Consider the following statements with reference to manure and organic farming: 1. Vermicompost is rich in organic matter and nutrients. 2. Biofertilizers and bio-pesticides are not used in organic farming. 3. Crop rotation is beneficial in controlling insects, pests and weeds. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Vermicompost, produced by earthworms decomposing organic waste, is indeed rich in organic matter and plant nutrients — statement 1 is correct. Biofertilizers (such as Rhizobium, Azotobacter) and bio-pesticides (like neem-based formulations) are integral components of organic farming, not excluded from it — therefore statement 2 is incorrect. Crop rotation breaks pest and disease cycles, suppresses weeds, and reduces dependence on chemicals — statement 3 is correct. Hence only statements 1 and 3 are correct.