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 Datum 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.
Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made:
Assumption 2 is correct. The passage explicitly states that "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." It further highlights that "how much and when to use it are not well-researched or regulated issues." These statements collectively indicate a clear need for education and awareness among both farmers and consumers regarding the proper understanding and application of eco-friendly or organic food practices to ensure safety and efficacy.
Assumption 1 is incorrect. The passage does not claim that organic farming is inherently unsafe. Instead, it identifies potential risks stemming from specific issues such as the industry being "young and not well-regulated in India," the use of farmyard manure that "may contain toxic chemicals and heavy metals" due to difficulty in obtaining large-scale organic fertilizers, and the improper application of certain plant sprays due to a lack of research and regulation on dosage. These are presented as challenges and regulatory gaps, not as inherent flaws in the concept of organic farming itself. The passage implies that with better regulation, research, and education, these risks could be mitigated.
Option (A) is incorrect because Assumption 1 is not supported by the passage.
Option (C) is incorrect because Assumption 1 is invalid.
Option (D) is incorrect because Assumption 2 is valid.