GS3 PYQ (Mains Answer Writing): Biotechnology | Science & Technology for UPSC CSE PDF Download

What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology? How will these achievements help to uplift the poorer sections of society? (UPSC GS3 Mains)

Biotechnology is an interdisciplinary field that involves the use of live organisms or enzymes from organisms to produce products and processes useful to humans.
Achievement in Biotechnology:

• Biotechnology is used to produce genetically modified crops that are resistant to pests, improve crop yield, and have higher nutritional value. For example, Bt Cotton, GM Soyabean, etc. 
• Recombinant DNA techniques are used to produce a number of medicines like Insulin, etc. 
• Biotechnology is also employed in waste management and reducing pollution. For example, Phytoremediation uses plants for the removal, degradation, or containment of contaminants in soils, groundwater, etc. 
• Biotechnology is used for the diagnosis of a number of diseases. For instance, RT-PCR is based on genetic amplification to detect the presence of viruses like Dengue, SARS, etc. 
• Development of RNA (mRNA) based vaccine is used to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. 
• Biotechnology is also at forefront of Assisted Reproductive Technologies like IVF, Test tube babies, etc.

Role of Biotech in Uplifting Poor’s

• Biotechnology is helping to increase the income of marginal farmers by increasing crop yield and making them climate and pest resilient. 
• The development of medicines using Biotech is reducing healthcare expenditure for the poor. E.g; the cost of Insulin has come down. 
• Biotechnology is also helping in the conversion of waste into assets for the poor. E.g.; Bio-composting turns waste into valuable fertilizer. 
• The poor suffer the most from pollution. Biotechnology also helps in reducing pollution and thus alleviates their suffering. E.g.; Bioremediation techniques help clean landfills around slums. 
• Biotechnology also helps in increasing the shelf life of food products which in turn keeps their price in check for the poor.

Biotechnology is a revolutionary field that has the potential to alleviate poverty and hunger. However, there is a need to equitably distribute its benefits among all strata of society.