According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, one-third of food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted globally.

Food is lost or wasted throughout the supply chain, from initial agricultural production to final household consumption. The increasing wastage also results in land degradation by about 45%, mainly due to deforestation, unsustainable agricultural practices, and excessive groundwater extraction. The energy spent over wasted food results in about 3.5 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide production every year. Decay also leads to harmful emissions of other gases in the atmosphere. Addressing the loss and wastage of food in all forms is critical to complete the cycle of food efficiency and food sustainability.

Q1. Which of the following statements best reflect the most logical and rational inferences that can be made from the passage?
1. The current methods of food distribution are solely responsible for the loss and wastage of food.
2. Land productivity is adversely affected by the prevailing trend of food loss and wastage.
3. Reduction in the loss and wastage of food results in lesser carbon footprint.
4. Post-harvest technologies to prevent or reduce the loss and wastage of food are not available.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
a) 1, 2 and 3
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1, 3 and 4
d) 1, 2 and 4
Correct answer: b) 2 and 3 only

Q2. Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made:
1. The food distribution mechanism needs to be reimagined and made effective to reduce the loss and wastage of food.
2. Ensuring the reduction of wastage and loss of food is a social and moral responsibility of all citizens.

Which of the assumptions given above is/are valid?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Correct answer: a) 1 only

Question from UPSC Prelims 2024 CSAT

Explanation :

Q1: Let’s examine each statement and compare with the passage:

1. “Current methods of food distribution are solely responsible” – The passage mentions wastage occurs “throughout the supply chain, from initial agricultural production to final household consumption.” So this statement is incorrect as it’s not solely distribution.

2. “Land productivity is adversely affected” – The passage states “wastage results in land degradation by about 45%,” so this is a valid inference.

3. “Reduction in loss and wastage results in lesser carbon footprint” – Since the passage mentions wasted food leads to 3.5 billion tonnes of CO2 production, reducing waste would logically reduce the carbon footprint. This is valid.

4. “Post-harvest technologies are not available” – The passage makes no mention of post-harvest technologies, so this cannot be inferred.

Therefore, only statements 2 and 3 are valid inferences. Answer (b) is correct.

Q2: Let’s examine the assumptions:

1. “Food distribution mechanism needs to be reimagined” – This is a valid assumption because the passage discusses significant food loss throughout the supply chain, suggesting the current system needs improvement.

2. “Social and moral responsibility of all citizens” – While reducing food waste might be desirable, the passage doesn’t provide any basis for assuming it’s a social or moral responsibility. It only presents factual information about the consequences of food waste.

Therefore, only assumption 1 is valid. Answer (a) is correct.