Which of the following is a reason for crop failure leading to debt? 1. The use of high-quality seeds guarantees that crops will never fail. 2. Pests attacking the crop. 3. Monsoon not bringing enough rain.

The correct option is (c). Explanation Rural indebtedness and the cycle of poverty in agrarian economies are frequently triggered by crop failure. Agriculture is inherently a high-risk economic activity subject to biological and climatic variables, which can render investments in inputs futile, leading to a debt trap. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Incorrect. While high-quality seeds (such as High Yielding Varieties) have the potential to increase production, they do not provide an absolute guarantee against crop failure. Crops grown from high-quality seeds remain vulnerable to external factors such as water scarcity, pest attacks, diseases, and climatic aberrations. Furthermore, some high-quality seeds require precise input management (fertilizers, water), the lack of which can lead to failure. - Statement 2 is Correct. Pest infestation is a major biological risk in agriculture. Pests can damage standing crops significantly, reducing yield or destroying the harvest entirely. This loss of revenue, combined with the cost of pesticides incurred, often forces farmers into debt. - Statement 3 is Correct. A significant portion of Indian agriculture is rainfed. The failure of the monsoon or erratic rainfall patterns directly impacts crop survival and yield. Drought conditions prevent crops from reaching maturity, leading to total or partial crop failure and subsequent financial distress for the farmer. Key Takeaway: Crop failure is primarily driven by environmental factors (monsoon failure) and biological risks (pests), which cannot be completely negated by input quality alone. This uncertainty is a leading cause of rural debt.

NCERT Class 6 Economics — Chapter 1: Rural Livelihoods

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Which of the following is a reason for crop failure leading to debt?

The use of high-quality seeds guarantees that crops will never fail.
Pests attacking the crop.
Monsoon not bringing enough rain.

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Rural indebtedness and the cycle of poverty in agrarian economies are frequently triggered by crop failure. Agriculture is inherently a high-risk economic activity subject to biological and climatic variables, which can render investments in inputs futile, leading to a debt trap.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect. While high-quality seeds (such as High Yielding Varieties) have the potential to increase production, they do not provide an absolute guarantee against crop failure. Crops grown from high-quality seeds remain vulnerable to external factors such as water scarcity, pest attacks, diseases, and climatic aberrations. Furthermore, some high-quality seeds require precise input management (fertilizers, water), the lack of which can lead to failure.
Statement 2 is Correct. Pest infestation is a major biological risk in agriculture. Pests can damage standing crops significantly, reducing yield or destroying the harvest entirely. This loss of revenue, combined with the cost of pesticides incurred, often forces farmers into debt.
Statement 3 is Correct. A significant portion of Indian agriculture is rainfed. The failure of the monsoon or erratic rainfall patterns directly impacts crop survival and yield. Drought conditions prevent crops from reaching maturity, leading to total or partial crop failure and subsequent financial distress for the farmer.

Key Takeaway:

Crop failure is primarily driven by environmental factors (monsoon failure) and biological risks (pests), which cannot be completely negated by input quality alone. This uncertainty is a leading cause of rural debt.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Rural Livelihoods

In the context of rural livelihoods in India, what is the primary reason small farmers often sell their produce to traders at prices lower than the market rate?

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Which of the following best describes the phenomenon of 'Debt Trap' in the context of the rural agrarian economy?

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Consider the following statements regarding the distribution of farmers in India: 1. In India, nearly 80 % of farmers belong to the group of small farmers. 2. Large farmers constitute the majority of the farming population in India. 3. Small farmers rely exclusively on their own land and never work on other people's fields. Which of the following statements are correct ?

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With reference to the fishing community in Pudupet, consider the following: 1. Fishermen generally use catamarans and nets for their livelihood. 2. During the monsoon season, fishermen increase their fishing activity as fish catch is highest. 3. During the lean months, fishing families often borrow money from traders to survive. Which of the following statements are correct?

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In the context of rural livelihoods in central India, which of the following activities are as important sources of additional income? 1. Collection of mahua 2. Collection of tendu leaves 3. Collection of honey 4. Processing of rubber

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The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect. While high-quality seeds (such as High Yielding Varieties) have the potential to increase production, they do not provide an absolute guarantee against crop failure. Crops grown from high-quality seeds remain vulnerable to external factors such as water scarcity, pest attacks, diseases, and climatic aberrations. Furthermore, some high-quality seeds require precise input management (fertilizers, water), the lack of which can lead to failure.
Statement 2 is Correct. Pest infestation is a major biological risk in agriculture. Pests can damage standing crops significantly, reducing yield or destroying the harvest entirely. This loss of revenue, combined with the cost of pesticides incurred, often forces farmers into debt.
Statement 3 is Correct. A significant portion of Indian agriculture is rainfed. The failure of the monsoon or erratic rainfall patterns directly impacts crop survival and yield. Drought conditions prevent crops from reaching maturity, leading to total or partial crop failure and subsequent financial distress for the farmer.

Key Takeaway: