Meaning: 'Increased' means that the demand for food has grown or become larger over time.

Wrong options:

• minimise: Minimise means to reduce something to the smallest amount, which contradicts the context of growing demand.
• decreasing: Decreasing implies a reduction, which is the opposite of what is described in the sentence.
• reduces: Reduces is a present tense verb that does not fit the past context of the sentence.

Correct answer: improvements

Explanation: The word 'improvements' fits well as it refers to positive changes or advancements, which aligns with the context of rising incomes. It is a plural noun that matches the grammatical structure of the sentence.

Meaning: 'Improvements' means enhancements or betterment in conditions, in this case, referring to the increase in incomes.

Wrong options:

• reduction: Reduction implies a decrease, which does not fit the context of rising incomes.
• report: Report is a noun that does not relate to the context of income changes and does not fit grammatically.
• information: Information is too vague and does not convey the idea of positive change in income.

Correct answer: decline

Explanation: The word 'decline' is a noun that fits grammatically and contextually, indicating a decrease in food prices. It aligns with the overall trend described in the sentence.

Meaning: 'Decline' means a reduction or decrease in value, in this case, referring to food prices.

Wrong options:

• reduces: Reduces is a verb that does not fit the noun form required in this context.
• expanded: Expanded suggests an increase, which contradicts the idea of prices going down.
• increasing: Increasing is a present participle that does not fit the past context of the sentence.

Correct answer: prices

Explanation: The word 'prices' is a plural noun that fits grammatically and contextually, referring to the cost of grains. It aligns with the sentence structure and the overall topic of food economics.

Meaning: 'Prices' refers to the amounts of money required to purchase goods, in this case, grains.

Wrong options:

• demands: Demands refers to the need for goods, which does not fit the context of rising costs.
• surplus: Surplus means an excess amount, which does not relate to the concept of rising prices.
• value: Value is a more abstract term that does not specifically refer to the monetary cost of grains.

Correct answer: greater

Explanation: The word 'greater' is a comparative adjective that fits grammatically and contextually, indicating that the increase in demand surpasses the increase in production. It aligns with the comparative structure of the sentence.

Meaning: 'Greater' means larger in amount or degree, indicating that demand outstripped production.

Wrong options:

• maximise: Maximise is a verb that does not fit the comparative context required here.
• increasing: Increasing is a present participle that does not fit the comparative structure of the sentence.
• diminishes: Diminishes implies a decrease, which contradicts the context of demand being higher.