Topic: Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country
Q5. “Agrifood systems are both victims and drivers of biodiversity loss.” Analyse this paradox. Suggest policy recalibrations required to align agrifood systems with biodiversity targets. (15 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: DTE
Why the question
Recent CBD deliberations before COP17 (2026) have highlighted agrifood systems as central to achieving biodiversity targets, making their dual ecological role.
Key Demand of the question
The question requires analysing the paradox of agrifood systems being both drivers and victims of biodiversity loss, and then suggesting policy recalibrations to align them with biodiversity targets under the Global Biodiversity Framework.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Briefly link biodiversity conservation with food security and sustainable development, situating agrifood systems within global commitments like the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (2022).Body
- Agrifood systems as drivers: Indicate how expansion, monoculture and input-intensive practices contribute to habitat loss and ecosystem degradation.
- Agrifood systems as victims: Show how biodiversity decline affects yields, resilience and rural livelihoods.
- Policy recalibration: Suggest aligning subsidies, planning and monitoring mechanisms with biodiversity targets and ecosystem-based approaches.
Conclusion
End with a forward-looking line emphasising ecological transformation of agrifood systems as essential for sustainable development.
