Read the passage below and determine which combination

Solution

Statement 1 can be inferred. The passage explains that by offering low-collateral micro-loans for essential farming materials and trading, these mobile platforms "help marginalized farmers bypass predatory informal moneylenders." This directly supports the idea that the technology acts as a vital financial safety net or cushion for these vulnerable workers. Thus, Statement 1 is a valid inference. Statement 2 can be inferred. The text outlines multiple structural challenges, such as "high default tracking expenses," a "near-total absence of formal credit bureau data," and "deep-seated skepticism." It explicitly concludes that without major innovations to fix these issues, "the sector's long-term sustainability remains highly volatile [uncertain]." Thus, Statement 2 is a valid inference. Statement 3 cannot be inferred. This statement claims that rural populations "eagerly and unconditionally embrace" these digital platforms. This is directly contradicted by the passage, which emphasizes that fintech providers face "persistent difficulties in overcoming the deep-seated skepticism of rural populations unfamiliar with digital banking." Therefore, because Statements 1 and 2 are well-supported by the text while Statement 3 is explicitly contradicted, A is the correct answer choice