MAINS Current Affairs includes India’s Water Governance & Biotech Industry Driving Human & Animal Nutrition

Governance

1. India’s Water Governance

Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India’s vision for a water-secure future, emphasising conservation, sustainability, and community participation.

The creation of the Jal Shakti Ministry marked a shift toward integrated water management.

Water Availability in India

• India has 18% of global population but only 4% of freshwater resources
• Groundwater extraction level: ~60.4% (CGWB, 2024)
• Southern states (Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh) face severe water stress

Water Governance Framework

Constitutional Provisions

• State List (Entry 17): Water is primarily a state subject
• Union List (Entry 56): Centre regulates inter-state rivers
• Article 262: Parliament can adjudicate water disputes

Key Issues in Water Governance

1. Fragmented Institutional Structure

• Multiple agencies and state-centre overlap
• Leads to conflicts and poor coordination

2. Engineering-Centric Approach

• Focus on dams, canals, irrigation projects
• Neglect of sustainability and ecological balance

3. Distorted Agricultural Policies

• Promotion of water-intensive crops (rice, wheat)
• Leads to groundwater over-extraction

4. Weak Ecosystem Integration

• Poor consideration of:
  • River health
  • Wetlands
  • Environmental flows (e-flows)

5. Poor Data Systems

• Lack of reliable and accessible data
• Leads to inefficient planning and allocation

6. Neglect of Demand Management

• Focus on increasing supply rather than:
  • Conservation
  • Efficiency
  • Pricing reforms

Need for Paradigm Shift

India must move from:

• Fragmented → Integrated governance
• Supply-driven → Demand-managed system
• Infrastructure focus → Sustainability focus

Water should be treated as a:

• Finite shared resource
• Managed across sectors (agriculture, industry, urban use)

Government Initiatives

Jal Shakti Abhiyan (2019)

• Focus: Water conservation & groundwater recharge

AMRUT 2.0

• Urban water security
• Rejuvenation of water bodies & green spaces

Amrit Sarovar Mission

• Target: 75 water bodies per district

NAQUIM (National Aquifer Mapping Program)

• Scientific mapping of aquifers for sustainable use

Atal Bhujal Yojana

• Focus: Groundwater management in critical areas

Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)

• Goal: Tap water to every rural household
• Ensures safe and regular drinking water supply

Conclusion

India’s water governance is at a critical juncture due to rising demand and limited resources.

A shift toward integrated, sustainable, and community-driven management is essential.

With continued reforms and effective implementation, India can move toward a water-secure and climate-resilient future.

BIOTECHNOLOGY

2. Biotech Industry Driving Human & Animal Nutrition

Context: Biotechnology is emerging as a game-changer across agriculture, aquaculture, and animal sciences, improving productivity, nutrition, and sustainability.

What is Bioeconomy?

The bioeconomy refers to the use of renewable biological resources to produce:

• Food
• Energy
• Industrial products

It integrates:

• Biotechnology
• Digital tools
• Circular economy principles

Aim: Sustainable growth + environmental protection + better quality of life

India’s Bioeconomy

• Among Top 12 biotech destinations globally
• 3rd largest in Asia-Pacific
• Growth:
  • $10 billion (2014) → $165.7 billion (2024)
• Contribution: ~4.25% of GDP
• CAGR: 9% (last 4 years)

Key Segments

• Biopharma
• Bio-agriculture
• Bio-IT
• Bio-services

Target: $300 billion bioeconomy by 2030

Role of Biotechnology in Agriculture

Climate-Smart Crops

• Example: SAATVIK (NC-9) chickpea
• Features:
  • Drought-tolerant
  • High yield

Genome Editing

• Enhances crop productivity
• Removes genes that limit growth (e.g., in rice)

Nutritional Innovations

• Amaranth genomic database developed
• Helps address obesity & malnutrition

Eco-friendly Pest Control

• Fungal nano-formulations for disease control
• Reduces chemical pesticide use

Farmer Safety

• Kisan-Kavach suit protects against pesticide exposure

Animal Biotechnology

• India has the largest livestock population globally
• Supports livelihoods of ~2/3rd rural population

Biotechnology helps in:

• Disease control
• Genetic improvement
• Better productivity (milk, meat, eggs)

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology

Improved Feed Systems

• Development of low-cost alternatives to fish meal

Fish Health Management

• Example: CIFA-Brood-Vac vaccine
• Prevents mortality in fish spawn

Digital Tools

• IFFD software for designing cost-effective fish feed

Key Concerns

Fragmented Infrastructure

• 70+ incubators but lack:
  • End-to-end facilities
  • Pilot-scale systems
    Leads to higher costs

Regulatory Challenges

• Outdated frameworks in:
  • Clinical trials
  • Patents
  • Product approvals
    Delays innovation and investment

Conclusion

Biotechnology is transforming food systems and nutrition across humans and animals by improving:

• Productivity
• Sustainability
• Disease resistance

With better infrastructure and regulatory reforms, India’s biotech sector can drive a nutrition-secure, resilient, and high-growth bioeconomy.

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