The alfalfa industry requires comparatively large amounts of water. The past decade has seen both a steep rise in the price of water for agriculture and also a rise of 15% in overall profits in the alfalfa industry, even though the market price of alfalfa didn't fluctuate substantially.

Any of the following statements, if true, helps to explain the rise in profits EXCEPT

Correct answer marked below

The number of alfalfa growers has grown by 25%.

The price of shipping and handling has risen by 15%.

Correct

The formation of the Alfalfa Growers Union has enabled alfalfa growers to obtain substantially lower prices for agricultural machinery.

A nationwide best-seller published at the beginning of the decade postulates a healthy diet, in which alfalfa is a staple.

New overseas markets for alfalfa have opened recently.

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What this question tests

Whether you can explain an apparent contradiction in a way that makes both facts true.

Picking an option that explains one side of the paradox while making the other side false.