Relevance: GS Paper III (Agriculture, Food Security, Biotechnology) | Source: The Hindu / Indian Express

Context

Mustard, India’s primary indigenous oilseed, is facing an agricultural crisis due to the parasitic weed Orobanche aegyptiaca (locally called Margoja). The infestation is rampant in Rajasthan, Haryana, and MP, threatening the National Mission on Edible Oils (NMEO) and farmer livelihoods.

About Orobanche (Prelims Concept)

• Type: A root parasitic weed lacking chlorophyll (cannot make its own food).
• Mechanism: It attaches to mustard roots underground, extracting nutrients and water.
• Survival: A single plant produces 4-5 lakh seeds that remain viable in soil for 20 years.
• Detection: Classified as a “Hidden Threat” by the South Asia Biotechnology Centre (SABC) because damage occurs before the weed emerges above ground.

Why This Matters

1. Economic Impact: Mustard contributes over 40% to India’s domestic edible oil production.
2. Import Burden: India imports ~60% of its edible oil, costing ₹1.5+ lakh crore annually. Failure to control this weed will worsen the Current Account Deficit.
3. Farmer Income: In arid regions, mustard is the financial lifeline (Cash Crop) during the Rabi season.

Challenges & Solutions

Policy & Governance Dimensions

• Regulatory Gridlock: The adoption of GM Mustard depends on approval from the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC).
• Sustainability: Policy must balance immediate yield needs (Food Security) with long-term ecological risks like herbicide resistance (“Superweeds”).

Summary

The parasitic weed Orobanche is undermining India’s mustard productivity and oilseed self-reliance. With traditional farming methods failing against this “hidden enemy,” the crisis underscores the urgent need for scientific interventions, specifically Herbicide-Tolerant (HT) technology, supported by a decisive regulatory framework.

One Line Wrap: Securing India’s “Yellow Revolution” requires shifting from manual agrarian practices to precision biotechnology.

1. “To ensure edible oil self-reliance, India must embrace modern biotechnology despite ecological concerns.” Critically analyze this statement in the context of the recent Orobanche infestation in mustard crops. (10 Marks, 150 Words)

Model Hints (Structure & Value)

1. Introduction: Link India’s massive edible oil import bill (₹1.5L Cr) to the threat posed by the Orobanche parasite in mustard farming.
2. Body (The Need vs. The Risk):
   • Need: Traditional weeding fails against root parasites. Technologies like HT Mustard (Double-mutant als gene) are essential to prevent yield loss and ensure Food Security.
   • Concerns: Cite Parliamentary Standing Committee reports on GM crops regarding biosafety, loss of indigenous varieties, and the risk of “Superweeds”.
3. Conclusion: Conclude with the Swaminathan Committee’s approach: proceed with a “biosafety-first” regulatory mechanism (GEAC) rather than a complete ban, integrating technology with Integrated Pest Management (IPM).