Read the passage below carefully:
For decades, the agricultural community of Kura in Kano State relied exclusively on diesel-powered pumps to pull groundwater for dry-season farming. Although these engines initially boosted crop yields, soaring fuel prices and frequent mechanical failures eventually crippled local farming operations. To address this crisis, an agricultural cooperative introduced solar-powered irrigation pumps three years ago. The new solar units require no fuel and run quietly throughout daylight hours, allowing farmers to cultivate high-value off-season vegetables across expanded plots of land. Consequently, household incomes in the community have increased significantly. However, environmental monitors recently reported a continuous drop in the local water table. Because running solar pumps incurs no daily fuel expenses, many farmers now allow the systems to discharge water continuously, regardless of actual crop needs. Community leaders are now urging the cooperative to implement regulated watering schedules to prevent complete exhaustion of the underground aquifer.
Based on the passage, what can be inferred about the primary cause of the declining groundwater table in Kura?
- ASolar-powered pumps consume substantially more water per minute than fuel-powered generators.
- The lack of ongoing fuel costs led to unchecked usage of solar pumps beyond actual agricultural requirements.Answer
- CHousehold earnings plummeted because local farmers spent their savings repairing solar pump components.
- DRising fuel prices prevented farmers from switching to regulated watering schedules recommended by leaders.