Fossil energy is another prime resource used for food production. Nearly 80 per cent of the world's fossil energy is being used by the developed countries. The intensive farming technologies of the developed countries use massive amounts of fossil energy and for machines as a forex fertilizers, pesticides, irrigation, substitute for human labour. In developing countries, fossil energy has been used primarily for fertilizers and irrigation to help maintain yields rather than to reduce human labour inputs. Because fossil energy is a finite resource, its depletion accelerates as population needs for food and services escalate. Thus, cost of fuel increases everywhere.
Certainly improved technology will assist in more effective management and use of resources, but it cannot produce an unlimited flow of those vital natural resources that are the raw materials for sustained agricultural production. For instance, fertilizers enhance the fertility of eroded soils, but humans cannot make topsoil. Indeed, fertilizers made from finite fossil fuels are presently being used to compensate for eroded topsoil. A productive and sustainable agricultural system depends on maintaining the integrity of biodiversity.
Question 1: What percentage of the world's fossil energy is predominantly used by developed countries for food production?
Answer: Nearly 80 per cent of the world's fossil energy is being used by developed countries for food production, as mentioned in the passage.
Question 2: How do intensive farming technologies in developed countries utilize fossil energy?
Answer: Intensive farming technologies in developed countries use massive amounts of fossil energy for various purposes such as machinery, fertilizers, pesticides, irrigation, and as a substitute for human labor.
Question 3: What is the primary use of fossil energy in developing countries for food production?
Answer: In developing countries, fossil energy is primarily used for fertilizers and irrigation to help maintain yields rather than to reduce human labor inputs, as stated in the paragraph.
Question 4: Why does the depletion of fossil energy accelerate as population needs for food and services increase?
Answer: The depletion of fossil energy accelerates as population needs for food and services escalate because fossil energy is a finite resource, and its depletion occurs faster with increasing demand.
Question 5: According to the passage, what role does maintaining the integrity of biodiversity play in a productive and sustainable agricultural system?
Answer: Maintaining the integrity of biodiversity is essential for a productive and sustainable agricultural system, as biodiversity supports ecosystem functions crucial for agricultural production.
