Biotechnology is the mother of genetically modified food. Plants and animals naturally reproduce their kind and sometimes with a few imperfections. When science and technology steps in to the picture, making significant alterations, such agricultural products modified or manipulate to improve its looks, crop yields, disease resistance, flavour or shelf life, such intervention in the normal rhythm of plants and animal species is Biotechnology - a combination of biology, genetics, and technology.

◉ Applications in Agriculture
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs):
Under this subheading, the first thing that crossed my mind is what we call agric chicken (boilers and layers). Using biotechnology, Scientists have altered the genetic makeup of many animals and crops, enhancing their resistance to pests, their ability to survive drought and their nutritional value has been upgraded.

Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS):
To screen out the unwanted and keep those with specific characteristics, biotechnology uses genetic markers to select plants. Animals with specific traits are selected to speed up the breeding process.

Gene Editing:
If any desired trait is not found, biotechnology uses techniques like CRISPR to precisely edit genes to introduce desired traits or use that opportunity to eliminate undesirable traits.

Microbial Biotechnology:
Engineered Microorganisms can improve the soil's health and promote plant growth while controlling pests.

◉ Benefits of Biotechnology in Agriculture

• Crop Yields:
  Biotechnology can engineer a crop, making it grow more efficiently, leading to increased yields and food security.

• Disease Resistance:
  Genetically modified crops are given the ability to resist pests and diseases. With such resistance, the need for pesticides is drastically reduced and crop losses are minimised..

• Environmental Sustainability:
  Crops that would not naturally grow in harsh environments can be engineered and helped to thrive in challenging environments. Such could reduce the need for a larger volume of water or fertilisers.

◉ Challenges of Biotechnology in Agriculture

Public Perception:
The public's reaction is one of the major challenges faced by biotechnology. This problem is wrapped in a thick layer of illiteracy. People are agitating over the consumption of naturally grown foods, and unprocessed foods. A lot of misconceptions have made it difficult to accept Engineered food.
Some people a fuelling the propaganda as long as it helps them market their product as naturally grown.

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Conclusion and Invitation

As long as genetically modified foods do not have harmful short-term or long-term effects, then let's use the knowledge of biotechnology to feed the hungry. Avoid following the popular opinion without our personal opinion.

I am inviting @josepha, @okere-blessing and @lhogic to have a say in this topic.

Media Credit

Composer	@manuelhooks
Pictures	Pixabay.com
Entry type	Contest participation
Contest Link	Link
Organizer	hive-118902
Community	Steem-agro community
Date	2nd July
	(@) 2025