Rationalization of agriculture involves

• A. Selective breeding as the only method of efficiency
• B. Systematic application of scientific management to farming; e.g., adoption of mechanization and standardized practices to maximize output
• C. Relying more on manual labor to increase yields
• D. Eliminating government oversight of farming practices

Answer: (B)

Rationalization of agriculture means applying systematic, scientific management to farming to maximize efficiency and production. It involves planning, standardizing practices, and using capital-intensive methods like mechanization, controlled inputs, and organized workflows to increase output per unit of effort. This approach aims for higher yields, lower costs, and more predictable results by treating farming like a production system with efficiency at its core. Selective breeding, while important for improving traits, isn’t the whole focus of rationalization, which centers on mechanization and standardized management. More manual labor would reduce efficiency, and eliminating government oversight isn’t part of the concept, which often involves rules and standards to improve consistency and productivity.