Explain by giving two examples, how biotechnology has helped the Indian farmers in processing their perishable crops.
Perishable crops like fruits, vegetables and dairy suffer 20–30% post-harvest losses in India. Biotechnology extends shelf life, enhances value addition and stabilises farmer income.
Example 1: Tomato Processing through Enzyme Technology
Microbial enzymes (pectinases, cellulases) developed through biotech are used to extract tomato pulp, juice and paste with higher yield and clarity. Controlled fermentation and use of biopreservatives (nisin, lactic acid bacteria) extend shelf life without synthetic preservatives. This has enabled cooperatives and FPOs in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh to convert surplus tomatoes — which often perish during gluts — into stable, marketable products, protecting farmer income.
Example 2: Dairy Processing via Starter Cultures
Biotechnology-derived lactic acid bacterial cultures and rennet enzymes are used by Amul and other cooperatives to convert perishable milk into curd, cheese, paneer and probiotic drinks. Cold-active enzymes improve storage. This has transformed dairy from a highly perishable commodity into a value-added industry, sustaining lakhs of small dairy farmers.
Biotech thus links farm output to organised processing markets.
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Important Questions from GS3
Examine the pattern and trend of public expenditure on social services in the post-reforms period in India. To what extent this has been in consonance with achieving the objective of inclusive growth?
What are the causes of persistent high food inflation in India? Comment on the effectiveness of the monetary policy of the RBI to control this type of inflation.
What were the factors responsible for the successful implementation of land reforms in some parts of the country? Elaborate.
Explain the role of millets for ensuring health and nutritional security in India.
What is the present world scenario of intellectual property rights with respect to life materials? Although, India is second in the world to file patents, still only a few have been commercialized. Explain the reasons behind this less commercialization.
