UPSC Prelims 2016 Q27: Environment & Ecology – Sustainable Agriculture & Forestry
The FAO accords the status of ‘Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS)’ to
traditional agricultural systems. What is the overall goal of this initiative?
1. To provide modern technology, training in modern farming methods and financial support to
local communities of identified GIAHS so as to greatly enhance their agricultural productivity.
2. To identify and safeguard eco - friendly traditional farm practices and their associated
landscapes, agricultural biodiversity and knowledge systems of the local communities.
3. To provide Geographical Indication status to all the varieties of agricultural produce in such
identified GIAHS.
Select the correct answer
using the code given below:
- (a) 1 and 3 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) 2 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation
Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS)
Started by the FAO in 2002.
It recognises traditional agricultural systems that are living heritage.
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. To provide modern technology, training in modern farming methods and financial support so as to greatly enhance agricultural productivity | Incorrect | The goal is to conserve tradition, not replace it with modern methods |
| 2. To identify and safeguard eco-friendly traditional farm practices and their associated landscapes, agricultural biodiversity and knowledge systems of the local communities | Correct | This is the overall goal |
| 3. To provide Geographical Indication status to all the varieties of agricultural produce in such identified GIAHS | Incorrect | Geographical Indication tags are given under national law, not by the FAO |
GIAHS sites in India:
| Site | State |
|---|---|
| Koraput traditional agriculture | Odisha |
| Kashmir saffron heritage | Jammu and Kashmir |
| Kuttanad below-sea-level farming | Kerala |
Answer: (b) 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. GIAHS neither pushes modern technology nor grants Geographical Indication status.
- (b) CORRECT. GIAHS seeks to identify and safeguard traditional farm practices and landscapes.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 3 is false; the FAO does not grant Geographical Indication status.
- (d) Incorrect. Only statement 2 states the goal; 1 and 3 are not part of this initiative.
Key point
GIAHS (FAO, 2002): safeguards traditional agricultural systems, landscapes, biodiversity and knowledge; India has Koraput, Kashmir saffron and Kuttanad.
Remember
GIAHS = FAO tag to safeguard traditional farming.
Common mistakes
- Thinking a heritage tag aims at higher productivity through modern farming.
- Confusing GIAHS with Geographical Indication tags or UNESCO World Heritage.
- Forgetting that Kuttanad farming is below sea level.
Exam tip
Heritage status means 'protect what exists'. Options about modernising are wrong.
Sources
- Food and Agriculture Organization — Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems
- M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation — Koraput and Kuttanad GIAHS sites