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Mains Prelims

Q5 · UPSC Civil Services Mains 2026 · GS III · 10 marks · 1 min read

← Q3 Q13 →

Explain by giving two examples, how biotechnology has helped the Indian farmers in processing their perishable crops.

Page facts
Exam
Union Public Service Commission — Civil Services Examination (UPSC)
Board
UPSC
Stage
Mains
Year
2026
Paper
UPSC Mains — General Studies Paper III (GS III)
Question
Q5
Marks
10
Topic
Crops, Irrigation and Marketing
Syllabus
Major crops — cropping patterns in various parts of the country; different types of irrigation and irrigation systems; storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers.

Topic: Crops, Irrigation and Marketing. Syllabus: Major crops — cropping patterns in various parts of the country; different types of irrigation and irrigation systems; storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers. Same official PYQ from year-wise 2026 and Crops, Irrigation and Marketing.

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Revision summary

• Biotechnology extends the post-harvest shelf life and processing capabilities of perishable crops, protecting farmers from distress sales. • Silencing ripening enzymes (like polygalacturonase) in transgenic varieties prevents premature softening and reduces transit losses. • Example 1: Genetically modified tomatoes engineered to resist rapid rotting during storage without complete cold-chain dependency. • Microbial fermentation and bio-processing convert surplus perishable harvests into stable, high-value industrial and food products. • Enzymatic maceration using pectinases and cellulases allows efficient fruit pulp breakdown and juice extraction. • Example 2: Biotech-driven conversion of surplus horticulture crops into stable concentrates, purees, and fermented beverages. • Scaling these interventions requires strengthening public-private research partnerships and biosafety frameworks.

Model answer

Copper italics in this answer — like this — are the key facts. Each one is unpacked in the Facts & figures rail.

Introduction

Biotechnology provides critical tools to extend the post-harvest shelf life and enhance the processing capabilities of perishable agricultural produce. By altering metabolic pathways and leveraging microbial agents, biotech interventions safeguard farmers from distress sales.

Body

Enzyme Engineering and Shelf-Life Extension

Biotechnology alters specific ripening enzymes to delay senescence in highly perishable fruits and vegetables.

  • Delaying Ripening: Silencing the polygalacturonase enzyme in transgenic variants prevents premature softening.
  • Reduced Post-Harvest Loss: Longer shelf life allows farmers to transport perishables to distant processing units without cold-chain breakdown.
  • Example: Genetically modified tomato varieties engineered to resist rapid rotting during transit and storage.

Microbial Fermentation and Value Addition

Advanced bio-processing converts surplus perishable harvests into stable, high-value industrial and food products.

  • Enzymatic Maceration: Pectinases and cellulases break down fruit pulps efficiently for juice extraction.
  • Bio-Preservation: Lactic acid bacteria and engineered enzymes prevent microbial spoilage in dairy and horticultural items.
  • Example: Biotech-driven processing of perishable horticulture crops into stable concentrates, purees, and fermented beverages.

Flow diagram

flowchart TD
A[Perishable Harvest] --> B[Biotech Intervention]
B --> C[Enzyme Silencing]
B --> D[Microbial Fermentation]
C --> E[Extended Shelf Life]
D --> F[Stable Processed Goods]
E --> G[Better Farmer Realisation]
F --> G[Better Farmer Realisation]

Conclusion

Biotechnological processing bridges the critical gap between farmgate production and industrial value addition for perishable goods. Scaling these interventions requires strengthening public-private research partnerships and biosafety frameworks under the National Biotechnology Development Strategy.

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More from this topic

Q3 · UPSC Mains 2026 · GS III · 10 marks · Solution

Describe the various Technology Missions initiated in Indian agriculture and examine their role in food security.

Crops, Irrigation and Marketing

• **Core Concept:** Ag-tech missions use targeted interventions to remove productivity bottlenecks and ensure national food security. • **TMOPM (1980s):** Integrated production, processing, and marketing to boost domestic output of oilseeds, pulses, and maize. • **NFSM (2007-08):** Focused on the sustainable expansion and productivity enhancement of rice, wheat, and pulses. • **MIDH:** Promoted horticulture development to diversify the food basket beyond cereals and improve nutritional security. • **Availability & Stability:** Improved seeds and agronomic practices raised per-grain production while curbing import dependence. • **Supply Chain Support:** Better farm-gate infrastructure and storage improved food distribution from surplus to deficit regions. • **Future Outlook:** Sustaining long-term food security requires integrating climate-resilient technologies and digital agriculture.

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