Focus: GS-III Science and Technology
Why in news?
- The outbreak of novel coronavirus has refocused attention on animal farming practices and the additives that go into animal feed.
- Even otherwise, there’s been a growing consumer pushback against dairy, poultry and fish pumped up with antibiotics, hormones and chemicals.
- Demand for products from traceable, organic and naturally-bred animals is rising along with a shift to plant-based foods.
Start-ups are developing technologies to produce food in healthier and more sustainable ways. Some examples:
- Robots that improve performance and breeding conditions in poultry farms
- Digital tools to enhance the food value chain and respond to changing consumer expectations
- Hand-held device that can detect pesticide residue levels in food
- Fermenting methane into fish and poultry feed
