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Q45 (IAS/2017) Science & Technology › Biotechnology & Health › Genomics and DNA technologies Official Key

With reference to agriculture in India, how can the technique of 'genome sequencing', often seen in the news, be used in the immediate future ? 1. Genome sequencing can be used to identify genetic markers for disease resistance and drought tolerance in various crop plants. 2. This technique helps in reducing the time required to develop new varieties of crop plants. 3. It can be used to decipher the host-pathogen relationships in crops. Select the correct answer using the code given below :

Result
Your answer: —  ·  Correct: D
Explanation

The correct answer is option D because all three statements are valid applications of genome sequencing in agriculture.

**Statement 1 is correct**: Plant genome sequencing for crop improvement enables the discovery of genes and molecular markers associated with diverse agronomic traits[1], including disease resistance and drought tolerance. Research has identified key quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with drought tolerance in crops like rice and wheat[2], demonstrating practical application of this technique.

**Statement 2 is correct**: Gene editing can reduce the breeding time needed to produce a new variety or breed and reduce research and development costs[3]. More specifically, marker-assisted selection can reduce the breeding cycle by up to 30% compared to traditional methods[4], showing how genome sequencing accelerates variety development.

**Statement 3 is correct**: Genome sequencing provides the foundational data needed to understand disease mechanisms in crops. Gene editing a critical site in the rice genome enables generation of new rice varieties with durable rice blast resistance, and a small, targeted[5] deletion edit in the rice genome results in superior improved resistance[5] to bacterial blight, illustrating how genomic understanding helps decipher host-pathogen relationships.

Sources
  1. [1] https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/87f4a4f0-59e0-4e15-8039-6bda2802370b/content
  2. [2] https://ijnrd.org/papers/IJNRD1711018.pdf
  3. [3] https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/050929c7-2d10-4f2c-97d4-eb2294b095a1/content
  4. [4] https://ijnrd.org/papers/IJNRD1711018.pdf
  5. [5] https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/050929c7-2d10-4f2c-97d4-eb2294b095a1/content
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Q. With reference to agriculture in India, how can the technique of 'genome sequencing', often seen in the news, be used in the immediate fu…
At a glance
Origin: Mostly Current Affairs Fairness: Low / Borderline fairness Books / CA: 0/10 · 10/10
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This is a classic 'Science Logic' question, not a 'Book Memory' one. Standard books (Geography/Economy) describe the *problems* (drought, pests, slow breeding), while Science Current Affairs provides the *solution* (Genomics). If a technology is revolutionary, its applications are usually broad and positive; don't hunt for these specific sentences in a textbook.

How this question is built

This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.

Statement 1
Can genome sequencing be used in Indian agriculture to identify genetic markers for disease resistance in crop plants?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs Fairness: CA heavy Web-answerable

Web source
Presence: 5/5
"In summary, plant genome sequencing for crop improvement enables the discovery of genes and molecular markers associated with diverse agronomic traits."
Why this source?
  • Directly states that plant genome sequencing enables discovery of genes and molecular markers for crop improvement.
  • Implies sequencing can be used to find markers linked to agronomic traits such as disease resistance.
Web source
Presence: 4/5
"Advanced genomic tools allowed us to accelerate gene identification—thanks to the growing availability of genome sequence data—and to determine a more precise location of the"
Why this source?
  • Explains that availability of genome sequence data accelerates identification of genes/loci for disease resistance.
  • Shows that advanced genomic tools improve precision in locating resistance loci, which supports marker identification.
Web source
Presence: 4/5
"in some Oryza nivara accessions from Madhya Pradesh Molecular tagging of a recessive gene, Xa-5, conferring resistance to bacterial blight of rice"
Why this source?
  • Provides India-relevant examples of genetic mapping and molecular tagging in rice (e.g., accessions from Madhya Pradesh).
  • Specifically mentions molecular tagging of the Xa-5 gene conferring resistance to bacterial blight of rice, showing practical marker identification.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 9: Indian Biodiversity Diverse Landscape > 9.3.3. Crop genetic diversity > p. 158
Strength: 5/5
“Agriculture remains one of the dominant drivers and mainstay of economic growth in India. The large mosaic of distinct agro-ecosystems, characterized by variations in edaphic, climatic and geographic features, has contributed to diverse cropping patterns and systems across the country. India stands seventh in the world in terms of contribution of species to agriculture and animal husbandry. The national gene bank at National Bureau Of plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), Delhi is primarily responsible for conservation of unique accessions on long-term basis, as base collections for posterity, predominantly in the form of seeds.”
Why relevant

Describes crop genetic diversity and the national gene bank (NBPGR) that conserves accessions as base collections.

