UPSC Prelims 1999 · General Studies

Question 111: Science and Technology

Indian farmers are unhappy over the introduction of “Terminator Seed Technology” because the seeds produced by this technology are expected to

ashow poor germination

bform low yielding plants despite the high quality

cgive rise to sexually sterile plants

dgive rise to plants incapable of forming viable seeds

AnswerThe answer is (d).

Terminator seed technology (genetic use restriction) was designed so that the plants grown from the seed would not form viable seeds of their own. Farmers would then have to buy new seed every season instead of saving and replanting their own, which is why they objected. The plants themselves grow and flower; it is the seed they set that is made sterile. Remember: farmers could no longer save and replant seed.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Wrong. This understates the problem: the seeds are made non-viable, not merely poor in germination.
(b) Wrong. Yield is not the issue.
(c) Wrong. The plants themselves flower; it is their seeds that are sterile.
(d) Right. The plants cannot form viable seeds.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1999, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.