GS3 (Agriculture)

With rising incomes, Indians are starting to consume more proteins. This is resulting in higher consumption of items such as meat. Unfortunately, modern rearing practices of livestock result in very high usage of antibiotics. What are the reasons for such high usage? What problems can it lead to?

Background – Bloomberg

Similar Previous Year Question – Can overuse and free availability of antibiotics in India without Doctor’s prescription, be contributors to the emergence of drug resistant diseases? What are the available mechanisms for monitoring and control? Critically discuss the various issues involved. [2014]