With reference to agriculture in India, how can the technique of 'genome sequencing', often seen in the news, be used in the immediate future?1.Genome sequencing can be used to identify genetic markers for disease resistance and drought tolerance in various crop plants.2.This technique helps in reducing the time required to develop new varieties of crop plants.3.It can be used to decipher the host-pathogen relationships in crops.Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. A

   1 only

   (a) 1 only. Marker identification is a real use, but faster breeding and host–pathogen work are also immediate applications. 1 only is incomplete.

2. B

   2 and 3 only

   (b) 2 and 3 only. Statement 1 is equally valid. Not the key.

3. C

   1 and 3 only

   (c) 1 and 3 only. Time-saving in variety development is also claimed for sequence-based breeding. Not the key.

4. D

   1, 2 and 3

   (d) 1, 2 and 3. Genome sequencing can find resistance and drought markers, shorten breeding cycles by informing selection, and map how pathogens interact with crop hosts. All three are accepted near-term uses. This is the official key.

Summary. Official key is (d) 1, 2 and 3. Reading a crop’s genome locates markers for disease resistance and drought tolerance so breeders can select without waiting for every field season. That marker-assisted and genomic selection shortens the time to a new variety. Sequence data also clarify host–pathogen molecular relationships. ICAR and the rice/wheat genomes are neighbouring Indian facts. All three statements stand.