Question

Bring out the salient features through which biotechnology can lead to higher food production.

Answer 1

Biotechnology can increase food production through the following approaches:

1. High-yielding varieties: Plant breeding combines desirable traits to develop crops with greater productivity.
2. Resistance to pests and diseases: Resistant crops reduce damage and improve the proportion of the crop harvested.
3. Tolerance to environmental stresses: Improved varieties can better withstand conditions such as drought, salinity, heat or cold.
4. Tissue culture and micropropagation: Large numbers of uniform, healthy plants can be produced rapidly from selected material.
5. Useful genetic variation: Somaclonal variation and genetic manipulation can provide novel, selectable traits.
6. Biofortification: Crops can be developed with improved levels of protein, vitamins and minerals, increasing the nutritional value of the food supply.
7. Biological control: Biopesticides and bioherbicides can control pests and weeds while reducing dependence on chemical pesticides.
8. Single-cell protein: Microbial biomass can provide a protein-rich food or feed supplement.

Together, these methods can increase crop yield, reduce losses, improve food quality and diversify food sources.