Agriculture 2021 Paper II 50 marks Describe

Q4

(a) What is the role and importance of "Seed treatment campaign" in India in the context of quality crop establishment ? 15 (b) What is DNA fingerprinting ? Discuss its applied aspects in modern agriculture. 15 (c) Describe the mechanisms involved in absorption of water in plants. Explain the factors affecting the water absorption rate in plants. 20

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

(a) भारत में गुणवत्ता फसल की स्थापना के संदर्भ में "बीज उपचार अभियान" की भूमिका तथा महत्व क्या है ? 15 (b) डी.एन.ए. फिंगरप्रिंटिंग क्या है ? आधुनिक कृषि में इसके प्रयोगात्मक पहलुओं की विवेचना कीजिए । 15 (c) पौधों में जल अवशोषण करने वाली क्रियाविधियों का वर्णन कीजिए । पौधों में जल अवशोषण दर को प्रभावित करने वाले कारकों की व्याख्या कीजिए । 20

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Directive word: Describe

This question asks you to describe. The directive word signals the depth of analysis expected, the structure of your answer, and the weight of evidence you must bring.

See our UPSC directive words guide for a full breakdown of how to respond to each command word.

How this answer will be evaluated

Approach

The directive 'describe' demands systematic exposition of processes and mechanisms. Allocate approximately 30% time/words to part (a) on seed treatment campaigns, 30% to part (b) on DNA fingerprinting, and 40% to part (c) on water absorption mechanisms as it carries the highest marks. Structure with a brief composite introduction, three distinct body sections addressing each sub-part sequentially, and a concluding synthesis on how these three pillars—quality seed, genetic precision, and water management—converge for sustainable Indian agriculture.

Key points expected

  • Part (a): Seed treatment campaign objectives—disease control, pest management, nutrient priming; institutional framework under NFSM and SMAC; coverage targets and seed replacement rate improvements
  • Part (a): Quality crop establishment metrics—germination percentage, field emergence, uniform stand establishment; linkage to National Seed Policy 2002 and Seed Act 1966 amendments
  • Part (b): DNA fingerprinting methodology—RFLP, RAPD, SSR, SNP markers; principle of polymorphism detection and genetic profiling
  • Part (b): Agricultural applications—variety identification and PVP protection, hybrid purity testing, marker-assisted selection, forensic seed certification, IPR enforcement under PPV&FR Act 2001
  • Part (c): Water absorption mechanisms—imbibition (matric potential), osmosis (solute potential), active absorption (root pressure), passive absorption (transpiration pull); role of aquaporins
  • Part (c): Factors affecting absorption—soil water potential, root surface area and root:shoot ratio, soil temperature, aeration status, salinity/osmotic stress, mycorrhizal associations
  • Integrated insight: Convergence of quality seed, genetic traceability, and optimized water absorption for climate-resilient crop establishment

Evaluation rubric

DimensionWeightMax marksExcellentAveragePoor
Concept correctness25%12.5For (a), accurately distinguishes chemical, biological, and physical seed treatment methods with correct mode-of-action; for (b), precisely defines DNA fingerprinting as molecular profiling technique and correctly identifies marker types; for (c), accurately describes imbibition, osmotic, and pressure flow mechanisms with correct water potential terminology (Ψw, Ψs, Ψp)Broadly identifies seed treatment purposes and DNA fingerprinting as genetic technique; describes water absorption as root uptake without distinguishing mechanisms or misapplies water potential conceptsConfuses seed treatment with seed dressing only; conflates DNA fingerprinting with tissue culture or genetic modification; describes water absorption vaguely as 'roots suck water' without mechanistic basis
Quantitative reasoning15%7.5Cites specific data for (a)—NFSM seed treatment coverage targets (e.g., 25% of cultivated area), germination improvement percentages; for (c), references critical soil moisture constants (field capacity, wilting point, available water), root pressure values (1-2 atm), or quantitative relationships in water potential equationsMentions general quantitative trends without specific figures; provides approximate percentages for campaign coverage or water availability rangesNo quantitative data; entirely qualitative description without any numerical anchoring for treatment efficacy, genetic diversity indices, or soil-plant water relations
Indian context examples20%10For (a), cites NFSM, SMAC, or state-specific campaigns (e.g., Rajasthan's seed treatment drive); for (b), references PPV&FR Authority, ICAR-NBPGR's DNA fingerprinting database, Basmati export cases, or SCST/SSR markers in Indian crop improvement; for (c), illustrates with Indian crops (paddy transplant water requirements, groundnut pegging zone absorption, millets' drought adaptation)Mentions generic Indian institutions without specific programmes; provides Indian crop names without contextualizing to regional water absorption challengesNo Indian examples; entirely generic or foreign-centric illustrations (e.g., only mentions US/European seed certification or Arabidopsis research)
Diagram / process20%10For (c), includes clear diagram of water potential gradient from soil→root→xylem→leaf→atmosphere with Ψ values; or illustrates root cross-section showing pathways (apoplast, symplast, transmembrane); for (b), may include schematic of DNA marker detection; processes described with sequential logicDescribes processes in linear text without visual representation; mentions water potential gradients or absorption pathways without systematic diagrammatic intentNo process description; jumps between concepts without logical flow; no attempt to visualize water movement or molecular techniques
Policy / extension angle20%10For (a), links to Seed Village Programme, PM-KISAN, or state extension networks; for (b), discusses PPV&FR Act 2001, benefit sharing, farmers' rights, and seed industry regulation; for (c), connects to PMKSY, micro-irrigation promotion, or soil health card water management recommendations; identifies extension delivery challengesMentions relevant policies by name without elaborating implementation; acknowledges extension role without analyzing gaps or convergence potentialNo policy or extension perspective; purely technical treatment without institutional, regulatory, or farmer-level implementation considerations

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