Agriculture technology and environment – UGC NET Question

Statements A, B, D and E are correct and capture both risks and opportunities of agricultural technologies. Overuse of chemicals can degrade soils and ecosystems, efficient irrigation saves water, integrated nutrient management supports fertility and impact assessment helps avoid unsustainable technologies. C is wrong because mechanisation and high-yielding varieties can affect soils, water and biodiversity, and F is wrong since farmers’ knowledge and participation are critical to appropriate technology adoption. Therefore, A, B, D and E only form the correct set.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because it omits E, leaving out the role of environmental assessment in guiding sustainable technology choices. While A, B and D are true, they do not fully represent the planning dimension stressed in sustainable agriculture.

Option B:
Option B is correct as it groups the four statements that reflect current understanding of technology–environment interactions in agriculture. It excludes C and F, which present unrealistic or dismissive views of environmental consequences and farmer participation.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect since it includes F, wrongly claiming that farmers’ knowledge is irrelevant, and omits A, which highlights serious effects of chemical overuse. The mix of missing and wrong elements makes this option unacceptable.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it includes C, which denies environmental consequences of modern technologies. Although A, D and E are true, accepting C undermines the ecological perspective essential to this topic.