UPSC Prelims 2021 Q63: Environment & Ecology – Sustainable Agriculture & Forestry
- (a) 1, 2, 4 and 5
- (b) 3, 4 and 5
- (c) 1, 3 and 4
- (d) 1, 2, 3 and 5
Answer: (b) 3, 4 and 5
Explanation
Moringa and Tamarind: Facts Check
| Statement | Claim | Verdict | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Moringa is leguminous evergreen | FALSE | Moringa (Moringa oleifera) is NOT leguminous (not in Fabaceae/Leguminosae). It belongs to family Moringaceae. It is a deciduous tree (drops leaves in dry season). |
| 2 | Tamarind endemic to South Asia | FALSE | Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) is native to tropical Africa (though naturalised in South Asia for millennia). Not endemic to South Asia. |
| 3 | Most tamarind in India collected as minor forest produce | TRUE | Tamarind is a significant Minor Forest Produce (MFP) collected by tribal communities under the MFP list. Government has MSP for tamarind. |
| 4 | India exports tamarind and moringa seeds | TRUE | India is the world's largest exporter of tamarind and a major exporter of moringa seeds/leaves (moringa is an Indian superfood). |
| 5 | Moringa and tamarind seeds usable for biofuels | TRUE | Both seeds contain oils; moringa seed oil (ben oil) and tamarind seed oil can be converted to biodiesel via transesterification. |
Correct: 3, 4 and 5. Answer: (b).
Answer: (b) 3, 4 and 5.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 1 is wrong (Moringa is NOT leguminous; family Moringaceae) and Statement 2 is wrong (Tamarind is native to Africa, not endemic to South Asia).
- (b) CORRECT. Only statements 3 (tamarind as MFP), 4 (India exports both) and 5 (biofuel potential) are correct. Moringa is not leguminous (1 wrong) and tamarind is not South Asian endemic (2 wrong).
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 1 is factually wrong.
- (d) Incorrect. Statements 1 and 2 are both wrong.
Key point
Moringa (Moringaceae, NOT leguminous, deciduous). Tamarind (native to AFRICA, not endemic to South Asia). Both are MFP + India exports both + seeds usable for biodiesel. Statements 3, 4, 5 correct.
Remember
Regarding Moringa (drumstick) and Tamarind: (3) most tamarind in India is collected as Minor Forest Produce, (4) India exports both tamarind and moringa seeds, and (5) both can produce biofuels. Moringa is NOT leguminous (family Moringaceae) and Tamarind is native to Africa, not endemic to South Asia. Answer: (b) 3, 4 and 5.
Common mistakes
- Assuming all pod-bearing trees are legumes. Moringa has drumstick pods but is NOT in Fabaceae.
- Assuming naturalisation equals endemism. Tamarind has grown in India for millennia but originated in Africa.
- Not knowing tamarind is India's largest MFP export after bamboo.
Exam tip
Moringa (drumstick, Moringaceae, native to Indian subcontinent + Africa, superfood): pods, leaves, seeds all edible/exportable. Tamarind (Fabaceae, native to Africa): pods for cuisine, seeds for oil/biofuel, MFP for tribes. Both are India's export success crops.
Sources
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations — Ecocrop database: Moringa oleifera and Tamarindus indica
- Ministry of Tribal Affairs - Minor Forest Produce (MFP) List