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APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 07/01/2025

For APSC CCE and other Assam Competitive examinations aspirants, practicing Daily Answer Writing is vital. This blog covers the most important Main question and its model Answer from the Assam Tribune today (07-01-2025).

Q. Examine the significance of ISRO’s CROPS experiment in advancing space-based agriculture and its potential implications for sustainable space exploration and Earth-based agricultural challenges.

Model Answer

Introduction
ISRO’s Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies (CROPS) experiment successfully demonstrated the growth of cowpea seedlings in space aboard the PSLV-C60 POEM-4 module. This marks a significant achievement in space-based agriculture, providing insights into plant adaptation in microgravity.

Significance of the CROPS Experiment

Sustainability for Space Missions:
- Food Production: Enables astronauts to cultivate fresh food on long-duration missions, reducing dependency on Earth-based resupply missions.
- Life Support Systems: Plants contribute to oxygen generation and carbon dioxide absorption, vital for maintaining closed-loop systems in space.
Scientific Advancements:
- Understanding plant physiology in microgravity enhances knowledge of nutrient uptake, growth patterns, and stress responses.
- Paves the way for developing energy-efficient and automated agricultural systems suitable for space environments.
Exploration Goals:
- Supports India’s ambitions for Mars and lunar missions by establishing self-sustaining ecosystems.
- Demonstrates India’s capacity for innovation in space technology and strengthens global collaborations.
Earth-Based Applications:
- Findings can be applied to improve agricultural practices in extreme environments like deserts, high altitudes, or disaster-prone areas.
- Advances in bioengineering and precision farming tools benefit global food security.

Challenges in Space-Based Agriculture

Microgravity Impact:
- Understanding how microgravity affects water and nutrient transport within plants remains a challenge.
Technical Constraints:
- Developing systems that are energy-efficient and compact for use in confined spaces like spacecraft.
Cost:
- High initial investments in research and development for space-based systems.

Way Forward

Expand Crop Research:
- Experiment with other crops to understand adaptability and productivity in space.
International Collaboration:
- Partner with global space agencies like NASA and ESA for joint agricultural research and resource sharing.
Focus on Technology Development:
- Invest in advanced technologies like 3D bioprinting and AI-based monitoring systems for agricultural automation in space.
Application to Earth Agriculture:
- Use findings to develop climate-resilient crops and improve farming practices in areas with scarce resources.

Conclusion
ISRO’s CROPS experiment is a significant milestone in space technology, reflecting India’s leadership in innovative research. By addressing challenges and expanding research, space-based agriculture can ensure sustainability in extraterrestrial exploration while offering solutions to pressing agricultural challenges on Earth.

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