The correct option is (c).
Explanation
The mustard plant (genus Brassica) is an economically important crop cultivated for multiple edible parts. It serves as a classic example in botany to demonstrate plants where more than one part is utilized for food.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct: The seeds of the mustard plant are the primary source of mustard oil. They are crushed to extract the oil, which is widely used as a cooking medium. The seeds are also used as a spice.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: The roots of the mustard plant are not the source of cooking oil. Oil is stored in and extracted exclusively from the seeds. While the plant possesses a taproot system, the root is not the primary economic product for oil production.
- Statement 3 is Correct: The leaves of the mustard plant are edible and are harvested to be used as a green leafy vegetable (commonly known as mustard greens or "Sarson ka saag").
Key Takeaway:
The mustard plant provides two distinct edible products: seeds (for oil and spice) and leaves (as a vegetable).