Subject: Science & Technology

India's transformation from a food-deficit to a food-surplus nation exemplifies how science and technology have become inseparable from our daily lives, particularly evident in the agricultural revolution that has enhanced productivity and sustainability through innovative solutions.

Science in Everyday Life

• Healthcare Advancements: Modern medical diagnostics, telemedicine, and pharmaceutical research have revolutionized healthcare delivery and treatment protocols.
• Digital Technologies: Integration of Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things (IoT) in daily activities, from smart homes to digital payments through UPI.
• Environmental Monitoring: Scientific tools enabling better weather prediction, pollution monitoring, and climate change adaptation strategies.

Agricultural Transformation through Science

• Genetic Engineering:

  • Introduction of Bt cotton in 2002 led to significant reduction in insecticide use and increased yields.
  • Development of climate-resilient and high-yielding crop varieties through biotechnology.

• Precision Agriculture:

  • Farm management software adoption reached 21% among farmers, leading in agricultural technology adoption.
  • Remote sensing and precision agriculture hardware at 15% adoption rate, enabling data-driven farming decisions.

• Digital Integration:

  • Implementation of e-NAM (Electronic National Agriculture Market) for better price discovery and market access.
  • Use of drone technology for crop monitoring and precision spraying.

Challenges and Future Prospects

• Environmental Concerns:

  • Excessive pesticide use due to subsidy policies causing soil and water contamination.
  • Need for sustainable alternatives and eco-friendly farming practices.

• Research and Development:

  • Establishment of Global R&D Hub for Millets with ₹250 crore outlay (2023-26).
  • Limited budget increase (0.6%) for Agricultural Research and Education in 2024-25.

Science has not only revolutionized agriculture through innovations like genetic modification and precision farming but has also become integral to addressing challenges like food security and climate resilience, exemplified by initiatives like the PM-KISAN scheme and the focus on natural farming.