Topic: Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country
Q5. Discuss the role of indigenous seed diversity in ensuring food and nutritional security. Analyse the challenges arising from the commercialization of the seed sector. Suggest suitable policy interventions. (15 M).
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: DTE
Why the question
In the context of ongoing debates on seed governance, farmers’ rights, biodiversity conservation and commercialization of the seed sector, alongside concerns over proposed seed sector reforms.
Key Demand of the question
The question requires explaining the importance of indigenous seed diversity for food and nutritional security, analysing the challenges created by increasing commercialization of the seed sector, and suggesting balanced policy interventions that promote innovation while protecting farmers’ rights and biodiversity.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Highlight the significance of indigenous seed diversity in achieving sustainable and resilient agriculture.
Body
- Role of indigenous seed diversity: Explain its contribution to food security, nutrition and agricultural resilience.
- Challenges from commercialization: Analyse how commercialization affects farmers, biodiversity and the seed ecosystem.
- Policy interventions: Suggest institutional, legal and technological measures for balanced seed governance.
Conclusion
Conclude with the need for a farmer-centric, innovation-driven and biodiversity-sensitive seed governance framework to ensure long-term agricultural sustainability.