How to extend

A student could reason that conserved diverse accessions are targets for analysis (e.g., sequencing) to find alleles/markers associated with desirable traits like disease resistance.

Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 11: Agriculture - Part II > 11.8 Genetically Modified (GM) Crops > p. 342
Strength: 5/5
“GM crops are plants whose DNA (a molecule that encodes the Genetic Information) has been modified using Genetic Engineering. The following are some benefits of GM crops: • More nutritional value• Resistance to bacteria, virus and other components that can damage the plant• Longer shelf life• Less costly GM foods and higher yields The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is the apex body for regulating GM crops, in the Ministry of Environment and Forest under the Environment Protections Act 1986. At present, the government allows commercial production of only one GM crop which is BT cotton and is allowed since 2002.”
Why relevant

Defines GM crops as plants whose DNA has been modified and lists 'resistance to bacteria, virus and other components' as a benefit.

How to extend

Combining this with basic knowledge that DNA-level information (from sequencing) guides genetic modification suggests sequencing could reveal candidate resistance genes/markers for breeding or engineering.

Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 9: Agriculture > 3. Plant Protection Chemicals > p. 48
Strength: 4/5
“substantially. The danger of pests and insects may be reduced by using plant protection chemicals. The problem may be tackled either by developing the disease resistant seeds or by spraying insecticides and pesticides at the appropriate time prescribed or advised for different crops. The problems of crop disease and pests may also be tackled by timely application of insecticides and pesticides. Thus, the farmer must have adequate knowledge of plant disease and their controlling chemicals. At the outbreak of a disease in the crop, the entire area should be sprayed. If the timely spray of the insecticides and pesticides is not done, the crop of the entire village/region may vanish.”
Why relevant

States that crop disease problems may be tackled by developing disease-resistant seeds (as an alternative to chemicals).

How to extend

A student could infer that identifying genetic bases of resistance (via sequencing/markers) is a logical scientific route to develop such resistant seeds.

Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 9: Agriculture > Rice Production in India > p. 293
Strength: 4/5
“9.7 Agriculture urgent need for developing more nitrogen use-efficient varieties and rice production technologies demanding lesser water, labour, nitrogen and pesticides. • Same nature of cultivation pattern is another challenge. ٠• Low soil fertility due to soil erosion resulting in loss of plant nutrients and moisture. • New virulence of diseases.”
Why relevant

Highlights the urgent need for developing more efficient varieties and notes 'new virulence of diseases' as a challenge.

How to extend

This motivates use of modern tools (e.g., sequencing to find resistance alleles) to respond to emerging disease threats.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 25: Agriculture > Beneficial effects of weeds > p. 365
Strength: 3/5
“Colonum occurs in rich soils while Cymbopogon denotes poor light soil and Sedges are found in ill-drained soils Genetically modified crops (GM crops, or biotech crops) are plants, the DNA of which has been modified using genetic engineering techniques, which are then used in agriculture.”
Why relevant

Repeats that GM crops involve modification of DNA for agricultural use.

How to extend

Implies that DNA-level knowledge is central to crop improvement, so sequencing to discover useful genetic variants is a plausible method to pursue.

Statement 2
Can genome sequencing be used in Indian agriculture to identify genetic markers for drought tolerance in crop plants?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs Fairness: CA heavy Web-answerable

