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 (A)?

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IBPS Clerk Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 24 August 2024 Shift 2)
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  1. understated
  2. overestimated
  3. underestimated
  4. overemphasized
  5. overlooked

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 3 : underestimated
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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 'underestimated'.
 
Key Points
  • The passage emphasizes the importance of rainfall in agricultural productivity.
  • The correct word should indicate that the significance of rainfall cannot be considered less important than it is.
  • "Underestimated" means not being valued or recognized adequately, which fits the context perfectly.
  • Other options ("understated", "overestimated", "overemphasized", "overlooked") do not convey the idea of not fully recognizing the importance of rainfall.
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 (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.

Additional Information
  • Understated (कम करके आँकना): "Understated" means presented in a subtle or restrained way, which doesn't reflect the context correctly.
  • Overestimated (अधिक मूल्यांकित करना): "Overestimated" means assessed as more important or larger than it actually is, fitting poorly here.
  • Overemphasized (अतिरंजित करना): "Overemphasized" means given too much importance, which does not match the intended meaning.
  • Overlooked (दृष्टि से चूकना): "Overlooked" means neglected or not noticed, which also doesn't fit the context.
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