Consider the following statements : 1. Moringa (drumstick tree) is a leguminous evergreen tree. 2. Tamarind tree is endemic to South Asia. 3. In India, most of the tamarind is collected as minor forest produce. 4. India exports tamarind and seeds of moringa. 5. Seeds of moringa and tamarind can be used in the production of biofuels. Which of the statements given above are correct?
- (a) 1, 2, 4 and 5
- (b) 3, 4 and 5 ✓ UPSC's answer
- (c) 1, 3 and 4
- (d) 1, 2, 3 and 5
Why the answer is (b)
• Statement 1 is wrong: Moringa oleifera belongs to the family Moringaceae, not the legume family, though it is a fast-growing tree; it is deciduous in dry conditions.
• Statement 2 is wrong: tamarind (Tamarindus indica) is native to tropical Africa and was introduced to India in ancient times, despite its Latin name.
• Statement 3 is correct: in India most tamarind is gathered by tribal communities as a minor forest produce with an MSP under the MFP scheme.
• Statement 4 is correct: India exports tamarind and moringa seeds/leaf powder; statement 5 is correct: the oils in moringa and tamarind seeds can be converted to biodiesel.
• Hence 3, 4 and 5, option (b).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1, 2, 4 and 5
- Statements 1 and 2 are wrong: moringa is not a legume and tamarind is African in origin.
- (c) 1, 3 and 4
- Statement 1 is wrong; statement 5 is correct.
- (d) 1, 2, 3 and 5
- Statements 1 and 2 are wrong.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2021, held on 10 October 2021. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.