The rise of biotechnology in agriculture: Solving global food challenges

Agricultural biotechnology stands as a potent ally in confronting global food challenges, offering innovative solutions such as genetic modification and biotech crop innovations.

This technological advancement is pivotal for achieving global food security, particularly through the development of genetically modified (GM) crops designed to increase yields and bolster crop resilience.

Global food security remains a critical concern, as 12.6% of the world’s population—equivalent to 854 million people—suffer from undernourishment. Agricultural biotechnology plays a vital role in addressing this issue by transforming traditional farming practices into more efficient and sustainable farming methods.

Biotech crop innovations, including the introduction of Golden Rice, a vitamin A-enriched strain, exhibit the promising potential of this field. With 140 million children in low-income groups from 118 countries suffering from vitamin A deficiency, such biotechnological developments are key to mitigating nutritional deficiencies and enhancing global food security.

The environmental impact of biotechnology extends beyond crop yield improvements. For instance, India’s adoption of Bt cotton across 7.6 million hectares led to a 31% increase in yield and a 39% reduction in insecticide use, resulting in higher profits for farmers.

These advancements illustrate the crucial role of agricultural biotechnology in not only enhancing productivity but also in promoting sustainable farming practices.

By leveraging cutting-edge techniques, biotechnology is essential in meeting global food demands and addressing pressing issues such as climate change and pest outbreaks.

Agricultural Biotechnology

Agricultural biotechnology involves a variety of techniques, such as genetic engineering, to modify or develop products, improve plants and animals, and create microorganisms for specific agricultural purposes. These innovations offer farmers tools like herbicide tolerance and disease resistance in crops, lowering costs and boosting efficiency.

Modern biotechnology has also enabled the creation of crops with better nutritional value, longer shelf lives, and the potential to produce new medicines. Through genetic engineering, resilient crops are being designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions, reducing the impact on ecosystems and simplifying farm management, while enhancing food security.

In the U.S., biotechnology has had a significant impact on agriculture. By 2012, biotech crops represented 88% of corn, 94% of cotton, and 93% of soybean plantings, showing the rapid adoption of these technologies in farming.

Agricultural biotechnology offers a distinct advantage by enabling precise gene manipulation in plants, animals, and microorganisms. Compared to traditional breeding methods, which involved mixing thousands of genes, modern techniques allow for the transfer of individual genes, greatly increasing accuracy and speed.

Key tools in this field include restriction enzymes for gene isolation and cloning, as well as vectors like viruses and plasmids for transferring genes between organisms.

For example, the Ti plasmid from Agrobacterium tumefaciens is frequently used to transfer genes into plants. Additionally, cell culture and regeneration techniques are vital for introducing foreign genes and regenerating plants from single cells.

Biotechnology’s role in agriculture continues to grow, laying the groundwork for future advancements and sustainable farming practices.

Genetically modified crops: Benefits and risks

Adopting genetically modified (GM) crops provides significant advantages. These benefits include enhanced pest resistance, reducing dependence on synthetic pesticides and ensuring crops are shielded from specific diseases like the papaya ringspot virus.

For instance, the Economic impact of GM crops from 1996 to 2012 portrayed a significant boost in profitability for farmers, owing to improved crop quality and occasionally increased yields.

Biotech crop benefits extend into herbicide tolerance, enabling no-till farming techniques that preserve soil health and reduce erosion. The ability to introduce the β-carotene biosynthesis pathway into rice, as noted by Beyer et al. (2002), illustrates the potential for GM crops to address nutritional deficiencies.

Rigorous evaluations of genetic modification safety are undertaken by agencies such as the USDA, EPA, and FDA. These assessments ensure that GM crops do not present adverse effects to consumers or the environment.

Critical reviews, like the one by Mannion and Morse, emphasize the comprehensive analysis of potential ecological risks, such as impacts on non-target organisms. The necessity of doubling global crop production by 2050, as researched by Ray, Mueller, West, and Foley, highlights the importance of GM crops in achieving sustainable agricultural productivity.

Aspect	GM Crops	Conventional Agriculture
Pest Resistance	High	Moderate
Herbicide Tolerance	Yes	No
Yield Increase Potential	Potential	Varies
Environmental Impact	Monarch butterfly population affected	Soil erosion
Consumer Safety	Closely monitored	Generally recognized as safe

Despite the benefits, concerns associated with GM crops persist. Studies, such as the one by Muir and Howard, highlight potential ecological risks, including genetic transfers and their implications. Monarch butterfly populations, impacted by Bt corn (Sears et al.), illustrate that indirect effects on ecosystems must be factored into safety evaluations.

Overall, the continuous assessment of genetic modification safety is crucial to balancing the biotech crop benefits with potential risks. Public perception, as analyzed by Frewer et al., and regulatory scrutiny play vital roles in the sustainable adoption and acceptance of GM crops in global agriculture.

Biotechnology’s role in combating hunger and malnutrition

Biotechnology holds tremendous potential to combat food scarcity and is a critical solution for addressing malnutrition globally. With 18% of the population in developing countries facing food shortages and 40,000 deaths occurring daily due to malnutrition, biotechnological innovations like Golden Rice offer promising solutions to these pressing issues.

Biotech crops, engineered for high yields and pest resistance, contribute directly to improved food security and environmental sustainability. In specific regions, crop yields have increased by approximately 20% due to greater flexibility in crop management, reduced pest losses, and enhanced tolerance to salinity and drought.

The widespread adoption of biotech solutions by farmers highlights their effectiveness. In India, five million farmers using Bt cotton have significantly reduced insecticide use and increased profits, showing how biotechnology empowers small farmers to fight hunger.

Similarly, U.S. soybean growers cut pesticide use by 19% between 1995 and 1998, while biotech cotton farmers saw a 22% yield increase and a 30% reduction in pesticide application in 1998.

Biotechnology has also extended the shelf life of fresh produce, improving food distribution and reducing energy consumption. This advancement plays a crucial role in enhancing food security and fighting malnutrition by ensuring more nutritious food reaches those in need.

The International Society for Plant Molecular Biology, supported by over 2,400 scientists, including Nobel laureates, endorses biotechnology as a safe and powerful tool for agriculture, healthcare, and environmental protection. Their support emphasizes the vital role biotechnology plays in solving global food challenges.

As the global population is projected to grow by at least two billion in the next 30 years, innovative biotech solutions will be essential to meet increasing food demands sustainably, ensuring a nourished future for all without harming the environment.

Environmental impact of biotechnology in agriculture

The environmental impact of biotechnology in agriculture has been thoroughly examined, revealing both positive and negative outcomes. Biotech crops present a complex landscape, introducing new opportunities and challenges for sustainable farming.

A key advantage is the ability to engineer crops that thrive in marginal soils and resist diseases. For example, drought-tolerant corn developed through genetic engineering is now grown in water-scarce areas of the United States, providing a robust solution for regions facing drought.

Similarly, drought-tolerant wheat has been approved for use in Argentina and Brazil, showcasing how biotechnology can adapt crop production to challenging climates.

Despite these benefits, concerns about the environmental effects of biotech crops persist. Potential risks include decreased soil fertility and unintended harm to beneficial organisms. However, genetic engineering continues to demonstrate significant environmental advantages.

Phytoremediation, which employs biotech plants to remediate contaminated soils, exemplifies how this technology can aid in environmental conservation.

Moreover, the ability to introduce a wider range of phenotypic traits into crops through biotechnology holds great promise. Traits such as herbicide tolerance and insect resistance have already been widely adopted, with millions of acres of transgenic corn and cotton cultivated by the late 1990s.

Ongoing research focuses on enhancing agronomic performance, nutritional value, and reducing environmental pollution, furthering the goals of sustainable agriculture.

