Read the given passage and answer the four questions that follow:-
Donkeys may be the proverbial beast of burden, and the animal itself has come to symbolise a dimwit, someone of little value. But not all donkeys are created equal. The Halari donkeys, a breed native to Gujarat's Halar region, is not just valued, it is a VVIP.
The Halari donkey is a source of 'liquid gold', with its milk, valued for its distinctive properties, known to have sold for an astounding Rs 5000 to Rs 7000 per litre at some online platforms.
But this acclaim comes with its own set of challenges. With fewer than 500 Halari donkeys remaining, the primary need is, of course, conservation. But the larger aim is not just increasing their numbers; it's about teaching farmers the best practices, so that they can command premium prices.
Recognising the pressing need for conservation, the National Research Centre on Equines (NRCE) in Bikaner has started a dedicated programme to safeguard these animals. NRCE is also evaluating donkey milk for potential use in skincare products to sustain its value.
The Halari donkey is not just valued for its milk; its unique characteristics make it particularly valuable for sustainable dairy farming. Their docile nature, combined with their adaptability to various climates, makes them ideal for small-scale farmers. They also have a much lower environmental foot-print, compared to larger livestock, requiring less feed and water. Infact, their grazing habits even help maintain grassland ecosystems.
The donkey is not commonly accepted as:-
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → a parasite
The opening lines give the common view of the donkey: it is "the proverbial beast of burden" and it has come to symbolise "a dimwit, someone of little value". A parasite (one who lives off others without giving anything back) is not part of this common picture; a beast of burden in fact works hard for its owner.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: a dimwit — Incorrect. A dimwit is a stupid person. True in the passage: the donkey has come to symbolise a dimwit, so this is how it is commonly seen.
Example: Only a dimwit would leave the house keys in the door.
Option 2: a beast of burden — Incorrect. A beast of burden is an animal used to carry loads. True in the passage: the donkey is called "the proverbial beast of burden", so this too is the common view.
Option 4: useless — Incorrect. True in the passage: the donkey symbolises "someone of little value", which is the same as being thought useless.