Web source
Presence: 5/5
"Advances in genomic technologies, such as marker-assisted selection, genome sequencing, and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, allow for precise modifications of plant genomes, enabling the development of varieties that can withstand abiotic stresses (Bhatia et al., 2016). For example, research has identified key quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with drought tolerance in crops like rice and wheat, which are critical staples in the Indian diet."
Why this source?
  • Explicitly lists genome sequencing alongside marker-assisted selection and gene editing as genomic technologies used to develop varieties that withstand abiotic stresses.
  • Directly links these genomic approaches to the identification of QTLs associated with drought tolerance in important Indian staples like rice and wheat.
Web source
Presence: 5/5
"linked to drought tolerance in major crops, along with the corresponding QTLs identified through genomic studies: ... Drought Tolerance Trait Identification Case studies have illustrated the successful application of genomic approaches to identify drought tolerance traits. For instance, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) has successfully used GWAS to identify QTLs associated with drought tolerance in rice."
Why this source?
  • Provides specific examples of QTL regions linked to drought-related traits across major crops, demonstrating practical marker identification.
  • States that GWAS has been successfully used (by IRRI) to identify QTLs for drought tolerance in rice, showing sequencing/genomic analysis application.
Web source
Presence: 4/5
"Research indicates that GS can increase the genetic gain in drought tolerance traits by as much as 50% (Jannink et al., 2016). • CRISPR/Cas9 Technology: This innovative gene-editing tool allows for targeted modifications of specific genes associated with drought tolerance, offering the potential for rapid development of new varieties."
Why this source?
  • Describes genomic selection (GS) and CRISPR/Cas9 as tools to improve drought tolerance traits, indicating genomic data can guide breeding/editing.
  • Quantifies the potential benefit of genomic approaches (e.g., GS increasing genetic gain), supporting their effectiveness for trait identification and improvement.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 9: Indian Biodiversity Diverse Landscape > 9.3.3. Crop genetic diversity > p. 158
Strength: 5/5
“Agriculture remains one of the dominant drivers and mainstay of economic growth in India. The large mosaic of distinct agro-ecosystems, characterized by variations in edaphic, climatic and geographic features, has contributed to diverse cropping patterns and systems across the country. India stands seventh in the world in terms of contribution of species to agriculture and animal husbandry. The national gene bank at National Bureau Of plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), Delhi is primarily responsible for conservation of unique accessions on long-term basis, as base collections for posterity, predominantly in the form of seeds.”
Why relevant

Describes crop genetic diversity and existence of a national gene bank (NBPGR) conserving accessions—implies stored genetic resources that can be studied.

How to extend

A student could infer that sequencing accessions from the gene bank could reveal alleles associated with drought tolerance.

Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 12: Major Crops and Cropping Patterns in India > Bajra/Pearl-Millet (Pennisetum Typhoideum) > p. 27
Strength: 4/5
“Known as bulrush millet, Bajra is one of the important staple food crop of India. In India, it is grown in about 10 million hectares, producing about 7.5 million tones of grains. Bajra grows well in the region where the temperature varies between 25° to 30°C. Te crop requires about 30 to 50 cm of annual rainfall. Heavy rainfall exceeding 75 cm is however, unsuitable for the Bajra crop. It is the most drought-and heat tolerant crop with highest water-use efciency. Te crop is grown mostly during Kharif season from June to October. Improved varieties/hybrids are quite diverse especially for maturity duration and as a result, it is possible to choose appropriate variety depending on the geographical conditions.”
Why relevant

Notes that bajra is 'the most drought-and heat tolerant crop' and that improved varieties/hybrids are diverse for maturity and adapted to geography.

How to extend

One could extend this to suggest comparing genomes of drought-tolerant and susceptible varieties to find markers linked to tolerance.

Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 11: Agriculture - Part II > 11.8 Genetically Modified (GM) Crops > p. 342
Strength: 4/5
“GM crops are plants whose DNA (a molecule that encodes the Genetic Information) has been modified using Genetic Engineering. The following are some benefits of GM crops: • More nutritional value• Resistance to bacteria, virus and other components that can damage the plant• Longer shelf life• Less costly GM foods and higher yields The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is the apex body for regulating GM crops, in the Ministry of Environment and Forest under the Environment Protections Act 1986. At present, the government allows commercial production of only one GM crop which is BT cotton and is allowed since 2002.”
Why relevant

Defines GM crops as plants whose DNA has been modified using genetic engineering and mentions regulatory framework—shows genetic approaches are applied in Indian agriculture.

How to extend

This suggests molecular/genetic techniques (like sequencing) are within the agricultural biotechnology toolkit and could be used to identify useful genetic elements.

INDIA PEOPLE AND ECONOMY, TEXTBOOK IN GEOGRAPHY FOR CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Land Resources and Agriculture > Types of Farming > p. 26
Strength: 3/5
“These regions grow hardy and drought resistant crops such as ragi, bajra, moong, gram and guar (fodder crops) and practise various measures of soil moisture conservation and rain water harvesting. In wetland farming, the rainfall is in excess of soil moisture requirement of plants during rainy season. Such regions may face flood and soil erosion hazards. These areas grow various water intensive crops such as rice, jute and sugarcane and practise aquaculture in the fresh water bodies.”
Why relevant

States certain regions grow hardy and drought-resistant crops and practice soil moisture conservation—indicates presence of crop-level drought adaptations.

How to extend

A student could reason that these locally adapted crops/landraces are candidates for genomic comparison to find drought-related markers.

Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 9: Agriculture > b) Climate > p. 19
Strength: 3/5
“condition in which the amount of water needed for transpiration and direct evaporation exceeds the amount of water available in the soil. Drought damages the crops when plants are inadequately supplied with moisture from the soil. The drought prone areas of India lie in the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Bundelkhand (U.P.), Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, J&K, south-west Punjab, and Haryana. In the areas where the average annual rainfall is less than 75 cm, agriculture is considered a gamble on monsoon. In 2009, the erratic monsoon resulted into drought in more than 200 districts of the country.”
Why relevant

Lists drought-prone areas of India and highlights the frequency and impact of drought on crops—establishes a clear need for drought-tolerant varieties.

How to extend

Knowing the geographic distribution of drought pressure, one might target sequencing of varieties from these areas to identify adaptive genetic markers.

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Statement 3
Does genome sequencing help reduce the time required to develop new crop varieties in Indian agriculture?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs Fairness: CA heavy Web-answerable

Web source
Presence: 5/5
"the molecular level, including whole genome sequencing, provided breeders with more refined tools, which increased the efficiency of generating adapted plant and animal germplasm. ... Gene editing can reduce the breeding time needed to produce a new variety or breed and reduce research and development costs."
Why this source?
  • Explicitly links whole genome sequencing to more refined tools that increase breeding efficiency.
  • States gene editing (enabled by genomic knowledge) can reduce breeding time and R&D costs.
Web source
Presence: 5/5
"One of the important benefits of gene editing and CRISPR-Cas systems is the substantial reduction in research costs for developing new products in comparison with using traditional, time-consuming, methods. Employing gene editing, the time needed to develop a new crop with improved traits is reduced considerably."
Why this source?
  • Notes that gene editing and CRISPR substantially reduce research costs versus traditional methods.
  • Directly states that employing gene editing considerably reduces the time needed to develop a new crop with improved traits.
Web source
Presence: 4/5
"the time required for breeding new crop varieties by facilitating the identification of key genetic traits associated with drought resistance. ... Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS): This method utilizes molecular markers linked to desirable traits, allowing breeders to select plants carrying these markers more efficiently. Studies have shown that MAS can reduce the breeding cycle by up to 30% compared to traditional methods (Varshney et al., 2016)."
Why this source?
  • Describes genomic technologies (MAS, GS) that facilitate identification of key traits and speed breeding.
  • Provides a quantitative example: MAS can reduce the breeding cycle by up to 30% compared to traditional methods.

Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 9: Agriculture > Green Revolution in India > p. 44
Strength: 4/5
“In fact, these varieties of seeds have revolutionised the agricultural landscape of the developing countries and the problem of food shortage has been reduced. In India, hybridisation of selected crops, i.e., maize, bajra (bulrush millets), and millets began in 1960. The Mexican dwarf varieties of wheat were tried out on a selected scale in 1963–64. Exotic varieties of rice such as Taichung Native I were introduced in India in 1964. The diffusion of HYVs, however, became fully operational in the country in the Kharif season of 1965–66. The diffusion of the new seeds was mainly in the Satluj-Ganga Plains and the Kaveri Delta.”
Why relevant

Describes the role of hybridisation and introduction of exotic high‑yielding varieties (HYVs) in the 1960s as a technological pathway that rapidly changed seed availability.

How to extend

A student could compare the time taken historically for hybridisation/introduction with the potential of modern molecular tools (like sequencing) to accelerate selection and introgression of traits.

INDIA PEOPLE AND ECONOMY, TEXTBOOK IN GEOGRAPHY FOR CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Land Resources and Agriculture > Agricultural Development in India > p. 36
Strength: 4/5
“New seed varieties of wheat (Mexico) and rice (Philippines) known as high yielding varieties (HYVs) were available for cultivation by mid-1960s. India took advantage of this and introduced package technology comprising HYVs, along with chemical fertilisers in irrigated areas of Punjab, Haryana, Western Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat. Assured supply of soil moisture through irrigation was a basic pre-requisite for the success of this new agricultural technology. This strategy of agricultural development paid dividends instantly and increased the foodgrains production at very fast rate. This spurt of agricultural growth came to be known as 'Green Revolution'. This also gave fillip to the development of a large number of agro-inputs, agro-processing industries and small-scale industries.”
Why relevant

States that HYVs plus 'package technology' (inputs and management) were key to rapid adoption and yield gains, implying technology-driven variety development can have large, quick impacts.

