Basic Knowledge in Agriculture #37

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Discuss about Biotechnology in Agriculture.

Biotechnology agricultural science is the technique to develop experimental processes in agriculture to increase yields, tolerance to pests and environmental stability. Techniques such as genetic engineering are used. With biotechnology, the researchers will be able to come up with genetically modified (GM) crops which are more nutritious, less chemical input required and drought tolerant or disease tolerant. It can as well produce biofertilizers and biopesticides which minimize environmental damage.

Multiplication of disease-free plants can be done rapidly through the use of the tissue culture techniques. The innovation will enhance food security, especially in the developing nations since it will improve productivity and improve on the losses. Nonetheless, it has also ethical, environmental and economic issues that ought to be poorly controlled. In general, agricultural biotechnology is taking important part in the development of more sustainable and efficient farming system that was able to satisfy the needs of the growing global population.

Discuss about its applications in Agriculture.

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Agriculture requires a number of biotechnological applications that increase production and sustainability. Development of genetically modified (GM) crops, engineered to have properties such as pest resistance, drought tolerance and enhanced nutritional value is one of the major applications. It also aids in developing plant varieties that are resistant to diseases thus minimizing the use of pesticides that are harmful.

The other application is the biofertilizers and the biopesticides that are applied to assist the crops to grow and block the crop attacks. By the method of the tissue culture, it becomes possible to multiply fast a great number of disease-free high-quality plants. Marker-assisted accelerates speed of derivative traits as it enables breeders to assist in selection of traits of choice. Besides, biotechnology is used in improving the livestock species and developing animal infections inoculations. The programs result into food security, environmental protection, and agricultural wealth creation.

Discuss on Benefits and challenges of Biotechnology in Agriculture.

The agricultural biotechnology has many advantages. It increases the farm productivity, resistance of crops to pests, diseases and adverse weather, and energy requirements involving chemicals such as pesticides and fertilizers. Nutrition can also be built into genetically modified crops to enable fight against malnutrition. Biotechnology is also beneficial to sustainable agricultural practices as it enhances soil health and water conservation because of drought-tolerant varieties.

Nevertheless, challenges also exist in it. There are ethical issues regarding the safety of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) with regard to human health and the environment. Risk of lower biodiversity also exists with possibility of the GM crops taking over the farmlands. The small-scale producers can be quite expensive and have to rely on the biotech firms to supply them with the seeds. Even with all these problems, biotechnology is yet capable of being a potent means to develop the agricultural industry given adequate control.

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