What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology? How will these achievements help to uplift the poorer sections of the society?
GM Crops: Biotechnology has enabled the development of genetically modified crops with traits like pest resistance (e.g., Bt cotton), drought tolerance, and enhanced nutrition (e.g., Golden Rice), boosting agricultural resilience.
Biopharmaceuticals and Diagnostics: It has transformed healthcare through affordable production of vaccines (including COVID-19), insulin, monoclonal antibodies, and low-cost diagnostic kits for diseases like malaria and tuberculosis.
Industrial Biotechnology: Engineered microbes now produce biofuels, bioplastics, and industrial enzymes, promoting sustainable manufacturing.
Bioremediation: Microorganisms are used to clean polluted soil and water, offering eco-friendly solutions to environmental degradation.
Uplifting the Poorer Sections:
Agricultural Prosperity: GM crops like Bt cotton reduce input costs and improve yields, enhancing incomes for small farmers. Nutritionally enhanced crops combat micronutrient deficiencies prevalent among the poor.
Affordable Healthcare: Mass production of essential medicines and vaccines lowers treatment costs. Rapid diagnostic kits enable early detection of diseases that disproportionately affect low-income populations.
Environmental Justice: Bioremediation restores polluted resources in poor communities, improving health and supporting livelihoods.
New Livelihoods: The growing bio-economy offers jobs in biofuel production, aquaculture, and biotech services, diversifying rural incomes.
In essence, applied biotechnology provides powerful tools to address key challenges of food security, public health, and environmental sustainability. When paired with inclusive policy and awareness, it holds immense potential for improving the lives of the underprivileged.
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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?
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