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Q82 (IAS/2021) Economy › Agriculture & Rural Economy › Crop patterns and uses Official Key

With reference to 'palm oil', consider the following statements : 1. The palm oil tree is native to Southeast Asia. 2. The palm oil is a raw material for some industries producing lipstick and perfumes. 3. The palm oil can be used to produce biodiesel. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Result
Your answer: —  ·  Correct: B
Explanation

The correct answer is Option 2 (2 and 3 only). Below is the comprehensive explanation:

  • Statement 1 is incorrect: The oil palm tree (Elaeis guineensis) is native to West and Central Africa, not Southeast Asia. Although Indonesia and Malaysia are currently the world's largest producers, the crop was introduced to these regions in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
  • Statement 2 is correct: Palm oil is a versatile raw material in the FMCG and cosmetics industries. It is used in lipsticks for its ability to hold color and resist melting, and in perfumes as a base or emollient due to its stability and texture.
  • Statement 3 is correct: Palm oil is a significant feedstock for biodiesel production. Through the process of transesterification, it is converted into Palm Methyl Ester (PME), which is used as a renewable alternative or additive to conventional diesel.

Since statement 1 is false while 2 and 3 are true, Option 2 is the only correct choice.

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Q. With reference to 'palm oil', consider the following statements : 1. The palm oil tree is native to Southeast Asia. 2. The palm oil is …
At a glance
Origin: From standard books Fairness: High fairness Books / CA: 10/10 · 0/10

This is a classic 'Standard Book' question masquerading as Current Affairs. While Palm Oil is frequently in the news (imports, sustainability), the specific statements (native origin, uses) are static facts found directly in Shankar IAS and Majid Hussain. The strategy is to respect the 'Applications' and 'Origin' sections of commodities in your static texts rather than just reading news headlines.

