India is globally recognized
as a mega-biodiversity hotspot, not only for its wide range of
ecosystems and species but also for its remarkable genetic diversity
within species. From the snow leopards of the Himalayas to the rice varieties
of the Indo-Gangetic plains, genetic variation ensures the adaptability and
resilience of life in India’s varied environments. This genetic wealth plays a
crucial role in ecological balance, agriculture, traditional medicine, and
cultural heritage.
For UPSC aspirants, genetic diversity is important
across multiple GS papers — from Environment & Ecology (GS III) to Geography,
Science & Tech, and Agriculture. Understanding this concept helps in
linking topics like climate change adaptation, food security, and biodiversity
conservation policies.
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| Genetic Diversity of India |
1. Understanding Genetic Diversity
Definition
Genetic diversity refers to the variation in the
DNA sequences among individuals within a species. It includes differences
in genes, alleles, and genotypes, which result in varying traits such as size,
disease resistance, and adaptability.
Key Features
- Exists within
species, not just between species.
- Determines the ability
of a species to adapt to changing environments.
- Foundation of evolution
through natural selection.
Example: Over 50,000 rice varieties have been
cultivated in India, each adapted to different soils, climates, and pest
challenges.
2. Importance of Genetic Diversity in India
India’s diverse landscapes — from the Thar Desert
to the Sundarbans — have led to high intraspecific variation. The
significance includes:
- Agricultural
Productivity
- Wide
genetic pools in crops like wheat, rice, and pulses allow selective
breeding for high yield and disease resistance.
- Example:
Basmati rice has unique aroma genes not found in other rice
varieties.
- Food Security
- Genetic
variation ensures sustainable supply despite climate changes, pests, and
diseases.
- Medicinal Resources
- Plants
like Neem and Ashwagandha have genetic variants with
different levels of active compounds.
- Ecosystem Stability
- Genetic
diversity supports resilience of ecosystems to environmental stress.
- Cultural Heritage
- Many
indigenous breeds of cattle, poultry, and crops are tied to local
traditions.
3. Types of Genetic Diversity
A. Intraspecific Diversity
Variation within a single species.
- Example: Mango
varieties like Alphonso, Dasheri, Kesar.
B. Interspecific Diversity
Variation between different species in the same
genus or family.
- Example: Different
millet species — finger millet, pearl millet.
C. Functional Genetic Diversity
Variation in genes controlling specific traits such
as drought tolerance or salt resistance.
4. Factors Influencing Genetic Diversity in
India
- Geographical Diversity: Mountain ranges,
plateaus, coasts create isolated habitats.
- Climatic Variation: From arid Rajasthan
to tropical Kerala.
- Traditional
Agricultural Practices:
Preservation of local landraces.
- Cultural Practices: Sacred groves and
religious protection of certain species.
5. Examples of Genetic Diversity in India
|
Sector |
Example |
Significance |
|
Crops |
Over 166 species of
cultivated crops |
Food security |
|
Fruits |
Mango (1,000+ varieties) |
Economic and cultural
value |
|
Livestock |
50+ indigenous cattle
breeds (e.g., Gir, Sahiwal) |
Drought tolerance, milk
yield |
|
Poultry |
Kadaknath chicken |
High protein, medicinal
value |
|
Medicinal Plants |
7,500+ species used in
Ayurveda |
Pharmaceutical potential |
6. Genetic Diversity and Indian Agriculture
Crop Genetic Resources
India is a Vavilovian Centre of Origin for
several crops, meaning many originated or diversified here.
- Rice, sugarcane,
brinjal, citrus fruits have deep genetic roots in India.
Livestock Genetic Resources
Indigenous breeds are adapted to local
environments, unlike exotic breeds that may require more inputs.
7. Threats to Genetic Diversity in India
- Habitat Destruction
- Deforestation,
urbanization, mining.
- Monoculture Farming
- Replacement
of traditional varieties with hybrids reduces variation.
- Overexploitation
- Excessive
hunting, fishing.
- Climate Change
- Alters
habitats and survival chances.
- Invasive Alien Species
- Compete
with native genetic varieties.
- Loss of Traditional
Knowledge
- Decline
in indigenous agricultural practices.
8. Conservation of Genetic Diversity
A. In Situ Conservation
- National Parks,
Wildlife Sanctuaries
(e.g., Kaziranga for one-horned rhino genetic stock).
- Biosphere Reserves (e.g., Nilgiri
Biosphere Reserve).
- Sacred Groves protected by
communities.
B. Ex Situ Conservation
- Seed Banks (e.g., National Bureau
of Plant Genetic Resources).
- Gene Banks for animals (e.g.,
National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources).
- Tissue Culture for rare plants.
C. Legal and Policy Framework
- Biological Diversity
Act, 2002
- National Biodiversity
Authority
- Protection of Plant
Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act, 2001
9. Current Affairs Linkages
- Millets
as Superfoods:
India promoting millet varieties (International Year of Millets 2023).
- Indigenous
Breed Promotion:
Rashtriya Gokul Mission.
- Climate-Resilient
Crops:
Breeding salt-tolerant rice in Sundarbans.
10. Way Forward
- Strengthening
community seed banks.
- Promoting
agro-biodiversity fairs.
- Integrating
traditional knowledge with modern research.
- Expanding
gene bank capacities.
- Creating
awareness programs at school and college levels.
Conclusion
The genetic diversity of India is not just a
natural treasure but a strategic resource for food security, climate
resilience, and cultural identity. In the face of globalization, climate
change, and rapid urbanization, conserving this genetic wealth is crucial. For
UPSC aspirants, understanding genetic diversity provides a multi-dimensional
perspective connecting environment, economy, culture, and governance —
making it a high-value topic for both Prelims and Mains.
Top 10 FAQs on Genetic Diversity of India
1. What is meant by genetic diversity in
India?
Genetic diversity in India refers to the variety of
genes and genetic traits present within species found in the country, enabling
adaptation to diverse environments.
2. Why is genetic diversity important for
India’s agriculture?
It ensures crop resilience against pests, diseases,
and climate changes, maintaining food security and sustainable farming.
3. Which crops in India show high genetic
diversity?
Rice, wheat, millets, pulses, and fruits like mango
and banana have thousands of genetic variants.
4. What are examples of indigenous livestock
breeds in India?
Gir and Sahiwal cattle, Murrah buffalo, and
Kadaknath chicken are prominent examples.
5. How is genetic diversity conserved in
India?
Through in situ methods like protected areas and
sacred groves, and ex situ methods like seed banks and tissue culture.
6. What are the major threats to India’s
genetic diversity?
Habitat destruction, monocultures, invasive
species, overexploitation, and climate change.
7. Which Indian laws protect genetic
diversity?
The Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and the
Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act, 2001.
8. How does climate change affect genetic
diversity in India?
It alters habitats, reduces breeding populations,
and threatens the survival of locally adapted genetic variants.
9. What is India’s role as a Vavilovian Centre
of Origin?
India is recognized as a center where several crops
originated and diversified, making it rich in crop genetic resources.
10. How can communities help preserve genetic
diversity?
By conserving traditional crop varieties, maintaining sacred groves, and sharing indigenous farming knowledge.
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