Policymakers need to carefully weigh the benefits and risks associated with herbicide-tolerant (Ht) rice and consider alternative sustainable agricultural practices that ensure economic viability for farmers, protect the environment, and safeguard national food security. Examine.
Kartavya Desk Staff
Topic: e-technology in the aid of farmers.
Topic: e-technology in the aid of farmers.
5. Policymakers need to carefully weigh the benefits and risks associated with herbicide-tolerant (Ht) rice and consider alternative sustainable agricultural practices that ensure economic viability for farmers, protect the environment, and safeguard national food security. Examine. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: Down to Earth
Why the question: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has commercialised herbicide-tolerant (Ht) basmati rice varieties, claiming they can control weeds in rice crops while also promoting water-saving direct seeded rice (DSR). Key Demand of the question: To write about the pros and cons of commercialising herbicide-tolerant (Ht) rice. Directive word: Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Begin by giving context. Body: First, write about the need for Ht rice. Next, write about the advantages it offers – weed control and labor savings, potentially leading to higher yields etc. Next, write about various risks associated with it – high costs of seeds and herbicides, increased, risk of herbicide-resistant weeds, biodiversity loss, soil health degradation, food security and water pollution etc Conclusion: Conclude by writing a way forward.
Why the question:
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has commercialised herbicide-tolerant (Ht) basmati rice varieties, claiming they can control weeds in rice crops while also promoting water-saving direct seeded rice (DSR).
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the pros and cons of commercialising herbicide-tolerant (Ht) rice.
Directive word:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context.
First, write about the need for Ht rice.
Next, write about the advantages it offers – weed control and labor savings, potentially leading to higher yields etc.
Next, write about various risks associated with it – high costs of seeds and herbicides, increased, risk of herbicide-resistant weeds, biodiversity loss, soil health degradation, food security and water pollution etc
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.