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.

Correct Option (B)

Assumption 2 is correct. The passage describes botanical pesticides as a "practical sustainable alternative" that contributes to "reduction of environmental contamination and human health hazards." Sustainable agriculture, by definition, aims to integrate practices that are environmentally sound, economically viable, and socially responsible, which includes minimizing ecological imbalance and environmental harm. The passage's emphasis on the benefits of botanical pesticides aligns directly with this objective.

Incorrect Options:

Assumption 1 is incorrect. While the passage extensively details the inherent toxicities, persistence, and adverse effects of synthetic pesticides on health and the environment, it does not state or imply that they should be entirely prohibited from modern agriculture. The text advocates for safer alternatives and highlights the problems associated with their indiscriminate use, rather than calling for their complete cessation.

Assumption 3 is incorrect. The passage highlights that botanical pesticides are "safer to the user and the environment" and are biodegradable, breaking down into harmless compounds. It focuses on their environmental and health benefits, as well as their role in maintaining biodiversity. However, the passage does not provide any information or comparative analysis regarding the efficacy or pest-killing power of botanical pesticides relative to synthetic pesticides. Therefore, an assumption about their superior effectiveness cannot be drawn from the given text.