Directions (Qs. 1 - 10): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given after reading it. Certain words/ phrases have been printed in bold to help you locate them while answering some of the questions.
India has long been an agrarian society, with a majority of its population depending on agriculture for their livelihood. However, the agricultural sector in India has been facing a plethora of issues, one of which is the lack of
proper farm mechanization efforts. Despite several attempts by the government to modernize the sector, the progress has been slow, and the implementation of new technologies has not been widespread. This has led to low
productivity, rising costs of production, and a decrease in the overall profitability of the sector. One of the primary issues with India's farm mechanization efforts is the lack of access to modern technologies. The majority of
farmers in India still use traditional farming methods, which are timeconsuming and labor-intensive.The use of modern technologies such as tractors, combine harvesters, and other farm machinery can significantly increase
productivity and efficiency, leading to higher yields and lower costs of production. However, the adoption of these technologies has been slow due to various factors, such as the high cost of machinery and a lack of knowledge
about their benefits. Another issue is the fragmented land holdings in India. The average farm size in India is small, and many farmers own land holdings that are less than one hectare in size. This makes it difficult for farmers to
justify the investment in ........ (5) ........ farm machinery, as the cost-benefit analysis may not be favorable. Furthermore, the lack of proper infrastructure, such as roads, storage facilities, and processing units, further complicates
the situation. The lack of proper training and education about modern farming techniques is another significant challenge. Most farmers in India have little to no formal education and rely on traditional knowledge and practices
for farming. This makes it difficult for them to understand the benefits of modern technologies and how to use them effectively. Additionally, the lack of trained professionals who can provide guidance on the use of farm
machinery and new farming techniques is a significant hurdle that needs to be overcome. The government has made several attempts to modernize the agriculture sector through various schemes and programs. However, the
implementation of these programs has been slow and ineffective. The lack of proper planning, monitoring, and evaluation has resulted in the failure of many of these initiatives. Furthermore, corruption and bureaucratic red tape
have also ........ (10) ........ the progress of these programs. To overcome these challenges, several steps need to be taken. Firstly, there is a need for greater investment in the agriculture sector. The government should allocate
more resources towards the development of infrastructure, research and development, and the dissemination of information about modern farming techniques. Additionally, subsidies and other incentives should be provided to
farmers to encourage the adoption of modern technologies. Secondly, there is a need to address the issue of fragmented land holdings. This can be done through the consolidation of land holdings, which would make it easier
for farmers to invest in expensive machinery. Furthermore, the government should establish cooperatives and other forms of collective farming, which would enable small-scale farmers to pool their resources and benefit from
economies of scale. Thirdly, there is a need for greater investment in education and training. The government should establish training programs for farmers to educate them about modern farming techniques and the use of
farm machinery. Additionally, the government should invest in the development of a skilled workforce of agricultural professionals who can provide guidance and support to farmers. Finally, there is a need for greater
collaboration between the government, private sector, and civil society. The private sector can play a critical role in the development and dissemination of modern technologies and the provision of support services to farmers.
Civil society can also play a critical role in the dissemination of information about modern farming techniques and the provision of support services to farmers.
1. What can be the suitable title of the above passage?
A) India’s Farm Mechanization Efforts – Challenges and Importance
B) Government Policies and Interventions in modernization
C) India Farming details
D) Buy more agriculture equipment for India - Need
E) India far behind in Agriculture
Explanation: The above passage discusses about the importance of farm mechanization and challenges facing while implementing farm mechanization measures in India. Majority of population in India depends on agriculture for their livelihood, yet they are facing a number of issues in upgrading the way of doing agriculture using different types of farm machines. Despite several attempts by the government to modernize the sector,the progress has been slow, and the implementation of new technologies has not been wide spread. So, the title “India’s Farm Mechanization Efforts – Challenges and Importance” suits best for this passage.
Ans: A
2. According to the passage, what are the reasons for the lack of access to modern technologies of farming in India?
I. The majority of farmers in India still are using traditional farming methods.
II. Many farmers own land holdings that are less than one hectare in size. So, it is difficult for farmers to buy expensive farm machinery.
