Context & The Gist
The article addresses the growing threat posed by root parasitic weeds, specifically Orobanche aegyptiaca, to mustard crops in Rajasthan and Haryana. This highlights a broader issue: the increasing need for scientific intervention and technological advancements in Indian agriculture to ensure food security, particularly in the face of climate change and evolving pests and pathogens.
The central argument is that relying solely on traditional methods is insufficient, and embracing technologies like herbicide-tolerant crops – developed through both mutation breeding and genetic modification – is crucial for sustainable agricultural practices.
Key Arguments & Nuances
- The Problem of Root Parasitic Weeds: Traditional weed control methods are ineffective against root parasitic weeds like Orobanche, as the damage occurs before visible symptoms appear.
- Herbicide-Tolerant Crops as a Solution: Developing crop varieties that can tolerate herbicides allows farmers to control weeds effectively without harming the main crop. This is being achieved through mutation breeding (altering DNA sequences) and genetic modification (introducing foreign genes).
- Mutation Breeding vs. GM Crops: The article distinguishes between herbicide tolerance achieved through mutation breeding (currently permitted) and genetic modification (GM), advocating for keeping the door open to GM technologies.
- Addressing Herbicide Resistance: Using multiple herbicides through GM technology can mitigate the risk of weeds developing resistance to a single herbicide.
- Importance of R&D: Agricultural research and development (R&D) is presented as a strategic imperative for ensuring food security and adapting to changing environmental conditions.
UPSC Syllabus Relevance
- GS Paper II: Government Policies & Interventions – Issues related to agricultural development, including technology adoption and regulatory frameworks.
- GS Paper III: Science and Technology – Developments in biotechnology, including GM crops, and their applications in agriculture.
- GS Paper III: Economy – Agricultural productivity, food security, and the impact of technology on the agricultural sector.
Prelims Data Bank
- Orobanche aegyptiaca: A root parasitic weed affecting mustard crops.
- ALS Gene: Acetolactate synthase gene; mutated versions confer herbicide tolerance.
- Imazethapyr, Imazapyr, Imazapic: Broad-spectrum herbicides used in herbicide-tolerant crops.
- cp4 epsps gene: A foreign gene used in GM mustard lines conferring tolerance to herbicides.
- Mutation Breeding: A method of inducing genetic variation through mutation, used to develop herbicide-tolerant crops.
Mains Critical Analysis
The article highlights a critical juncture in Indian agriculture, where traditional methods are proving inadequate against evolving challenges. The reliance on labor-intensive manual weeding is becoming unsustainable due to increasing labor costs and the nature of root parasitic weeds.
PESTLE Analysis
- Political: Government policies regarding GM crops and herbicide tolerance are crucial. The current cautious approach towards GM crops needs re-evaluation.
- Economic: Increased agricultural productivity through technology adoption can boost farmer incomes and contribute to economic growth.
- Social: Public perception and acceptance of GM crops remain a significant hurdle. Effective communication and transparency are essential.
- Technological: Continued investment in agricultural R&D is vital for developing innovative solutions to pest and weed problems.
- Legal: Clear and streamlined regulatory frameworks are needed for the approval and commercialization of new technologies.
- Environmental: Careful assessment of the environmental impact of herbicide-tolerant crops is necessary to ensure sustainable agricultural practices.
A key gap lies in the slow pace of regulatory approvals for GM crops, despite their potential benefits. The article implicitly argues that a risk-based, science-driven approach is needed, rather than a purely precautionary one.
Value Addition
- MS Swaminathan Committee (1990s): Advocated for increased investment in agricultural R&D and the adoption of modern technologies.
- Gene Editing: The article mentions gene-edited crops, which are subject to less stringent regulations than GM crops in India.
- National Mission on Oil Seeds and Edible Oils: A government scheme aimed at increasing the production of oilseeds, including mustard.
The Way Forward
- Increased Investment in Agricultural R&D: Prioritize research on developing herbicide-tolerant and pest-resistant crop varieties.
- Streamlined Regulatory Approvals: Expedite the approval process for GM crops based on scientific evidence and rigorous safety assessments.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Educate the public about the benefits and risks of GM crops to foster informed decision-making.
- Promote Integrated Weed Management: Combine herbicide-tolerant crops with other weed control methods for sustainable and effective weed management.
- Support Farmer Adoption: Provide farmers with access to affordable herbicide-tolerant seeds and training on their proper use.