How to extend

One could infer that newer technologies (genomics) that improve breeding efficiency might similarly shorten the time from development to impact if combined with appropriate agronomic inputs.

Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 9: Agriculture > 5. Mechanisation > p. 49
Strength: 3/5
“Modern farming tools and technology like tractors, leveller, seeder, planter, threshers, harvesters, winnower and sprayers are also imperative for the successful cultivation of the High Yielding Varieties. These varieties require adequate arrangements of controlled irrigation. Raising of two or three crops from the same field is possible only if the modern technology is available to the farmer. The indigenous plough and bullock/buffalo carts are less efficient to complete the agricultural operations on time. Machinery like tractors, threshers, sprayers, tillers, chaff cutters, leveller, pumping sets, etc., are required for the timely operations of sowing, weeding, spraying, and harvesting. The mechanisation of agriculture also helps in the judicious utilisation of complementary inputs like chemical fertilisers, insecticides and pesticides.”
Why relevant

Notes that HYVs require modern farming tools and controlled irrigation for timely operations, showing that successful deployment of new varieties depends on complementary technologies and timely agronomic actions.

How to extend

A student could reason that faster development via sequencing must be matched by on‑farm capabilities; compare regions with mechanisation to judge where quicker variety development would actually shorten adoption timelines.

Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 9: Agriculture > 1. Irrigation > p. 46
Strength: 3/5
“Irrigation is the most important input required for the successful cultivation of new seeds. The new seeds need copious irrigation. Adoption of High Yielding Varieties and intensification of agriculture in a country like India without the availability of irrigation is not possible. The new seeds need controlled irrigation, i.e.m they need irrigation at the specific periods of growth, development and flowering in the prescribed quantity. Over irrigation and under-irrigation, both are injurious to the crop. Thus, the timings of irrigation and the quantity of water supplied are decisive for the satisfactory performance of the crop. In the case of wheat for example, appropriate timing and spacing of irrigation raise the yield as much as 50% even if other inputs (fertilisers, etc.) are not applied.”
Why relevant

Emphasises that new seeds need specific irrigation timing/quantity, indicating that varietal performance is tightly linked to environmental management.

How to extend

Using this, one can test whether sequenced‑enabled breeding for drought or irrigation-use traits would reduce the time to produce varieties suitable for water‑limited Indian regions.

Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 9: Agriculture > Table 9.12 > p. 60
Strength: 3/5
“used to be sown in the same field in alternate years. This type of rotation of crops was helpful in maintaining the fertility of the soil. Under the pressure of growing population on arable land, the adoption of new seeds have resulted in a new pattern of rotation of crops, which has been given in (Table 9.13). In the new rotation of crops, the farmers are largely concentrating on the cultivation of High Yielding Varieties of rice and wheat, and depending on the circumstances, they grow a cash crop of sugarcane. All these crops are soil exhaustive. In opposition to this the area of pulses, mustard, rapeseed, barley, groundnut, maize, millets, bajra and sunflower has decreased significantly.”
Why relevant

Shows that adoption of new seeds changed cropping rotations and land use patterns, meaning introduction speed of varieties can have broad, rapid systemic effects.

How to extend

A student could extrapolate that if sequencing reduces breeding time, the pace of cropping‑pattern change and its socioeconomic effects could also accelerate, and then look for regional capacity to absorb such change.

Statement analysis

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Statement 4
Can genome sequencing be used in Indian agriculture to decipher host–pathogen relationships in crop plants?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs Fairness: CA heavy Web-answerable

Web source
Presence: 5/5
"In summary, plant genome sequencing for crop improvement enables the discovery of genes and molecular markers associated with diverse agronomic traits."
Why this source?
  • Specifically states that plant genome sequencing enables discovery of genes and molecular markers tied to agronomic traits.
  • Discovery of such genes/markers is directly relevant to understanding host resistance and susceptibility to pathogens.
Web source
Presence: 5/5
"Technology spillovers from such human genome sequencing programmes will result in high throughput DNA sequencing being increasingly applied to the genomes of commercially important organisms such as human pathogens or crops. Agricultural genomics research is currently underway for a range of important agricultural species39. Large scale DNA sequencing of some crop and plant genomes is"
Why this source?
  • Describes increasing application of high-throughput DNA sequencing to genomes of commercially important organisms, including crops and pathogens.
  • Notes that agricultural genomics research and large-scale sequencing of crop and plant genomes are underway, supporting use in host–pathogen studies.
Web source
Presence: 4/5
"Gene editing a critical site in the rice genome enables generation of new rice varieties with durable rice blast resistance (Wang et al., 2016). Bacterial blight also reduces rice yields. A small, targeted deletion edit in the rice genome results in superior improved resistance (Oliva et al., 2019)."
Why this source?
  • Gives concrete examples where genome knowledge (used via gene editing) produced disease-resistant rice varieties.
  • Implying that understanding the crop genome (from sequencing) enables targeted interventions against pathogens, which presupposes deciphering host–pathogen relationships.

Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 11: Agriculture - Part II > 11.8 Genetically Modified (GM) Crops > p. 342
Strength: 5/5
“GM crops are plants whose DNA (a molecule that encodes the Genetic Information) has been modified using Genetic Engineering. The following are some benefits of GM crops: • More nutritional value• Resistance to bacteria, virus and other components that can damage the plant• Longer shelf life• Less costly GM foods and higher yields The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is the apex body for regulating GM crops, in the Ministry of Environment and Forest under the Environment Protections Act 1986. At present, the government allows commercial production of only one GM crop which is BT cotton and is allowed since 2002.”
Why relevant

Defines that crop DNA encodes genetic information and notes GM crops can be engineered for resistance to bacteria and viruses, linking plant genetics to pathogen resistance.

How to extend

A student could infer that comparing plant DNA (host) sequences with pathogen challenge data could reveal resistance genes and mechanisms.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 9: Indian Biodiversity Diverse Landscape > 9.3.3. Crop genetic diversity > p. 158
Strength: 5/5
“Agriculture remains one of the dominant drivers and mainstay of economic growth in India. The large mosaic of distinct agro-ecosystems, characterized by variations in edaphic, climatic and geographic features, has contributed to diverse cropping patterns and systems across the country. India stands seventh in the world in terms of contribution of species to agriculture and animal husbandry. The national gene bank at National Bureau Of plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), Delhi is primarily responsible for conservation of unique accessions on long-term basis, as base collections for posterity, predominantly in the form of seeds.”
Why relevant

Describes crop genetic diversity and the existence of a national gene bank (NBPGR) conserving accessions, indicating available germplasm resources and genetic variation for study.

How to extend

One could extend this to sequencing gene-bank accessions to associate genetic variants with disease susceptibility or resistance across cultivars.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 25: Agriculture > Advantages > p. 356
Strength: 3/5
“• greater volume of soil may be obtained for cultivation of crops • excess water may percolate downward to recharge the permanent water table • reduce runoff and soil erosion • 4. roots of crop plants can penetrate deeper to extract moisture from the water table • r Clean tillage: It refers to working of the soil of the entire field in such a way no living plant is left undisturbed. It is practiced to control weeds, soil borne pathogens and pests.”
Why relevant

Notes control of soil-borne pathogens as an agronomic practice (clean tillage), demonstrating that pathogens are an acknowledged threat in cropping systems.

How to extend

A student might reason that identifying the pathogens involved and their interactions with crop genotypes (via sequencing) could inform such control practices.

Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 10: Spatial Organisation of Agriculture > CROPPING PATTERNS > p. 5
Strength: 4/5
“The cropping patterns may be intensified with the help of short duration High Yielding Varieties. Any cropping sequence to be adopted by the cultivator, however, should be flexible. The suitability of a crop and cropping pattern may be judged on the basis of the following: • 1. The crop should not accentuate certain diseases as a result of a fixed continuous rotation.• 2. The crop should not exhaust on some plant specific nutrients from a particular part of the soil.• 3. The crop should be fertility-building and soil-improving.• 4. The crop should fetch handsome return to the cultivator and should provide the cultivator employment all the year round.• 5.”
Why relevant

States that cropping sequences should avoid accentuating certain diseases, implying that host, pathogen and management interactions determine disease outcomes.

How to extend

This suggests sequencing host varieties and monitoring pathogen populations across rotations could reveal patterns of pathogen adaptation to hosts.

Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 9: Agriculture > Green Revolution in India > p. 44
Strength: 3/5
“In fact, these varieties of seeds have revolutionised the agricultural landscape of the developing countries and the problem of food shortage has been reduced. In India, hybridisation of selected crops, i.e., maize, bajra (bulrush millets), and millets began in 1960. The Mexican dwarf varieties of wheat were tried out on a selected scale in 1963–64. Exotic varieties of rice such as Taichung Native I were introduced in India in 1964. The diffusion of HYVs, however, became fully operational in the country in the Kharif season of 1965–66. The diffusion of the new seeds was mainly in the Satluj-Ganga Plains and the Kaveri Delta.”
Why relevant

Describes hybridisation and introduction of exotic varieties (Green Revolution), showing historical use of genetic approaches to change crop traits.

