Ethics Theory, TLP-UPSC Mains Answer Writing
Q. 4. Biotechnology is playing an increasingly important role in Indian agriculture. Discuss its major applications and examine the environmental and regulatory concerns associated with its use. Suggest measures to ensure its safe and sustainable deployment. (250 words, 15 marks)
Introduction
Biotechnology uses biological processes and organisms to develop useful products. In Indian agriculture, it is increasingly applied to improve crop yield, nutrition, and sustainability— making it vital to food security and climate resilience.
Body
Major Applications of Agricultural Biotechnology in India
- Genetically Modified (GM) Crops: Enhance yield, pest resistance, and reduce pesticide usage. Example: Bt cotton led to a sharp decline in pesticide use and improved farmer incomes.
- Biofertilizers and Biopesticides: Promote soil health and reduce chemical input dependence. Example: Use of Rhizobium and Azotobacter as nitrogen-fixing biofertilizers in legume farming.
- Tissue Culture: Enables mass propagation of disease-free, high-yielding plant varieties. Example: Banana and sugarcane are widely propagated through tissue culture in Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.
- Molecular Breeding: Speeds up development of stress-resistant crop varieties using gene markers. Example: Development of drought-resistant rice under the ICAR’s marker assisted selection programs.
- Genetic Diagnostics: Helps detect plant pathogens early to prevent spread. Example: PCR-based tools are used to detect viruses in chillies and tomato crops.
- Animal Biotechnology: Improves livestock health and productivity through vaccines and diagnostics. Example: Development of FMD (Foot-and-Mouth Disease) vaccines for cattle.
Environmental and Regulatory Concerns
- Biodiversity Loss: GM crops may impact natural genetic diversity by crossbreeding with wild relatives. Example: Concerns raised about Bt cotton’s impact on non-target insects and local varieties.
- Emergence of Superweeds/Pests: Prolonged use may lead to resistance among pests or weeds. Example: Bollworm resistance to Bt toxins has been reported in some regions of Gujarat.
- Soil and Water Health: Over-reliance on biotech inputs might affect soil microbial life and groundwater. Example: Intensive Bt cotton cultivation linked with falling soil fertility in parts of Punjab.
- Biosafety Risks: Lack of comprehensive field trials and impact assessments can pose risks. Example: Controversy over GM mustard due to concerns over long-term ecological impacts.
- Weak Regulatory Oversight: Gaps in coordination between agencies and lack of public engagement. Example: GEAC decisions often face criticism for inadequate transparency. Measures for Safe and Sustainable Deployment
- Strengthen Regulatory Framework: Make GEAC more transparent, autonomous, and inclusive of public feedback. Example: Include civil society and farmers’ representatives in decision-making processes.
- Encourage Non-GM Biotech Alternatives: Promote molecular breeding and bio-inputs over GM crops where feasible.
- Conduct Long-Term Environmental Assessments: Ensure thorough field testing, ecological studies, and post-release monitoring.
- Promote Farmer Awareness and Training: Equip farmers with knowledge about safe use, risks, and benefits.
- Develop Region-Specific Strategies: Tailor biotech applications to agro-climatic zones and cropping patterns to prevent overuse.
- Strengthen IP and Benefit-Sharing Mechanisms: Protect farmers’ rights under the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights (PPVFR) Act.
Conclusion
Biotechnology can boost Indian agriculture if used responsibly. A strong Biotechnology Regulatory Authority is needed, along with the National Biotechnology Development Strategy, to ensure safety, farmer welfare, and environmental sustainability in its future adoption.
