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 Halari donkey is valuable due to the fact that it:-
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → can lead to sustainable farming.
The last paragraph says the Halari donkey's unique characteristics "make it particularly valuable for sustainable dairy farming": it is docile, needs less feed and water than larger livestock, has a low environmental footprint and its grazing even helps grasslands. Sustainable farming is farming that does not harm the land or waste resources.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 2: is self-indulgent in nature. — Incorrect. Self-indulgent means too ready to satisfy one's own wishes and pleasures. Contradicted: the passage calls the donkey docile (gentle and easy to manage), the opposite of such behaviour.
Example: Buying a third phone in a year was a self-indulgent choice.
Option 3: is weather-resistant. — Incorrect. Too narrow: the passage speaks of the donkey's adaptability to various climates, which is only one of the reasons it suits small farmers. It never calls the animal weather-resistant, and it names sustainable dairy farming as the reason for its value.
Option 4: has high food consumption. — Incorrect. Contradicted: the passage says the donkeys require less feed and water than larger livestock.