Why is dairy farming practiced near the urban and industrial centers?

The correct answer is Option (2) → Proximity to markets

Dairy farming is the rearing of milch animals for milk. Fresh milk spoils quickly, so it must reach buyers fast. Towns and industrial centres are full of such buyers.

Option (1) Milch cattle can easily be reared — Incorrect. Rearing is not easy: dairy needs sheds, stored fodder, machines and constant care. Ease of rearing does not decide where it is located.

Option (2) Proximity to markets — Correct. Urban and industrial centres give a neighbourhood market for fresh milk and dairy products, so the milk is sold before it spoils.

Option (3) Availability of pasture land — Incorrect. Land near cities is crowded and costly. Dairy animals are fed in sheds from stored fodder, not on large pastures.

Option (4) Availability of cheap labour — Incorrect. Dairy is labour intensive, but labour is not cheaper near cities. The market is what draws dairy farms there.