Question Statement:
Paradox: 'District A introduced high-efficiency drip irrigation across 80% of its farmland to save water. However, total agricultural water extraction from the regional aquifer increased over the subsequent five years.' Which of the following, if true, best RESOLVES the paradox?
Options:
- (A) Drip irrigation reduced per-hectare water requirements, enabling farmers to cultivate two additional high-water-demand cash crops per year on previously idle land.
- (B) Drip irrigation emitters require pressurized filtration.
- (C) Rainfall in District A was normal during the five-year period.
- (D) District A farmers formed irrigation water user associations.