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How is science interwoven deeply with our lives? What are the striking changes in agriculture triggered off by science-based technologies?. (UPSC IAS Mains 2020 General Studies Paper – 3)
After the Industrial Revolution, the separate paths taken by science and technology began to move closer together. Scientific progress has a major effect on people’s sense of values, and it is changing the nature of society itself in every aspect of life, be it healthcare, education, agriculture, entertainment, etc.
Science is interwoven deeply in our lives
- Energy technology viz. the daily use of electrical energy from households to industries.
- Manufacturing technology viz. the use of machines for manufacturing of food and other essential products of daily use.
- Environmental technology viz. the management of wastewater and industrial emissions, harnessing of solar energy etc.
- Scientific research brought new knowledge to Humanity.
- Economic Development through the promotion of new research and development.
- Social infrastructure technology like transportation and roads.
Striking changes in agriculture triggered off by science-based technologies
- The Green Revolution increased agricultural production, increased farm productivity, and raised farmer’s income.
- Use of agricultural equipment and machinery helped to make farming and other agricultural practices more effective and easier for the farmer.
- Disease control with help from the new varieties of genetically Modified crops which are disease resistant.
- Good roads and modern transport vehicles help in the evacuation of foodstuffs from the hinterland to the urban areas or to other areas where they are needed.
- ICTs (Information and Communication Technologies) and Remote sensing (via satellites), GIS, eNAM, crop and soil health monitoring, and technologies for livestock and farm management aimed at empowerment, enablement, and market expansion.
The technologies including Artificial Intelligence, Big Data Analytics, Blockchain Technology, Internet of Things, etc. are going to change and revolutionize agricultural practices along with incentivizing farmers, but environmental factors need to be taken care of along with advancements.