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
Where is the oil palm (the primary source of palm oil) native to?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 30: Climatic Regions > Plantation Boom > p. 427
Presence: 5/5
“All the cocoa here goes into the American and European chocolate industries.• Another crop from the same area (West Africa), oil palm, has done equally well and many countries like Indonesia have now taken to its cultivation (India imports significant quantities of palm oil from Indonesia and the other countries in the region). Palm plantations in Indonesia • Other important crops include coconuts, sugar, coffee (Brazil), tea, tobacco, spices, etc.”
Why this source?
  • Directly associates oil palm with West Africa by referring to oil palm as coming from the same area (West Africa).
  • Contrasts West African origin with later cultivation adoption in countries such as Indonesia, implying an original native range.
Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 12: Major Crops and Cropping Patterns in India > Oil-Palm (Elaeis guineensis) > p. 48
Presence: 3/5
“Oil-palm is the highest oil-yielding plant among perennial oil-yielding crops, producing palm oil and palm-kernel oil. Tese are used for culinary as well as industrial processes. On an average, oilpalm produces 4-6 tonnes oil/ha. It can also contribute substantially to the nutritional and energy requirements of the masses. Oil-palm is a crop for future and a source for diversifcation, import substitution, value addition, waste utilization, eco-generation (non-conventional energy), eco-friendly and sustainability. A total area of about eight lakh hectares has been identifed in 11 states of India i.e. the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Assam, Gujarat, Goa, Kerala, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Tripura and West Bengal.”
Why this source?
  • Provides the botanical name Elaeis guineensis, where the epithet 'guineensis' links the species to Guinea/West Africa.
  • Describes oil-palm as a tropical perennial crop consistent with a West African tropical native range.
Statement 2
Are palm oil or its derivatives used as raw materials in the manufacture of lipstick and perfumes?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 6: Environmental Issues > Applications of Palm Oil > p. 116
Presence: 5/5
“r) Food based appiications Cooking oil, substitute for butter, vanaspati/ vegetable ghee, margarine, confectionary and bakery fats, ice cream, coffee creamers, emulsifiers, vitamin E supplements among others. z) Non-food applications Cosmetics, toiletries, soaps and detergents. Oleo chemical industry, as a base material for laundry detergents, household cleaners and cosmetics. According to USDA estimates, 75% of the global palm oil consumption is for food purposes, while 20% is for industrial/non-food purposes. The remaining, though currently of marginal quantity, is used for biodiesel.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly lists cosmetics and toiletries among non-food applications of palm oil.
  • Says oleochemical industry uses palm oil as a base material for household cleaners and cosmetics, implying use as a raw material in cosmetic products (e.g., lipstick).
Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 12: Major Crops and Cropping Patterns in India > Oil-Palm (Elaeis guineensis) > p. 48
Presence: 4/5
“Oil-palm is the highest oil-yielding plant among perennial oil-yielding crops, producing palm oil and palm-kernel oil. Tese are used for culinary as well as industrial processes. On an average, oilpalm produces 4-6 tonnes oil/ha. It can also contribute substantially to the nutritional and energy requirements of the masses. Oil-palm is a crop for future and a source for diversifcation, import substitution, value addition, waste utilization, eco-generation (non-conventional energy), eco-friendly and sustainability. A total area of about eight lakh hectares has been identifed in 11 states of India i.e. the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Assam, Gujarat, Goa, Kerala, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Tripura and West Bengal.”
Why this source?
  • States oil‑palm produces palm oil and palm‑kernel oil that are used for culinary as well as industrial processes.
  • Supports that palm oil derivatives serve industrial (non‑food) roles, consistent with being raw materials for cosmetics manufacture.
Statement 3
Can palm oil be used as a feedstock to produce biodiesel?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 6: Environmental Issues > Applications of Palm Oil > p. 116
Presence: 5/5
“r) Food based appiications Cooking oil, substitute for butter, vanaspati/ vegetable ghee, margarine, confectionary and bakery fats, ice cream, coffee creamers, emulsifiers, vitamin E supplements among others. z) Non-food applications Cosmetics, toiletries, soaps and detergents. Oleo chemical industry, as a base material for laundry detergents, household cleaners and cosmetics. According to USDA estimates, 75% of the global palm oil consumption is for food purposes, while 20% is for industrial/non-food purposes. The remaining, though currently of marginal quantity, is used for biodiesel.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly notes a portion of global palm oil consumption is used for biodiesel.
  • Directly identifies palm oil as a current feedstock for biodiesel production (even if marginal).
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 23: India and Climate Change > 23.15. PROMOTION OF BIOFUELS > p. 315
Presence: 3/5
“r The Biodiesel Purchase Policy mandates biodiesel procurement by the petroleum industry. A mandate on Ethanol Blending of Gasoline requires 80/oo blend-ing of ethanol with gasoline from rst January, 2003, in 9 States and 4 Union:lerritories. All Rights Reserved. No part of this material may be reproduced in any form or by any means, without permission in writing.”
Why this source?
  • Describes a Biodiesel Purchase Policy that mandates biodiesel procurement by the petroleum industry.
  • Shows governmental policy support and market demand context for biodiesel, implying use of available feedstocks.
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 23: India and Climate Change > ruffi ,l.x ii E > p. 316
Presence: 3/5
“,ruffi ,l.x ii E In June 2023, the Central Government approved amendments to the National policy on Biofuels, to advance the target of 20% ethanol blending in petrol to Ethanol Supply year (ESy) 2025-26 from earlier 2030. Additional feedstocks were made eligible as a source for the production of biofuels.”
Why this source?
  • Reports amendments to the National Policy on Biofuels that made additional feedstocks eligible for biofuel production.
  • Implicates policy openness to varied feedstocks, consistent with use of vegetable oils like palm oil.
Pattern takeaway: UPSC loves 'Hybrid Commodity Profiles'. They mix Geography (Origin), Industry (Lipstick/Perfumes), and Environment (Biodiesel) in a single question. You cannot study crops in isolation; you must link their botanical history to their modern industrial utility.
How you should have studied
  1. [THE VERDICT]: Sitter. Directly covered in Shankar IAS (Chapter 6: Environmental Issues - Applications of Palm Oil) and Majid Hussain (Chapter 12). Statement 1 is a standard Geography fact; Statements 2 & 3 are standard Environment facts.
  2. [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: 'Major Crops and Cropping Patterns' (GS3/Geography) intersecting with 'Biofuels' (GS3/Environment).
  3. [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize the 'Native vs. Hub' paradox for other plantation crops: Rubber (Native: Amazon/Brazil → Hub: Thailand/Indonesia); Cocoa (Native: Amazon → Hub: West Africa/Ivory Coast); Coffee (Native: Ethiopia → Hub: Brazil/Vietnam); Tea (Native: China/Assam → Hub: China/India).
  4. [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: When a commodity is in the news (e.g., India's Palm Oil Mission), do not just read the policy. Go back to basics: 1. Where is it from? (Biogeography) 2. What is it used for? (Industrial Application). UPSC tests the encyclopedic profile, not just the current affair.
Concept hooks from this question
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Oil palm native range — West Africa
💡 The insight

Oil palm is native to West Africa.

High-yield for geography/environment: knowing the native range explains historical cultivation patterns and biodiversity origins. It connects to topics on plantation crops, diffusion of crops, and environmental impacts of shifting cultivation zones.

📚 Reading List :
  • Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 30: Climatic Regions > Plantation Boom > p. 427
🔗 Anchor: "Where is the oil palm (the primary source of palm oil) native to?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Botanical naming as origin clue — 'Elaeis guineensis'
💡 The insight

The species name Elaeis guineensis ties the plant to Guinea, i.e., West Africa.

