Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Genetic erosion, the loss of genetic diversity within species, poses a significant threat to the resilience and sustainability of agriculture globally. The Green Revolution, while boosting food production, inadvertently narrowed the genetic base of many staple crops like rice and wheat. This reduction in genetic variability makes crops increasingly vulnerable to pests, diseases, and climate change, jeopardizing future food security. The FAO estimates that 75% of the world’s food is derived from just 12 plants and 5 animal species, highlighting the precariousness of our current food system. This commentary will examine the human activities driving genetic erosion and explore potential solutions.
What is Genetic Erosion?
Genetic erosion refers to the reduction in the genetic variability within a species. It occurs when populations are replaced by genetically uniform crops or livestock. This loss diminishes the ability of a species to adapt to changing environmental conditions, increasing vulnerability to diseases and pests.
Human Activities Contributing to Genetic Erosion
- Intensive Agriculture: The widespread adoption of high-yielding varieties (HYVs) during the Green Revolution, while initially successful, led to the abandonment of traditional, locally adapted varieties. For example, in India, numerous indigenous rice varieties have been replaced by a few high-yielding strains.
- Habitat Loss and Fragmentation: Conversion of natural habitats into agricultural land reduces the area available for wild relatives of crops, which are vital reservoirs of genetic diversity.
- Introduction of Exotic Species: While introducing new crops can increase overall biodiversity, it can also lead to the displacement of native varieties if not managed carefully. The introduction of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) raises concerns about potential gene flow to wild relatives.
- Climate Change: Changing climatic conditions can put stress on existing crop varieties, leading to the extinction of locally adapted strains unable to cope with the new environment.
- Unsustainable Harvesting Practices: Over-reliance on specific traits in wild populations for harvest can lead to a decline in the genetic diversity of those populations.
Consequences of Genetic Erosion
- Increased Vulnerability to Pests and Diseases: A narrow genetic base means less resistance to emerging threats. The Southern blight outbreak in the 1970s, which devastated wheat crops, highlighted the dangers of genetic uniformity.
- Reduced Adaptive Capacity: Crops become less able to adapt to changing environmental conditions, such as drought, salinity, and extreme temperatures.
- Loss of Traditional Knowledge: The disappearance of traditional varieties often entails the loss of associated indigenous knowledge about their uses and cultivation practices.
- Diminished Nutritional Value: Some traditional varieties may possess higher levels of micronutrients or other beneficial compounds that are lost with the shift to HYVs.
Mitigation Strategies
Addressing genetic erosion requires a multi-pronged approach:
- Conservation of Crop Wild Relatives (CWR): Establishing gene banks and in-situ conservation programs to preserve the genetic resources of wild relatives.
- Promoting Farmer-Saved Seeds: Encouraging farmers to save and exchange seeds of traditional varieties.
- Diversification of Crop Systems: Promoting intercropping, crop rotation, and other practices that increase genetic diversity on farms.
- Participatory Plant Breeding: Involving farmers in the breeding process to develop varieties that are adapted to local conditions and meet their needs.
- Strengthening National Gene Banks: Maintaining and expanding national collections of plant genetic resources.
The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA)
The NBA, established under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, plays a crucial role in conserving India’s biodiversity, including genetic resources. It regulates access to genetic material and promotes sustainable use.
| Activity | Impact on Genetic Erosion |
|---|---|
| Green Revolution | Reduced genetic diversity of major crops |
| Habitat Destruction | Loss of wild relatives and their genetic material |
| Farmer-Saved Seeds | Maintains and increases genetic diversity |
Conclusion
Genetic erosion poses a serious threat to the long-term sustainability of agriculture, demanding immediate and concerted action. While modern agricultural practices have undeniably increased food production, they have also narrowed the genetic base of our crops. A shift towards more sustainable and biodiversity-friendly practices, coupled with the conservation of traditional varieties and wild relatives, is crucial to ensuring food security for future generations. Integrating traditional knowledge with modern science is key to building resilient and diverse agricultural systems.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.