In some places in the world the productivity of staples such as rice and wheat has reached a plateau. Neither new Strains nor fancy agrochemicals are raising the yields. Nor is there much unfarmed land left that is suitable to be bought under the plough. If global temperature continues to rise, some places will become unsuitable for farming. Application of-technology can 'help overcome these problems. Agricultural technology is changing fast. Much of this change is brought about by affluent farmers in the West Americas. Techniques developed in the West are being adapted in some places to make tropical crops more productive. Technology is of little use if it is not adapted. In the developing world, that applies as much to existing farming techniques as it does to the latest advances in genetic modification. Extending to the small holders and subsistence farmers of Africa and Asia the best of today's. agricultural practices, in such simple matters as how much fertilizers to apply and when, would lead to a greatly increased availability of food for humanity. So would things like better roads and storage facilities, to allow for the carriage of-surpluses to markets and reduce wastage.
Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made:
Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
: Neither 1 nor 2
Both assumptions 1 and 2 are invalid based on the information presented in the passage.
Assumption 1: Development of agricultural technology is confined to developed countries.
The passage states that "Much of this change is brought about by affluent farmers in the West Americas." While this indicates a significant contribution from developed countries, the use of "much" does not imply that development is exclusively or entirely confined to these regions. The passage does not provide information to support the absolute confinement of agricultural technology development to developed countries.
Assumption 2: Agricultural technology is not adapted in developing countries.
The passage explicitly mentions, "Techniques developed in the West are being adapted in some places to make tropical crops more productive." This statement directly refutes the assumption that agricultural technology is not adapted in developing countries. Although the passage highlights the need for further extension of these practices to smallholders and subsistence farmers, it confirms that adaptation is already occurring in certain areas.