The statement mentioned in the question about the condition of peasantry in the Mughal Empire was made by Francisco Pelsaert, a European traveler. It is important to understand the context of this statement. During the Mughal Empire, the peasants were subjected to heavy taxation and exploitation by the ruling class. They were often forced to give up a significant portion of their agricultural produce as taxes, leaving them with very little to feed themselves and their families.

Option 1, Francisco Pelsaert, is the correct answer. Pelsaert was a Dutch merchant who visited the Mughal Empire in the early 17th century. He wrote a journal about his experiences, which included observations about the conditions of the peasantry. His statement highlights the severity of the exploitation and the dire situation that the peasants faced in terms of food scarcity.

Option 2, Francois Bernier, was a French physician and traveler who visited the Mughal Empire in the 17th century. Though he provided valuable accounts of the Mughal Empire, there is no evidence to suggest that he made the specific statement mentioned in the question.

Option 3, Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, was a French traveler and merchant who also visited the Mughal Empire during the