UPSC DAW Mains Answer Writing 6th July 2025

UPSC DAW Mains Answer Writing 6th July 2025

Question

Gene technology holds significant promise for transforming Indian agriculture, yet its adoption remains limited due to policy, regulatory, and socio-economic challenges. Discuss the potential of gene technology in enhancing agricultural productivity and examine the impediments to its wider adoption in India. (10 marks, 150 words) 

Model Answer

Introduction:  

  • Gene technology, particularly genetic modification (GM), offers precision tools to enhance crop yield, resilience, and sustainability. The National Biotechnology Development Strategy (2020–25) recognizes biotechnology as a key enabler of India's food and nutrition security. Despite this, adoption remains patchy and contested due to multiple structural and policy bottlenecks. 

 Role of Gene Technology in Enhancing Agricultural Productivity: 

  • Improved Crop Yields and Farmer Incomes:  

  • E.g. Bt cotton, introduced in 2002, led to a 193% rise in production between 2002–2014 and made India the second-largest cotton exporter by 2011–12. 

  • Pest and Disease Resistance: 

  • GM crops like Bt brinjal reduce pesticide use, lowering input costs and health risks. 

  • FAO: As much as 40 per cent of the world’s agricultural crops are lost to pests each year; GM crops can significantly mitigate this. 

  • Climate Resilience and Resource Efficiency: 

  • GM variants can be engineered for drought, salinity, and heat resistance. 

  • E.g. GM maize and soy are used globally to withstand adverse climates. 

  • Nutritional Security:  

  • GM biofortified crops (e.g., Golden Rice) address micronutrient deficiencies, a persistent problem in India (NFHS-5 data: 57% of women anaemic). 

 Challenges in Adoption of Gene Technology in India: 

  • Regulatory and Policy Uncertainty:  

  • The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) cleared GM mustard (DMH-11) in 2022, but commercial release remains stalled. 

  • Bt brinjal, approved in 2009, has been under moratorium due to political and activist pressure. 

  • Weak Trait Commercialisation Framework:  

  • Cotton Seed Price Control Order (2015) slashed royalties, disincentivising R&D. 

  • As per NITI Aayog, lack of a trait value monetisation framework discourages private biotech investments. 

  • Proliferation of Unregulated GM Seeds:  

  • Illegal herbicide-tolerant (HT) Bt cotton is grown across 15–25% of cotton acreage, risking biosafety and seed integrity. 

  • Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Concerns:  

  • Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights (PPVFR) Act (2001) has conflicts with patent protections, creating ambiguity for biotech companies. 

  • Public Perception and Activism:  

  • Concerns over health, environment, and corporate control, despite lack of scientific consensus, have shaped public and judicial resistance. 

  • SC in Aruna Rodrigues vs Union of India (Ongoing): Court-mandated scrutiny of GM mustard reflects judicial caution.  

  • Dependence on Imports Due to Domestic Inaction:  

  • India, once a cotton exporter, has turned into a net importer in 2024–25 due to stagnation in productivity (down to 436 kg/ha from 566 kg/ha in 2013–14). 

 Way Forward: 

  • Science-Based Regulatory Reform: Establish an independent Biotechnology Regulatory Authority, as proposed in the BRAI Bill (2013). 

  • Public Sector Innovation Push: Scale indigenous innovations like Bt brinjal (developed by Indian Institute of Vegetable Research) and GM mustard (Delhi University). 

  • Balanced Trait Fee and IPR Regime: NITI Aayog suggests fair trait pricing and licensing norms to attract R&D. 

  • Farmer Education and Biosafety Awareness: Awareness campaigns to counter misinformation and promote safe handling of GM seeds. 

  • Fast-track Trials and Clearances: Develop a time-bound process for field trials and risk assessments under GEAC. 

Conclusion:  

  • Gene technology is indispensable for India’s agri-future, especially as climate risks and input costs rise. While “Jai Anusandhan” reflects political will, only robust reforms in regulatory, commercial, and innovation ecosystems can unlock its potential. As former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee envisioned - “what IT is to urban India, biotechnology must become for rural Bharat”.