How to extend

A student could extend this to modern genomic approaches: sequencing new varieties and pathogens to understand how introduced genetics affect host–pathogen dynamics.

Statement analysis

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Pattern takeaway: UPSC Science & Tech questions on 'Applications' follow a permissive pattern. If a technology is cutting-edge (like Sequencing, AI, Nanotech) and the options describe plausible, beneficial uses without violating basic laws of physics, the answer is usually 'All of the above'.
How you should have studied
  1. [THE VERDICT]: Sitter (via Logic). While the term is technical, the options are generic 'good things' that advanced biology aims to achieve.
  2. [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: Biotechnology in Agriculture (GS3 Mains Syllabus) applied to Prelims.
  3. [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize the 'Biotech Toolkit': 1. Marker Assisted Selection (MAS) = Speed. 2. CRISPR-Cas9 = Editing/Precision. 3. Transgenics (GM) = Foreign genes (Bt Cotton). 4. Metagenomics = Soil health analysis. 5. Biofortification = Nutrition (Golden Rice).
  4. [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: When reading about a new tech (AI, Nano, Genomics), map it to the syllabus sectors: Agriculture, Health, Energy. Ask 'How does this help a farmer?' (Answer: Faster seeds, less disease, drought proofing).
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Concept hooks from this question
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Genetically Modified (GM) crops & genetic engineering
💡 The insight

References state that GM crops involve deliberate modification of plant DNA and list disease resistance as a benefit, linking molecular genetics to crop improvement.

High-yield concept for UPSC: questions often probe biotechnology applications in agriculture, biosafety regulation, and policy (e.g., GEAC). Mastering GM crop basics helps answer policy, ethical and technical questions and links to topics like food security and environment.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 11: Agriculture - Part II > 11.8 Genetically Modified (GM) Crops > p. 342
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 25: Agriculture > Beneficial effects of weeds > p. 365
🔗 Anchor: "Can genome sequencing be used in Indian agriculture to identify genetic markers ..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Disease-resistant seeds and plant protection strategies
💡 The insight

Sources mention developing disease-resistant seeds and use of plant protection chemicals as primary ways to tackle pests and diseases in crops.

Important for agriculture/Environment syllabus: understanding both genetic (seed development) and chemical (pesticides) approaches lets aspirants compare technological and management solutions, and prepare answers on integrated pest management and crop security.

📚 Reading List :
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 9: Agriculture > 3. Plant Protection Chemicals > p. 48
  • Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 9: Agriculture > Rice Production in India > p. 293
🔗 Anchor: "Can genome sequencing be used in Indian agriculture to identify genetic markers ..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Conservation of crop genetic resources (national gene bank)
💡 The insight

A national gene bank (NBPGR) conserves unique accessions as base collections, a resource for breeding and preserving genetic diversity relevant to disease resistance.

Crucial for questions on plant genetic resources, seed policy and breeding strategies; connects to plant breeding, biotechnology and resilience. Knowing institutional roles (gene banks) helps craft balanced policy/strategy answers.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 9: Indian Biodiversity Diverse Landscape > 9.3.3. Crop genetic diversity > p. 158
🔗 Anchor: "Can genome sequencing be used in Indian agriculture to identify genetic markers ..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Drought-prone regions and crop adaptation
💡 The insight

References describe drought‑prone areas of India and mention drought‑tolerant crops (e.g., bajra, ragi, moong), which is the agronomic context for any question about drought tolerance in crops.

High-yield for UPSC: links physical geography (rainfall patterns, drought zones) with agricultural responses (crop choice, cropping patterns, moisture conservation). Mastering this helps answer questions on agrarian distress, adaptation measures, and regional cropping strategies; connects to disaster management and rural livelihoods.

📚 Reading List :
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 9: Agriculture > b) Climate > p. 19
  • Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 12: Major Crops and Cropping Patterns in India > Bajra/Pearl-Millet (Pennisetum Typhoideum) > p. 27
  • INDIA PEOPLE AND ECONOMY, TEXTBOOK IN GEOGRAPHY FOR CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Land Resources and Agriculture > Types of Farming > p. 26
🔗 Anchor: "Can genome sequencing be used in Indian agriculture to identify genetic markers ..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Crop genetic resources and gene banks
💡 The insight

The national gene bank (NBPGR) is cited as conserving unique accessions — foundational for breeding and any genetic-improvement efforts aimed at traits like drought tolerance.

