Comprehension

Directions: In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.

The role of rainfall in agricultural productivity cannot be (A) ________. In regions where farming is heavily dependent on natural water sources, the absence of sufficient rainfall often leads to severe consequences. Farmers (B) ________ their crops to a certain level of rainfall, and when this is not met, it can result in reduced crop yields and poor harvests. Over time, the lack of rain can cause a (C) ________ in the soil's fertility, making it difficult to cultivate crops effectively.

Without regular precipitation, water levels in rivers and ponds drop, impacting (D) ________ sources of irrigation. As a result, farmers are forced to depend on more expensive alternatives, such as tube wells or tankers. This leads to a significant increase in production costs, leaving many farmers with little (E) ________ at the end of the season. In such circumstances, the government must (F) ________ initiatives to support farmers, including subsidies on irrigation or drought-resistant crops.

Which of the following is the most appropriate option to fill in the blank labelled as (C)?

This question was previously asked in
IBPS Clerk Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 24 August 2024 Shift 2)
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  1. increase
  2. boost
  3. decrease
  4. increase
  5. stability

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 3 : decrease
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IBPS Clerk Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 24 August 2024 Shift 1)
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100 Questions 100 Marks 60 Mins

Detailed Solution

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The correct answer is 'decrease'.
 
Key Points
  • The passage discusses how the absence of sufficient rainfall can negatively impact the soil's fertility.
  • The word used should indicate a reduction in the soil's fertility.
  • "Decrease" means a reduction in size, number, or amount, which fits well in this context.
  • Other options ("increase", "boost", "increase", "stability") do not appropriately convey the idea of a reduction in fertility.
Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 3'.
 
Complete Passage: The role of rainfall in agricultural productivity cannot be underestimated. In regions where farming is heavily dependent on natural water sources, the absence of sufficient rainfall often leads to severe consequences. Farmers adapt their crops to a certain level of rainfall, and when this is not met, it can result in reduced crop yields and poor harvests. Over time, the lack of rain can cause a decrease in the soil's fertility, making it difficult to cultivate crops effectively.

Without regular precipitation, water levels in rivers and ponds drop, impacting (D) ________ sources of irrigation. As a result, farmers are forced to depend on more expensive alternatives, such as tube wells or tankers. This leads to a significant increase in production costs, leaving many farmers with little (E) ________ at the end of the season. In such circumstances, the government must (F) ________ initiatives to support farmers, including subsidies on irrigation or drought-resistant crops.

Additional Information
  • Increase (बढ़ोतरी): "Increase" means to become larger or greater, which doesn't fit the context of negative impact on soil's fertility.
  • Boost (प्रोत्साहन): "Boost" means to increase or improve, which also does not fit the context of a negative impact.
  • Stability (स्थिरता): "Stability" means the state of being stable, which does not convey the idea of reduction in fertility.
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