Science is an inseparable thread woven intricately into the fabric of our daily lives, influencing and shaping the way we perceive and interact with the world. From the moment we wake up to the time we go to bed, we are surrounded by the products of scientific advancements that have become integral to our existence. One profound domain where science has triggered remarkable transformations is agriculture. The marriage of science and agriculture has ushered in a new era of innovation, introducing technologies that have revolutionized the way we cultivate, harvest, and distribute food. These advancements not only boost efficiency and productivity but also address critical challenges such as food security, environmental sustainability, and the ever-growing global population. The impact of science on agriculture is a testament to its power in shaping the course of human progress and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
UPSC Mains General Studies Paper – 3 Mains 2020
Science and technology-developments and their application and effects in everyday life. Awareness in the field of IT, Computer, Space, Robotics, Nanotechnology, and issues relating to intellectual property rights. e-technology in the aid of farmers.
UPSC Mains Civil Services IAS Exam Question Paper – 2020
Decoding the Question
- In the Introduction, try to begin by discussing the importance of science in life.
- In Body,
- Explain how science is interwoven deeply in our lives.
- Discuss changes brought by the use of technologies in agriculture and its various areas.
- Try to conclude by discussing the role of science in making our lives better.
Answer
Introduction
Science and science-based technologies have been changing human lives since the ancient period. For example, when humans first time discovered fire, it brought revolutions in human lives. From the micro to the macro level, science, and technology influence almost every aspect of human life. The role of science-based technologies in transforming agriculture is one such example.
Uses of science-based technologies in daily life:
- Use of technologies like smartwatches: When we are doing exercise to monitor heartbeat, oxygen level, etc. This smart way of taking care of health is now becoming the new must-have gadget, especially in youth.
- Use of the Internet of Things (IoT): Though the Internet of Things is still in the stages of research and development, its uses have been started already for example IOT based on Air conditions that can be operated from a distance.
- Use of robotic vacuum cleaner: Nowadays the use of robotics in household work is becoming very common, especially in cleaning, washing, etc.
- The use of biometric attendance: Biometric attendance in offices/workplaces is another aspect of technology use in our daily lives.
Uses of science-based technologies in agriculture:
- Precision Agriculture: Information and communication technologies and mobile technology are playing an important role in monitoring and controlling crop irrigation systems. If modern agriculture is applied widely, millions of farmers will be able to benefit from the acquisition of real-time farm information.
- Genetically modified technology: Non-food crops like BT Cotton and food crops like BT brinjal are the best examples of the use of technology in creating the best varieties of seeds. High Yield Variety seeds are another example that made the green revolution in India successful and made India a food-deficient country to a food-surplus country.
- Green Revolution: During the Green Revolution in the 1960s, India could achieve self-sufficiency in food grain production by using modern methods of agriculture like better quality seeds, proper irrigation, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides.
- Use of nuclear technology: Nuclear technology is used in the food processing industry to increase the shelf life of food, make food bacteria-free, improve the quality of food, etc.
- Use of remote sensing: satellite-based monitoring of soils and the use of remote sensing has become very useful in maintaining the quality of soils and refreshing their productivity. For example, the Soil health card scheme emphasized scientific monitoring and the use of scientific tools to reclaim soil fertility.
- Sustainable Agriculture: Commercialization of Agriculture, all across the world, has led to the increasing use of chemical fertilizers, widespread mechanization, etc. This has led to environmentally detrimental agriculture. The ongoing research in agriculture sciences can make agriculture more sustainable.
Government Initiatives:
- Kisan Suvidha Mobile Application: This application helps in the dissemination of information related to weather, plant protection, disease, farm machinery equipment, market price. This app helps farmers to make an informed decision.
- Launching of E-national agricultural market: The initiative provides an electronic market trading platform and integrates India’s agriculture marketing.
Conclusion
Therefore, science and technology are the product of human research and development, through which humans have made their lives easy in many aspects. Whether science and technology is a boon or bane, is the never-ending topic of debate. It is difficult to predict the future of technology in agriculture but there are many promising trends and pilot projects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How is science interwoven deeply with our lives?
Answer: Science permeates every aspect of our daily lives, from the technology we use to the medicines we take. It fuels innovation, informs decision-making, and improves our understanding of the world. From the smartphones we rely on to medical advancements that enhance our well-being, science is the backbone of modern life.
Q: What role does science play in shaping the future of healthcare?
Answer: Science is revolutionizing healthcare through groundbreaking discoveries and advancements. Precision medicine, gene therapy, and artificial intelligence in diagnostics are just a few examples. These scientific breakthroughs are transforming how we prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases, offering personalized and more effective healthcare solutions.
Q: How has science-based technology brought about striking changes in agriculture?
Answer: Science-based technologies have revolutionized agriculture by enhancing efficiency and productivity. Precision farming, genetic engineering, and data analytics enable farmers to optimize resource use, improve crop yields, and reduce environmental impact. These innovations contribute to sustainable agriculture practices, ensuring food security for a growing global population.
Q: In what ways has science influenced our understanding of climate change and environmental sustainability?
Answer: Science has played a pivotal role in uncovering the realities of climate change. Through rigorous research and data analysis, scientists have identified the anthropogenic impact on the environment. This understanding is crucial for developing sustainable practices, renewable energy sources, and policies to mitigate climate change, ensuring a healthier planet for future generations.
Q: How does science-based technology contribute to the evolution of transportation and communication?
Answer: Science-driven technologies have transformed transportation and communication. From electric vehicles and high-speed trains to the internet and smartphones, these innovations have made the world more connected and accessible. Scientific advancements continue to drive improvements in efficiency, safety, and accessibility in these critical aspects of our daily lives.
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