GATE CE 2019 Set 1 — Question 6

MCQ+2 / -0.67EasyReading ComprehensionVerbal AptitudeGeneral Aptitude

General Aptitude → Verbal Aptitude → Reading Comprehension

Last updated 5 September 2026

Question

The new cotton technology, Bollgard-II, with herbicide tolerant traits has developed into a thriving business in India. However, the commercial use of this technology is not legal in India. Notwithstanding that, reports indicate that the herbicide tolerant Bt cotton had been purchased by farmers at an average of Rs 200 more than the control price of ordinary cotton, and planted in 15% of the cotton growing area in the 2017 Kharif season. Which one of the following statements can be inferred from the given passage?

Correct answer (B) Farmers want to access the new technology even if it is not legal Solution The passage states that although the commercial use of Bollgard-II is not legal in India, farmers are still purchasing it (at a premium) and planting it on a significant scale (15% of the area). This directly supports the inference that farmers are willing to access and use the technology despite its illegal status. While they are paying a high price (Option D), the core inference regarding their behavior in the face of illegality is best captured by Option B. Turn this into a strength. Explore AI-powered practice and doubt support with Success Tracker.

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Correct answer (B) Farmers want to access the new technology even if it is not legal Solution The passage states that although the commercial use of Bollgard-II is not legal in India, farmers are still purchasing it (at a premium) and planting it on a significant scale (15% of the area). This directly supports the inference that farmers are willing to access and use the technology despite its illegal status. While they are paying a high price (Option D), the core inference regarding their behavior in the face of illegality is best captured by Option B.

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