UPSC Prelims 2021 Q52: Environment & Ecology – Sustainable Agriculture & Forestry
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1,2 and 3
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only
Explanation
Palm Oil: Origin, Uses and Biodiesel
| Statement | Claim | Verdict | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Palm oil tree native to Southeast Asia | FALSE | The oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) is native to West and Central Africa (Gulf of Guinea). It was introduced to Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Indonesia) in the 19th c. Today Indonesia and Malaysia dominate global production but they are NOT the native homeland. |
| 2 | Palm oil is raw material for lipstick and perfumes | TRUE | Palm oil derivatives (palm stearin, oleochemicals) are used in cosmetics: lipsticks, lotions, shampoos, soaps and in perfume base ingredients. Widely used in FMCG industry. |
| 3 | Palm oil can be used to produce biodiesel | TRUE | Palm oil undergoes transesterification to produce palm oil methyl ester (biodiesel). Indonesia and Malaysia both have biodiesel blending mandates (B20, B30). |
Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Answer: (b).
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 1 is wrong - palm oil is native to West Africa, NOT Southeast Asia (though SE Asia dominates cultivation today).
- (b) CORRECT. Statements 2 (raw material for lipsticks, perfumes, cosmetics) and 3 (biodiesel via transesterification) are correct. Statement 1 is wrong.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 1 is factually wrong about origin.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 1 is wrong.
Key point
Palm oil (Elaeis guineensis) = native to West Africa (Gulf of Guinea), NOT Southeast Asia. Used in cosmetics (lipstick, soap) + biodiesel (transesterification). Indonesia + Malaysia = top producers today (~85% of world output).
Remember
Palm oil is (2) a raw material for lipstick, perfumes, cosmetics and (3) can be used to produce biodiesel via transesterification. But it is NATIVE TO WEST AFRICA (Gulf of Guinea), not Southeast Asia (statement 1 wrong). Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only.
Common mistakes
- Assuming SE Asia's dominance in production means it is the native homeland. Palm oil was INTRODUCED to SE Asia from Africa in 19th c.
- Not knowing palm oil is in ~50% of packaged supermarket products (foods, cosmetics, detergents, biodiesel).
- Missing India's role - India is the world's LARGEST IMPORTER of palm oil. The National Mission on Edible Oils - Oil Palm (2021) aims to boost domestic production.
Exam tip
Palm oil facts: Native to West Africa; dominant producers Indonesia + Malaysia (85%); India is largest importer; used in food (50% of processed foods), cosmetics, biodiesel; deforestation concerns (RSPO certification); India's NMEO-OP (2021) targets domestic production.
Sources
- FAO - Oil Palm Production and Trade
- Ministry of Agriculture - National Mission on Edible Oils - Oil Palm (NMEO-OP), 2021