Question

What are the various advantages of using genetically modified plants to increase the overall yield of the crop?

Answer 1

GM plants have been useful in many ways. Genetic modification has: 

1. Made crops more tolerant to abiotic stresses (cold, drought, salt, heat).
2. Reduced reliance on chemical pesticides (pest-resistant crops).
3. Helped to reduce post-harvest losses.
4. Increased efficiency of mineral usage by plants (this prevents early exhaustion of fertility of soil).
5. Enhanced nutritional value of food.

e.g., Vitamin ‘A’ enriched rice. In addition to these uses, GM has been used to create tailor-made plants to supply alternative resources to industries, in the form of starches, fuels and pharmaceuticals.