consumer. Unfortunately, how much and when to use it are not well-researched or regulated issues.

CSAT 2023 · Q34

Reading comprehension Easy

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

Answer & explanation

Answer: (c) In India, farmers need to be guided and helped to make their organic farming sustainable.

Farmers misuse inputs such as farmyard manure and Datura spray because the sector is young, poorly regulated and under-researched. The practical message is that farmers need guidance and support to make organic farming safe and sustainable.

  • ✗ (a) The passage does not compare organic with conventional farming or argue against promoting organic farming.
  • ✗ (b) 'No safe organic alternatives' is too extreme; the problem is misuse and weak regulation, not the absence of safe options.
  • ✓ (c) Confusion, harmful use and unresearched doses all point to the need to guide and help farmers.
  • ✗ (d) Profits and global markets are outside the passage.

Remember · For a 'practical message', choose the constructive remedy that answers the problems described; reject blanket negatives and outside topics.

Question and answer: UPSC's official GS Paper II (2023, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 30 Sept 2026 (how we verify). ·

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