Question

IR-20 is a high yielding variety of:
a) Rice
b) Wheat
c) Gram
d) Sugarcane

Answer 1

Recombinant DNA technology is a process in which genes are manipulated to form various organisms that are beneficial to humankind. So far, many organisms like microorganisms, various crops (wheat, rice,etc.), fruits and vegetables (apple, potato, corn, etc) have been modified. Modifications with respect to crop production or nutritional benefits or both can be done. There are various institutes working for the same worldwide. IRRI stands for International Rice Research Institute.

Complete answer :
To answer this question, we must understand the the rice variety and history behind it:
IR-20 stands for International Rice-20. It’s a high yielding variety of rice developed by the International Rice Research Institute. This variety of rice is white colored, semi-dwarf, medium slender. Its advantage to farmers is that it is resistant to stem borer. IR-8 was the variety developed by IRRI in 1960. It has great advantages like it has short growth duration and is high-yielding. It is resistant to insects and pests, and can withstand wind action. Indian scientists took ideas from this on rice crossing to develop more dwarf varieties of rice like IR-20, IR-50. This variety of rice contributed to the Green Revolution in India.
From the RT supplement (the exact words quoted), IR8 had an immediate impact in many Asian countries, Vietnam being a shining example. Of course, IR8 also made a great impact in staving off famine in India. In 1967, master farmer Subba Rao, near his village in the state of Andhra Pradesh, tested IR8 on his farm and supervised its first large-scale demonstration and multiplication for other farmers. The next year, IR8 seeds were distributed throughout the country. So, in addition to being called Dhaan Pandit (rice expert) by his neighbors, he is also known, to this day, by the moniker “Mr. IR8.”
Thus the correct answer is option A- Rice.

Note: International Rice Research Institute is world’s leading non-profit organization developed in 1960. Its main aim is to reduce hunger and poverty, improving the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers and protecting the rice-growing environment for future generations. It’s an educational institute doing constant research with rice varieties. The organization was founded in 1960 by the Ford and Rockefeller foundations with support from the Philippine government. The headquarters of the institute is in Los Baños, Philippines.