Kudzai Jakachira
More than two decades of recognized evidence shows that agricultural biotechnology is a harmless and beneficial technology
that contributes to both environmental and economic sustainability a
report released by the United
States Department of Agriculture (USDA) says.
Agricultural biotechnology can help farmers and the environment by
developing crops and animals that are more unaffected by to
environmental stressors.
These improvements in agriculture help in crop production and animal
upbringing and can help mitigate climate change.
Agricultural biotechnology can increase food production in both the
advanced and the developing worlds and is a vital tool in combatting
food insecurity and malnutrition.
It can help reduce vulnerability to pests, viruses, drought,
flooding, and other extreme weather events.
According to the United States of America Department of Agriculture
(USAD), Biotechnology helps in mitigating climate change by reduces
air pollution and the process produces better and healthier crops.
“Agricultural biotechnology provides ways to both mitigate and enhance
adaptation to environmental changes, products developed with
agricultural biotechnology may contribute to the reduction of
greenhouse gas emissions, such as cover crops that provide sustainable
biofuels, fruits and vegetables that stay fresh longer and reduce food
waste.” reads part of the report
By means of agricultural biotechnology, plant and animal breeders can
more quickly develop plants and animals that are adapted to changing
environmental disorders, such as drought, increased temperatures, new
diseases, and other stressors.
“For example, plant breeders are using agricultural biotechnology to
develop drought-tolerant crops including wheat, rice, tomato, soybean,
and cotton.
“Drought-tolerant corn, including certain varieties developed with
genetic engineering, is already being grown across drought-prone areas
in the United States. Drought-tolerant wheat is approved for use in
Argentina and Brazil.” reads the statement.
“Animal breeders are using agricultural biotechnology, including
genome editing, to develop heat-tolerant cattle that are better able
to regulate body temperature during hot conditions. These cattle have
reduced heat stress, due to shorter hair and metabolic changes.” adds
the report.
In more distinctive and effective ways of mitigating and adapting
climate change, The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Scientifically discovered that, the use of agricultural biotechnology
can assist advance the sustainability of food systems.
“Through evidence-based innovation and science, including agricultural biotechnology, we can expand the toolbox for farmers, fishers, and other producers to produce more with less – less land, less water, fewer inputs and resources. Innovative and creative solutions are necessary for food systems to keep pace with evolving
needs and challenges.” said the (USDA).
Biotechnological methods such as phytoremediation and microbial
purification are being used to purify wastewater and eliminate
pollutants from water bodies.
Genetic engineering techniques are also being useful to improve
water-efficient crops that can thrive in arid regions and lessen water
consumption in agriculture.
Finally, you can see that biotechnology is now being used in everyday
life from creating avant-garde goods and technologies that combat
enervating and unusual diseases, reducing carbon emissions, promoting
effective industrial manufacturing processes, creating pest-resistant
crops, and ebeni in challenging areas.