To better grasp the impact of these innovations, consider the following statistics related to biotechnology in agriculture:

Statistic	Data
U.S. Agriculture GHG Emissions (2018)	10.5%
Drought-Tolerant Corn Cultivated Areas	USA, Drought-Prone Regions
Drought-Tolerant Wheat Approved Regions	Argentina, Brazil
Initial Commercially Produced Transgenic Crops	Late 1990s
Annual Losses Due to Corn Pests	Approximately $1 Billion
Transgenic Technology Application in Trees	Genetically Engineered Traits for Wood Demand
Commercial Success of Glyphosate-Resistant Soybeans	100 Million Acres

In summary, while the biotech crops environmental effects present certain risks, the potential for biotechnology to advance sustainable agriculture is immense.

With continuous research and innovation, the positive impacts are likely to outweigh the negative ones, setting a foundation for a more environmentally sound agricultural future.

Biotechnology and sustainable farming practices

Biotechnology plays an instrumental role in advancing sustainable farming practices, addressing both biotic and abiotic stresses such as pests, diseases, climate change, soil degradation, and water depletion. Through the integration of genetic engineering, crops can be designed to use less water, labor, and fertilizers, significantly reducing the environmental footprint.

One significant benefit of biotechnology sustainability is the development of pest-resistant crops, which diminishes the dependence on chemical pesticides. This fosters eco-friendly farming by minimizing harmful chemical runoff into surrounding ecosystems.

Moreover, biotech innovations have led to genetically engineered animals that produce efficient antibiotics and vaccines, further promoting sustainable agriculture.

A striking example is the annual yield increase for major crops such as maize (1.6%), rice (1.0%), wheat (0.9%), and soybean (1.3%) through improved biotechnological methods. However, this growth still falls short of the required 2.4% to meet the future population’s demands, projected to reach 9 billion by 2030 on a warming planet.

Contrary to conventional agriculture, which often leads to soil structure degradation, erosion, and pollution through intensive agro-chemical use, sustainable agriculture emphasizes soil and environmental conservation. Techniques such as organic farming, crop rotation, conservation tillage, and natural fertilizer application are integral components.

Incorporating genetic engineering also enables the creation of crops that thrive in extreme environments, conserving topsoil and enhancing biodiversity. This is vital as the agriculture sector remains a significant segment within the Indian biotech sector, profoundly contributing to the socio-economic development of the country.

Overall, biotechnology sustainability heralds a new era where eco-friendly farming practices can meet global food security challenges while preserving and enhancing our natural resources for future generations.

The rise of biotechnology in agriculture: Meeting global food demands

As the world’s population continues to soar, meeting global food demand has become an urgent priority. Biotechnology offers innovative solutions through the development of biotech crops that significantly improve agriculture productivity. These advances have allowed for crops that are not only high-yielding but also resistant to diseases and pests, enhancing the biotech crop yield across various regions.

A prominent example of this progress can be seen in the United States, where the adoption of genetically modified corn, cotton, and soybeans illustrates the tangible benefits of biotechnology. These improvements have led to higher agriculture productivity, better crop resilience, and sustainable farming practices that can help secure global food supplies.

“We have successfully produced orange juice from test-tube cultures of orange cells, achieving growth rates as seen in tree-ripened fruit,” stated Brent Tisserat, a notable plant geneticist. His laboratory has also seen significant advances in culturing juice-producing vesicles from lemons and citrons, along with miniature spinach, carrot, and other crops.

This breakthrough is attracting interest from major food and beverage companies, such as Coca-Cola’s Minute Maid and California’s Citrus Producers, Inc., although it may take another 15 to 25 years for these lab-produced juices to be commercially viable. Nevertheless, these innovations highlight the potential of biotechnology to revolutionize food production and meet increasing global food demand efficiently.

The potential to clone various plants and tree crops for food, fiber, and oil production further emphasizes the role of biotechnology in transforming agriculture productivity.

The legal dimension, allowing for the patenting of genes, ensures that advancements in genetic technology can be protected, fostering continued innovation and investment in this critical sector.

