Identify the odd one out about the agents of seed, fertiliser and pes…

The correct answer is Option (4) → They work under the government's agricultural development programmes.

Option (1) They are often farmers' sole source of information on new seeds. — Incorrect. This holds true. These agents are often the farmers' only source of information on new seeds or cultivation practices.

Option (2) They have increased farmers' dependence on expensive pesticides. — Incorrect. This holds true. Their selling has increased farmers' dependence on expensive fertilisers and pesticides, which cut profits and pushed many into debt.

Option (3) They have an interest in selling their own companies' products. — Incorrect. This holds true. The agents have an interest in selling their own companies' products, so their advice leans towards what they sell.

Option (4) They work under the government's agricultural development programmes. — Correct. This is the odd one out because it is false. These company agents replaced the government's extension agents after the state scaled down its agricultural development programmes.