Passage

What stands in the way of the widespread and careful adoption of ‘Genetic Modification (GM)’ technology is an ‘Intellectual Property Rights’ regime that seeks to create private monopolies for such technologies. If GM technology is largely corporate-driven, it seeks to maximize profits and that too in the short run. That is why corporations make major investments for herbicide-tolerant and pest-resistant crops. Such properties have only a short window, as soon enough, pests and weeds will evolve to overcome such resistance. This suits the corporations. The National Farmers Commission pointed out that priority must be given in genetic modification to the incorporation of genes that can help impart resistance to drought, salinity, and other stresses."

QUESTION

CSAT

Easy

Comprehension

Prelims 2019

Which one of the following is the most logical, rational and crucial message conveyed by the above passage?

Select an option to attempt

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct. The passage criticizes corporate-driven GM technology for prioritizing profit in the short run rather than addressing critical agricultural challenges like drought and salinity resistance. Public research institutions, being non-profit-driven, are better positioned to focus on long-term societal and agricultural needs, aligning with the National Farmers Commission's recommendation.

Statement 2 is incorrect. The passage discusses the role of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in creating private monopolies but does not explicitly mention developing countries, the WTO, or the abolition of IPR.

Statement 3 is incorrect. The passage critiques corporate behaviour in GM technology but does not advocate banning private corporations outright. Instead, it emphasizes the need to prioritize long-term challenges and public interest.

Statement 4 is incorrect. The passage does not explicitly discuss Indian circumstances or the feasibility of cultivating GM crops in the present context. It critiques how GM technology is driven and suggests improvements, but it does not argue against GM crops altogether.