GS PrelimsScience and TechnologyBiotechnology1999

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

A

show poor germination

B

form low yielding plants despite the high quality

C

give rise to sexually sterile plants

D

give rise to plants incapable of forming viable seeds

Correct Answer: Option D

Explanation

1. "Terminator Seed Technology" refers to genetically modified seeds whose resulting plants produce sterile seeds. 2. The concern among Indian farmers (and farmers globally) was that this technology would prevent them from saving seeds from their harvest for replanting in the next season, a traditional and economical practice. 3. This would force farmers to purchase new seeds from the company every year, increasing their dependence and costs. 4. Option (A) is incorrect; the seeds themselves germinate, but the next generation of seeds are sterile. Option (B) is incorrect; the technology doesn't necessarily imply low yield. Option (C) refers to sexually sterile *plants*, whereas the technology makes the *seeds* produced by the plants sterile/non-viable. Option (D) accurately describes the outcome: the plants grown from terminator seeds are incapable of forming viable seeds for the next generation.

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