UPSC Mains 2019 GS3 Q16 — Biotechnology
How can biotechnology help to improve the living standards of farmers? (Answer in 250 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- How can
- Scope keywords
- biotechnologyimproveliving standardsfarmers
- Implicit sub-parts
- Input cost reduction and resource efficiency through bio-inputs.
- Yield enhancement and crop resilience against climate-related risks.
- Post-harvest value addition and shelf-life extension to reduce losses.
- Nutritional security and bio-fortification for farm-family health.
- Economic diversification via non-food biotech like biofuels and bioplastics.
- Common pitfalls
- Focusing only on GM crops and Bt Cotton while ignoring wider biotech like bio-pesticides or soil-health microbes.
- Discussing agricultural productivity in general without linking it back to the specific 'living standards' (income, health, stability) of the farmer.
- Ignoring the high cost of biotech seeds and the risk of intellectual property monopolies that could hurt marginal farmers.
- Failing to mention the regulatory environment or safety concerns that impact farmer adoption.
- Dimensions required
- Economic (Income and Cost)Environmental (Climate Resilience)Nutritional/HealthTechnological (Input efficiency)Ethical/Regulatory
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate 40-50 words to the introduction and the core concept of biotechnology in agriculture. Dedicate approximately 150 words to the specific mechanisms of improvement (yield, cost, resilience, and value-addition). Use the final 50-60 words to address challenges like seed sovereignty and the path forward to ensure these standards are sustainable.
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