In addition to yield improvements, biotechnology companies are focusing efforts on enhancing the nutritional quality of food crops. For instance, increasing protein content in potatoes and improving amino acid profiles in soybeans are ongoing projects aimed at addressing malnutrition.

While there are concerns about the potential impacts of genetic engineering on nutrient levels and food quality, the overall benefits present compelling reasons to continue exploring this technology.

1. Increase in agricultural productivity due to biotech crop yield.
2. Higher resistance to pests and diseases in genetically modified crops.
3. Potential for enhanced nutritional quality in food crops.

The following table highlights the impact of biotechnology on several key aspects of agriculture:

Aspect	Impact of Biotechnology
Global Food Demand	Increase in supply through high-yield crops
Biotech Crop Yield	Enhanced through genetic modification
Agriculture Productivity	Boosted by disease and pest resistance
Food Quality	Potential improvements in nutritional value

Addressing climate change challenges with biotechnology

Climate change poses severe threats to agriculture, exacerbating plant diseases and altering pest populations. Biotechnology offers vital solutions through the development of GM crops that can withstand environmental stresses like drought, salinity, and temperature extremes.

This technological leap is exemplified by various initiatives and advancements in biotech crops resilience, crucial for climate change adaptation.

The advent of new biotech crops has been transformative. For instance, the NEWEST rice is engineered to maintain yields under adverse climate conditions, embodying a significant step in climate change adaptation.

Additionally, transgenic crops carrying drought-tolerant genes are under development for rice, wheat, maize, sugarcane, tobacco, and other plants, highlighting the breadth of innovation in this field.

The West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development (WEMA) project aims to develop drought-tolerant maize varieties that could be available to farmers within the next few years.

On a broader scale, a genetically modified drought-tolerant maize, MON 87460, was approved for release in the US market in 2012, showcasing a practical application of these advancements to ensure food systems remain robust against climate triggers.

Another significant aspect is the development of crops like sugarcane, rice, barley, wheat, tomato, and soybeans with enhanced salt tolerance. These crops are being systematically engineered to thrive in high salinity environments, which are becoming more prevalent due to rising sea levels and soil degradation.

Biotech crops for cold tolerance are also in the pipeline, including genetically modified (GM) eucalypti and improved thale cress designed to withstand low temperatures. Similarly, heat-resistant biotech crops are under study, focusing on heat shock proteins that enable plant recovery under heat stress.

Research continues globally, aiming to develop resilient food systems through the improved adaptation of crops. These advancements not only help in combating climate change but also contribute significantly to food security by ensuring stable yields even under fluctuating environmental conditions.

Biotech Crop	Stress Tolerance	Status
NEWEST Rice	Drought tolerance	In development
MON 87460 Maize	Drought tolerance	Released in 2012 (US)
Sugarcane, Rice, Barley, Wheat, Tomato, Soybeans	Salt tolerance	Under development
GM Eucalypti	Cold tolerance	Under study
Enhanced Thale Cress	Cold tolerance	Under study

Overall, the role of biotechnology in addressing climate change challenges cannot be overstated. It enables the creation of crops that ensure the continuity of our food systems despite the extreme environmental upheavals posed by climate change, reflecting the innovative spirit inherent within agricultural biotechnology.

Intellectual property and food security

In the realm of agricultural biotechnology, intellectual property (IP) poses a complex dynamic that greatly impacts food security.

Biotechnology patents often provide private companies with considerable control over plant genes, influencing the landscape of agribusiness. For instance, in 2018–20, Bayer and Corteva dominated 72% of planted corn acres and 66% of planted soybean acres in the U.S., underscoring substantial market control.

This concentration extends beyond market share, affecting crop pricing. Between 1990 and 2020, crop seed prices surged by 170%, with genetically modified seed prices escalating by an astounding 463%, compared to a 56% rise in commodity output prices. As a result, small-scale farmers often struggle with these inflated costs, exacerbating food security concerns and calling for a balance between IP rights and accessibility.

