Q. Examine the role of Biotechnology in addressing the challenges faced by the farmers in India. (Answer in  150 words)

04 Oct, 2022 GS III Daily Answer Writing 2022-23 ( Upgrade)
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While green revolution was instrumental in attaining the quantitative goal of food sufficiency, biotechnology has emerged as a game changer in ensuring nutritional security & reducing environmental footprint of agriculture. 

Key Challenges faced by Indian farmers:
Low productivity: at just 2.5 tonnes/hectare compared vs 3.5 tonnes/hectare as world average.

  • Low quality inputs: >80% of seeds used are of low quality.
  • Poor income: Per day income of farm households at ₹277
  • Cyclical nature: 40% of agriculture is rainfed.
  • Rise in pest/diseases: Cotton Bollworm, Paddy dwarfing.
  • Climate Change impact: Leading to crop & livestock stress

Government Initiatives:

  1. National Genotyping and Genomics Facility” (NGGF)
    2. Hybrid development – Rice, Maize (PUSA),


Role played by Biotechnology in Addressing Challenges:

  • Increased yield: 5-25% depending on the soil and climate.
  • Enhanced income: Eg. Bt cotton adoption increased farmers' profits by 50%.
  • Climate resilient agriculture: addition of protein called FTO to rice & potato increases drought tolerance.
  • Reduced dependence on fertilizers & pesticides: Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) bacterium with insecticidal qualities.
  • Increased nutritional qualities: Eg. Golden Rice (Vit A)
  • Livestock breeding: Animal cloning, through somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT)à increased milk production.
  • Value addition to Agri- products & Food processing: Improved taste & shelf life. Eg. FlavrSavr tomato. 

Issues in Adoption of Biotechnology:

  • Monoculture: eradicates native crops; increases threat of disease.
  • Inconsistent results: Cotton yield not consistent - decline in yield after the initial 2-3 years.
  • High Input cost: Needs more irrigation, fertilisers, pesticides etc. eventually.
  • Monopoly of industries: leading to exploitation of farmers (Eg. Monsanto).
  • Litigation:g. PepsiCo vs farmers in FL2027 potato.
  • Impact on human health - Many GM crops contain gene that are anti biotic resistant or contain allergens.
  • Environmental issues - Potential gene escape and superweeds; Insecticide resistance etc.
  • Other challenges - Lack of scientific infra, inadequate R&D, poor private sector participation, Lack of trained manpower, Complex regulatory regime, Biopiracy etc.

Way Forward:

  • Precautionary approach: commercialisation of inputs only after GEAC approval.
  • Establishing a regulatory authority:g. Biotechnology Regulatory Authority of India (BRAI) proposed in 2013.
  • Sufficient safeguards:g. Biosafety Support Unit (BSU) project under Dept. of Biotechnology.
  • Enforcement of strong IPR regime to incentivise quality research.
  • Public awareness of risks and benefits of biotechnology

 

Thus, ‘cautious adoption’ of Biotechnology, while balancing the risks to farmer, health, & ecology is need of the hour to propel Indian agriculture towards the 2nd Green Revolution.

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