III. Farmers hate doing agriculture with the help of modern farming equipment.
A) I and III B) I and II C) II and III D) All the above E) None of the above
Explanation: By thoroughly reading the passage,we can conclude that the statements I (The majority of farmers in India still are using traditional farming methods) and II (Many farmers own land holdings that are less than one hectare in size. So, it is difficult for farmers to buy expensive farm machinery) are the reasons for the lack of access to modern technologies of farming in India.
Ans: B
3. Choose the word which is most similar in meaning of the word plethora printed in bold in the passage.
A) scarcity B) insufficiency C) over abundance D) deficit E) existence
Explanation: The word ‘plethora’ means an excessive, overabundance, surplus or large amount of something. According to the passage, the agricultural sector in India has been facing many issues in adopting the
modernization of farming. So, the word ‘over abundance’ will be its appropriate synonym.
Ans: C
4. Choose the word which is most opposite in meaning of the word fragmented printed in bold in the passage.
A) dispersed B) shattered C) disintegrated D) unified E) split
Explanation: The word ‘fragmented’ means something that is broken or separated into smaller parts. According to the passage, many farmers holdings are “separated” into small lands. So, the word ‘unified’ suits as the best opposite word for the word ‘fragmented’.
Ans: D
5. Choose a correct word from the options for ..... (5) ..... in the passage, that suits appropriately to the context of the sentence and make the paragraph meaningful and grammatically correct.
A) cheap B) powerful C) highly beautiful D) low productivity E) expensive
Explanation: The word ‘expensive’ which means “very costly” suits appropriately to the context of the sentence. Because, according to the passage, many farmers own land holdings that are less than one hectare in size. This makes it difficult for farmers to buy expensive farm machinery for doing agriculture
Ans: E
6. According to the passage, what are the measures need to be taken by the Indian government to modernize the agriculture sector in India?
I. The government should allocate more resources towards the development of infrastructure, research and development, and the dissemination of information about modern farming techniques.
II. The government should establish cooperatives and other forms of collective farming, which would enable smallscale farmers to pool their resources and benefit from economies of scale.
III. The government should establish training programs for farmers to educate them about modern farming techniques and the use of farm machinery.
A) I and II B) II and III C) I and III D) All the above E) None of the above
Explanation: By thoroughly reading the passage,we can conclude that the statements I,II and III are True. The above measures need to be taken by the Indian government to modernize the agriculture sector in India.
Ans: D
7. Which of the following statement is NOT TRUE according to the passage?
I. Subsidies and other incentives should be provided to farmers to encourage the adoption of modern technologies.
II. Government should invest in the development of a skilled workforce of agricultural professionals who can provide guidance and support to farmers.
III. Government should take over the land of small farmers and do real estate business in those lands.
A) I and II B) II and III C) I and III D) I only E) III only
Explanation: By thoroughly reading the passage, we can conclude that the statements I and II are True. The sentence “Government should take over the land of small farmers and do real estate business in those lands. (statement
III)” is not true. According to the passage, consolidation of land holdings of small farmers should be done, to make it easier for farmers to invest in expensive machinery.
Ans: E
8. Choose the word which is most similar in meaning of the word allocate printed in bold in the passage.
A) confiscate B) deprive C) retain D) assign E) withhold
Explanation: The word ‘allocate’ means to assign or distribute resources or duties for a particular purpose or to a specific person or group. According to the paragraph, the government should “assign” more resources towards the development of infrastructure, research and development, and the dissemination of information about modern farming techniques.
Ans:D
9. Choose the word which is most opposite in meaning of the word consolidation printed in bold in the passage.
A) combine B) mix C) separation D) add E) multiply
Explanation: The word ‘consolidation’ refers to the act of combining multiple things into a single entity or making something stronger and more stable. From the given options, the word ‘separation’ bears the most opposite word for the word ‘consolidation’.
Ans: C
10. Choose a correct word from the options for ..... (10) ..... in the passage, that suits appropriately to the context of the sentence and make the paragraph meaningful and grammatically correct.
A) facilitated B) hindered C) assisted D) aided E) unrestricted
Explanation: The word ‘hindered’ which means “to create obstacles or prevent progress or movement” suits appropriately to the context of the sentence. Because, according to the passage, the lack of proper planning, monitoring, and corruption has resulted in the failure of many of the initiatives that are being implemented to modernize the agriculture sector in India.
Ans: B