Useful mnemonic and analytical tool: Latin species epithets often indicate geographic origin, aiding quick inference of native ranges in exam questions that link taxonomy with biogeography.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 12: Major Crops and Cropping Patterns in India > Oil-Palm (Elaeis guineensis) > p. 48
🔗 Anchor: "Where is the oil palm (the primary source of palm oil) native to?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Diffusion of oil palm cultivation to Southeast Asia
💡 The insight

Cultivation of oil palm spread from West Africa to countries like Indonesia and Malaysia, which are now major producers.

Explains contemporary production and trade patterns; links plantation agriculture, colonial/modern crop diffusion, and environmental concerns — common UPSC themes in geography, economy and environment papers.

📚 Reading List :
  • Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 30: Climatic Regions > Plantation Boom > p. 427
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 6: Environmental Issues > When forest shrink, so does the horde of endangered species > p. 116
  • Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 12: Understanding Markets > DON'T MISS OUT > p. 256
🔗 Anchor: "Where is the oil palm (the primary source of palm oil) native to?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Palm oil non‑food (industrial) applications
💡 The insight

Palm oil and its derivatives are used beyond food, notably in cosmetics and toiletries.

High‑yield for questions on agricultural commodity uses and industry linkages; connects crop production to manufacturing, trade and environmental policy. Helps answer demand‑side questions (edible vs non‑edible uses), supply chain impacts, and policy choices such as promoting sustainable palm oil.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 6: Environmental Issues > Applications of Palm Oil > p. 116
  • Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 12: Major Crops and Cropping Patterns in India > Oil-Palm (Elaeis guineensis) > p. 48
🔗 Anchor: "Are palm oil or its derivatives used as raw materials in the manufacture of lips..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Edible versus industrial uses of vegetable oils
💡 The insight

Palm oil is principally consumed as edible oil but a measurable share is allocated to industrial/non‑food purposes.

Useful for interpreting import/export data, policy debates on edible oil security, and sustainability trade‑offs; links to questions on consumption patterns, subsidies and industrial policy.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 6: Environmental Issues > Consumption of palm oil in India > p. 117
  • Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 12: Major Crops and Cropping Patterns in India > Oil-Palm (Elaeis guineensis) > p. 48
🔗 Anchor: "Are palm oil or its derivatives used as raw materials in the manufacture of lips..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Plant‑derived essential oils in perfumery
💡 The insight

Perfumery commonly uses plant‑derived oils and essential oils as raw materials for fragrances.

Important for distinguishing types of raw materials in the fragrance and cosmetic industries; helps answer questions on resource bases for perfumes versus oleochemical products, and the distinction between essential oils and commodity vegetable oils.

📚 Reading List :
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 5: Natural Vegetation and National Parks > 5. Oils > p. 26
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 3: Terrestrial Ecosystems > 4) Raw Material Requirements > p. 30
🔗 Anchor: "Are palm oil or its derivatives used as raw materials in the manufacture of lips..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S3
👉 Palm oil: food, industrial and biofuel uses
💡 The insight

Palm oil is used across food, industrial applications and as a feedstock for biodiesel.

High-yield for economy and environment questions: helps connect agriculture, industry and energy topics; useful for questions on commodity uses, value chains and energy alternatives. Mastering this enables answers on resource allocation, trade dependence and substitution in biofuel feedstocks.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 6: Environmental Issues > Applications of Palm Oil > p. 116
  • Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 12: Major Crops and Cropping Patterns in India > Oil-Palm (Elaeis guineensis) > p. 48
🔗 Anchor: "Can palm oil be used as a feedstock to produce biodiesel?"
🌑 The Hidden Trap

Since UPSC tested the 'Native Origin' of Palm Oil (West Africa), the next logical sibling is **Rubber (Hevea brasiliensis)**. It is native to the Amazon basin but was smuggled to Kew Gardens and then to Southeast Asia. Expect a statement like: 'Rubber is native to the Mekong basin' (False).

⚡ Elimination Cheat Code

Apply the 'Production Hub ≠ Native Home' logic. Just because a region dominates production (SE Asia for Palm Oil) doesn't mean the plant evolved there (Native to West Africa). For Statements 2 and 3, use the 'Possibility Heuristic': 'Can be used' for a chemical derivative (fatty acids in lipstick/biodiesel) is almost always TRUE in Science/Tech questions unless it violates basic laws of physics.

🔗 Mains Connection

Links to **GS3 Economy (Food Security & Import Dependence)**. India imports ~60% of its edible oil requirement, with Palm Oil being the largest constituent. This connects to the 'National Mission on Edible Oils - Oil Palm (NMEO-OP)' and the strategic vulnerability of relying on Indonesia/Malaysia.

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