22-07-2014, 12:38 PM
Agricultural Biotechnology
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What is Agricultural Biotechnology?
For about 10,000 years , farmers have been improving wild plants and animals
through the selection and breeding of desirable characteristics. This breeding
has resulted in the domesticated plants and animals that are commonly used
in crop and livestock agriculture. In the twentieth century, breeding became
more sophisticated, as the traits that breeders select for include increased
yield, disease and pest resistance, drought resistance and enhanced flavor.
Traits are passed from one generation to the next through genes, which are
made of DNA. All living things—including the fruits, vegetables and meat
that we eat—contain genes that tell cells how to function. Recently, scientists
have learned enough to begin to identify and work with the genes (DNA) that
are responsible for traits.
WHAT IS AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY?
Agricultural biotechnology is a collection of scientific techniques used to improve plants, animals and microorganisms.
Based on an understanding of DNA, scientists have developed solutions to increase agricultural productivity. Starting
from the ability to identify genes that may confer advantages on certain crops, and the ability to work with such
characteristics very precisely, biotechnology enhances breeders’ ability to make improvements in crops and livestock.
Biotechnology enables improvements that are not possible with traditional crossing of related species alone.
HOW IS AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY USED?
Genetic engineering: Scientists have learned how to move genes from one organism to another. This has been called
genetic modification (GM), genetic engineering (GE) or genetic improvement (GI). Regardless of the name, the process allows
the transfer of useful characteristics (such as resistance to a disease) into a plant, animal or microorganism by inserting genes
(DNA) from another organism. Virtually all crops improved with transferred DNA (often called GM crops or GMOs) to date
have been developed to aid farmers to increase productivity by reducing crop damage from weeds, diseases or insects.
HOW LONG HAS BIOTECHNOLOGY BEEN USED IN AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PRODUCTION?
The first food product of biotechnology (an enzyme used in cheese production and a yeast used for baking) appeared
on the market in 1990. Since 1995, farmers have been growing GE crops. In 2003, 7 million farmers in 18 countries—
more than 85 percent of them resource-poor farmers in the developing world—were planting biotech crops. Almost
one third of the global biotech crop area was grown in developing countries.
WILL AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY HAVE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL IMPACTS?
A safe and sufficient food supply, grown in an environmentally responsible fashion, is essential for humanity. Like
any technology, agricultural biotechnology will have economic and social impacts. Since their introduction, crops
improved using biotechnology have been used safely, with benefits such as the reduction of pesticide use. Agricultural
biotechnology is only one factor among many influencing the health and welfare of farmers and other citizens in the
developing world. As biotechnology continues to evolve, factual and open public discourse is vital to define the role it
should play in society.
WHAT ARE THE GOALS OF GENETIC ENGINEERING?
The goals of genetic engineering are the same as with traditional breeding. They may aim to improve crop performance
in the field by conferring pest and disease resistance, herbicide resistance, or tolerance to environmental stresses (such
as drought or flooding). They may also aim to develop products with enhanced value, such as improved post-harvest
life, nutritional value, or other health benefits
CONCLUSIONS
The development of an effective national biosafety system is important to encourage the growth of domestic
biotechnologies; to ensure safe access to new products and technologies developed elsewhere; and to build public
confidence that products in the marketplace are safe. The absence of a suitable framework affects the ability of the
public and private sectors to invest in biotechnology and to make the products of biotechnology available so that the
benefits they afford can be realized.