Which of the following options is/are related to increasing food production?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → All of the above
The book describes three options that can be thought of for increasing food production: agro-chemical based agriculture, organic agriculture and genetically engineered crop-based agriculture. The Green Revolution raised yields mainly through better management and the use of agrochemicals, but this was not enough to feed the growing population, so the other two options are also used.
Option (1) Agro-chemical based agriculture — Correct statement, but it is only one of the correct points, so on its own it is not the answer. This method uses fertilisers and pesticides to raise crop yields.
Option (2) Organic agriculture — Correct statement, but it is only one of the correct points, so on its own it is not the answer. Organic agriculture depends on natural inputs such as biofertilisers and biocontrol agents instead of chemicals.
Option (3) Genetically engineered crop-based agriculture — Correct statement, but it is only one of the correct points, so on its own it is not the answer. This uses genetically modified (GM) crops, such as pest-resistant Bt crops.
NCERT Extract:
Biotechnological Applications in Agriculture – “Let us take a look at the three options that can be thought for increasing food production (i) agro-chemical based agriculture; (ii) organic agriculture; and (iii) genetically engineered crop-based agriculture. The Green Revolution succeeded in tripling the food supply but yet it was not enough to feed the growing human population.”