25 February 2025: PIB Summary For UPSC

1. Innovative Biotech Solutions for Farming, Livestock, and Aquaculture

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2105824 )

Power of Biotechnology in Agriculture, Aquaculture, and Animal Sciences

• Biotechnology is transforming agriculture, aquaculture, and animal sciences by improving crops, managing diseases, and promoting sustainable farming.
• Advancements in genome editing, molecular breeding, and biocontrol solutions are increasing productivity and resilience.

Agricultural Biotechnology: Innovations for Sustainable Farming

• Climate-Smart Crops
  • A new drought-tolerant and high-yielding chickpea variety, SAATVIK (NC 9), has been approved for cultivation.
  • This variety enhances yield under drought stress, improving food security in dry regions.
• Genome-Edited Crops
  • Loss-of-function mutations have been introduced in rice genes to boost productivity.
  • Genome-edited rice variety MTU-1010 shows higher yield and larger spikes with increased grain numbers.
• Genotyping Arrays
  • The 90K Pan-genome SNP genotyping array IndRA for rice and IndCA for chickpea have been commercialized.
  • These tools help in DNA fingerprinting, variety identification, and genetic purity testing for better crop development.
• Amaranth Genetic Resources
  • A genomic resource database and SNP chip have been developed for amaranth.
  • Screening techniques help identify amaranth varieties that combat obesity, aiding in nutritional improvements.
• Fungal Biocontrol
  • A nano-formulation from Myrothecium verrucaria has been created to control powdery mildew in tomato and grape.
  • This eco-friendly solution reduces the need for chemical pesticides.
• Kisan-Kavach: Safety for Farmers
  • A protective suit has been designed to safeguard farmers from pesticide exposure.
  • This innovation enhances health safety in agricultural settings.

Animal Biotechnology: Enhancing Livestock Health and Productivity

• India has the largest livestock population in the world, supporting rural livelihoods.
• Innovations in veterinary medicine and livestock management are improving disease resistance and productivity.

Aquaculture and Marine Biotechnology: Boosting Fisheries and Marine Resources

• Improved Shrimp Diet
  • Fish meal is a key ingredient in shrimp feeds but has cost and sustainability issues.
  • Research has shown that yeast-fermented soybean meal can replace fish meal, improving shrimp growth by 8.5%.
• CIFA-Brood-Vac Vaccine
  • A new vaccine has been developed to prevent fish spawn mortality, ensuring healthy aquaculture stocks.
• Cost-Effective Fish Feed Formulation
  • Interactive Fish Feed Designer (IFFD) version 2 helps create affordable fish feed using non-conventional ingredients.

Conclusion

• Biotechnology is revolutionizing agriculture, aquaculture, and animal sciences by enhancing crop resilience, livestock health, and marine productivity.
• These innovations contribute to food security, disease management, and sustainable farming.
• As research progresses, biotechnology will continue to strengthen global food systems and environmental sustainability.

Check out 24 February 2025: PIB Summary For UPSC