Correct Answer: Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.

Solution : The correct answer is (a) Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.

Agricultural marketing does help in reducing the wastage of agricultural produce, and the reason for this is that it ensures the timely and efficient distribution of surplus agricultural commodities.

Agricultural marketing plays a crucial role in connecting farmers with consumers and facilitating the movement of agricultural produce from the farm to the market. By establishing effective marketing channels and infrastructure, agricultural marketing helps in reducing post-harvest losses and minimizing wastage.

When agricultural produce is efficiently marketed, farmers can sell their surplus commodities before they spoil or lose their market value. Timely and efficient distribution allows for the proper handling, storage, and transportation of agricultural produce, minimizing quality deterioration and ensuring that the produce reaches consumers in optimal condition.

Additionally, agricultural marketing helps match supply and demand, preventing situations where farmers are unable to sell their produce while consumers face shortages. It enables farmers to reach a wider consumer base and explore different markets, both domestically and internationally, further reducing the wastage of agricultural produce.

Therefore, the assertion that agricultural marketing helps in reducing the wastage of agricultural produce is true, and the reason that it ensures the timely and efficient distribution of surplus agricultural commodities is the correct explanation for this assertion.