Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Technology missions.
4. Biotechnology in cotton, post its introduction, has led to transformational changes in India’s cotton cultivation. Do you agree? Comment. (250 words)
Reference: The Hindu
Why this question:
The article presents with arguments for and against the use of Biotechnology, especially with respect to Bt. Cotton, in India. Thus the context of the question.
Key demand of the question:
Discuss in detail transformational changes in India’s cotton cultivation owing to the introduction of BT Cotton.
Directive:
Comment– here we have to express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an overall opinion thereupon.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Describe what BT Cotton is.
Body:
Start with key facts that highlight the change such as – India’s cotton production in 2019 is projected as the highest ever. India’s cotton production has doubled over the past decade. India is expected to be the world’s largest cotton producer, surpassing China in output in 2020.
Present arguments for and against BT. Cotton, take cues from the article.
Explain that the outcome of using a technology such as Biotechnology is determined by the context in which it is deployed, and not just by the technology itself.
It is important to recognize that apart from the technology itself, its relevance to the particular context is also important. If the context is suboptimal and does not prioritize the needs of the farmers, it can have significant negative fallouts, especially in India with a high proportion of farmers being marginal and subsistence farmers.
Conclusion:
Conclude that In a fast-evolving global market, India’s farmers need the best technologies to remain competitive and Biotechnology can be a harbinger in this direction.
