Question 40 from UPSC CSE 2021 - Environment

Question

Consider the following statements:
1. Moringa (drumstick tree) is a leguminous evergreen tree.
2. Tamarind tree is endemic to South Asia.
3. In India, most of the tamarind is collected as minor forest produce.
4. India exports tamarind and seeds of moringa.
5. Seeds of moringa and tamarind can be used in the production of biofuels.
Which of the statements given above are correct?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. 3, 4, and 5

Strategy: - Evaluate each statement for factual accuracy.
- Identify that Statement 1 is incorrect because Moringa is not a legume (it is from the Moringaceae family, not Fabaceae).
- Identify that Statement 2 is incorrect because Tamarind is native to tropical Africa, not South Asia.
- Confirm Statements 3, 4, and 5 are correct based on India's forest produce definitions, export data, and biofuel research.
- Eliminate the incorrect statements (1 and 2) and retain the correct ones (3, 4, and 5).

Key Info: **Moringa (Moringa oleifera)**

Commonly known as the drumstick tree, it belongs to the Moringaceae family, not the legume family (Fabaceae). Native to the Indian subcontinent, it is cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions for its nutritious leaves, fruit pods, and seeds. Unlike legumes, it does not fix nitrogen.

**Tamarind (Tamarindus indica)**

Native to tropical Africa, it has been widely cultivated in India and Southeast Asia for centuries. In India, tamarind and its seeds are officially classified as Minor Forest Produce (MFP) under the Forest Rights Act. Karnataka is the leading state for tamarind production in India, followed by Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

**Biofuels and Exports**

Both moringa and tamarind seeds are used for biofuel production.

- Moringa seed oil is suitable for biodiesel due to its high oxidative stability and cetane number.
- Tamarind seed oil is researched for biodiesel, offering favorable combustion and lower carbon emissions.

India is the world's largest producer of moringa and a major exporter of both moringa seeds and tamarind products. Export destinations include China, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, with tamarind powder and fruit sent to about 60 countries.

Answer

Option A: 1, 2, 4, and 5

Answer

Option C: 1, 3, and 4

Answer

Option D: 1, 2, 3, and 5