Important for UPSC: shows how ex-situ conservation underpins crop-improvement policy and food security. Helps answer policy and science‑policy linkage questions (conservation vs utilisation), and is directly relevant when discussing sources of genetic variation for breeding drought‑tolerant varieties.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 9: Indian Biodiversity Diverse Landscape > 9.3.3. Crop genetic diversity > p. 158
🔗 Anchor: "Can genome sequencing be used in Indian agriculture to identify genetic markers ..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Genetic modification & biotech regulation in India
💡 The insight

References mention GM crops, DNA modification, and regulatory bodies (GEAC), linking genetic approaches to crop improvement and the policy framework governing them.

High-yield for UPSC: covers biotechnology in agriculture, regulatory institutions and public policy. Useful for questions on GM crops, biosafety, and the governance of agricultural biotechnology; helps frame debates on technology adoption versus regulation.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 25: Agriculture > Beneficial effects of weeds > p. 365
  • Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 11: Agriculture - Part II > 11.8 Genetically Modified (GM) Crops > p. 342
🔗 Anchor: "Can genome sequencing be used in Indian agriculture to identify genetic markers ..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S3
👉 High Yielding Varieties (HYVs) and the Green Revolution
💡 The insight

References describe the introduction and rapid diffusion of HYVs (wheat, rice, maize) as the primary means by which new, higher-yielding crop varieties transformed Indian agriculture.

High-yield variety development and diffusion is a high-yield UPSC topic: it connects agricultural technology, food security, rural employment, and policy responses (e.g., input subsidies, seed reforms). Mastering this helps answer questions on historical agricultural change, technology adoption, and policy impacts. It enables comparative questions on methods of increasing productivity (breeding, HYVs, biotechnology).

📚 Reading List :
  • INDIA PEOPLE AND ECONOMY, TEXTBOOK IN GEOGRAPHY FOR CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Land Resources and Agriculture > Agricultural Development in India > p. 36
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 9: Agriculture > Green Revolution in India > p. 44
🔗 Anchor: "Does genome sequencing help reduce the time required to develop new crop varieti..."
Micro-concepts

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🌑 The Hidden Trap

Metagenomics. While 'Genome Sequencing' looks at one organism, 'Metagenomics' looks at the genetic material of an entire community (like soil microbes) directly from the environment. Expect a question on how Metagenomics helps in assessing soil health or ocean biodiversity.

⚡ Elimination Cheat Code

The 'Futuristic Possibility' Heuristic: In Science & Tech, it is scientifically very difficult to prove that a technology can *never* be used for X. Unless an option is absurd (e.g., 'Genome sequencing causes rainfall'), assume the potential exists. Broad, positive application statements are 90% likely to be correct.

🔗 Mains Connection

Climate Smart Agriculture (GS3 Environment). Genome sequencing is the primary tool for 'Climate Adaptation'—identifying heat/drought-resistant genes to secure food security in a warming world.

The Vault

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SIMILAR QUESTIONS

CDS-II · 2014 · Q41 Relevance score: 0.36

Which of the following statements relating to Indian agriculture is/are correct ? 1. India has the World’s largest cropped area. 2. Cropping pattern is dominated by cereal crop. 3. The average size of an Indian farm holding is too small for several agricultural operations. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

IAS · 2020 · Q20 Relevance score: 0.31

In the context of India, which of the following is/are considered to be practice(s) of eco-friendly agriculture ? 1. Crop diversification 2. Legume intensification 3. Tensiometer use 4. Vertical farming Select the correct answer using the code given below :

IAS · 2020 · Q31 Relevance score: -1.14

In India, which of the following can be considered as public investment in agriculture ? 1. Fixing Minimum Support Price for agricultural produce of all crops 2. Computerization of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies 3. Social Capital development 4. Free electricity supply to farmers 5. Waiver of agricultural loans by the banking system 6. Setting up of cold storage facilities by the governments Select the correct answer using the code given below :

CDS-II · 2010 · Q73 Relevance score: -1.54

The agricultural production in different parts of India is very much affected by varying intensities of floods and droughts. Which one of the following measures would not be sustainable in this respect ? >

CDS-I · 2021 · Q14 Relevance score: -1.84

Identify the crop on the basis of the following characteristics : 1. It is a kharif crop. 2. Aus, Aman and Boro are its three different growing periods in an agricultural year. 3. About one-fourth of the total cropped area of India is under its cultivation. Select the correct answer using the code given below :