Moreover, the accelerated rate of patent issuance emphasizes this trend. From 2016 to 2020, over 5,137 plant patents, 5,010 utility patents, and 2,028 Plant Variety Protection certificates were issued for new crop varieties, doubling the issuance rate from the previous decade.

This rapid turnover shortens the commercial life of hybrid crops, which decreased from 4-5 years in 1997 to fewer than three years by 2009. Such dynamics highlight the growing complexities in agribusiness.

This situation is even more pronounced in developing countries, which accounted for 24% of the 44 million hectares planted with biotech crops in 2000. Argentina, for example, is a leading producer of biotech crops among these nations.

Organizations like the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) invest $25-$35 million annually in agricultural biotechnology, striving to address global food security concerns despite the challenges posed by patent regimes.

As patents on biotechnological innovations increasingly shape the agricultural sector, industry players like Monsanto and research initiatives like “Golden Rice” aim to enhance crop yields and nutritional content.

Balancing this innovative drive with equitable access to technologies will be crucial in mitigating food security concerns while fostering sustainable agribusiness practices worldwide.

Company	2018–20 Corn Acre Share	2018–20 Soybean Acre Share
Bayer	72%	66%
Corteva	72%	66%

Case studies: Success stories in biotechnological innovations

Agricultural biotechnology breakthroughs have transformed the way we approach farming. For example, the adoption of Bt cotton in India has significantly boosted yields while reducing the use of harmful insecticides. Farmers have benefited immensely, seeing higher profits and healthier crops.

Biofortification of staple crops like sweet potatoes with added vitamins and minerals has also been a game-changer. Tackling nutritional deficiencies efficiently, these innovations are becoming biotech success stories, especially in developing economies.

Moreover, the release of over 2,700 mutation-bred crop varieties globally by 2010 shows the widespread application and success of biotechnology. Particularly in Asia, countries such as Thailand, Myanmar, India, and Vietnam have seen high cultivation rates, further underscoring the promise of these technologies.

In Sri Lanka, the cultivation of 55 local varieties of banana showcases the importance of preserving genetic diversity while enhancing agricultural output through biotech methods. Biopesticides also played a pivotal role in Timor-Leste, where they successfully controlled migratory locusts in 2007, protecting vital maize and rice crops.

Another notable mention is the development of submergence-tolerant rice varieties like Swarna-Sub1 in India. This innovation has reached millions of farmers, helping them improve crop yields and resilience against flooding.

Additionally, marker-assisted selection techniques have been employed to breed flood-tolerant rice and enhance pearl millet varieties, significantly boosting crop productivity and farmer incomes.

In terms of animal agriculture, biotechnology has led to better animal health and breeding practices, contributing to faster growth and improved meat quality. Companies like Fruit Growers Supply are at the forefront, offering solutions such as genetically engineered seeds and CRISPR gene editing to support farmers.

Biotech success stories are not limited to crop cultivation. The production of soy sauce in Thailand has benefited from fermentation technology, reducing fermentation time and increasing efficiency.

These examples reflect the transformative potential of agricultural biotechnology breakthroughs in creating sustainable, high-quality agricultural products accessible to all.

Future prospects: Advances in agricultural biotechnology

The future of agricultural biotechnology shines brightly with promising biotech advancements. One of the most dynamic processes driving this change is CRISPR technology.

Unlike traditional genetic modification, CRISPR/Cas9 facilitates the targeted and precise alteration of gene sequences, allowing for enhanced crop traits without introducing foreign genes.

CRISPR technology has already demonstrated its potential in producing gene-edited crops. These crops exhibit improved resilience to environmental challenges such as drought, floods, and pests.

For instance, gene-edited bananas and cassava not only improve yield but also provide significant agricultural benefits to smallholder farmers, especially those in regions heavily impacted by food insecurity and climate change.

As of 2019, genetically engineered crops were grown in 29 countries, with an additional 42 countries importing them. Biotechnology has been a transformative force in agriculture, providing several socio-economic and environmental benefits:

Region	Number of Countries Growing Biotech Crops
Latin America	10
Africa	6
North America	2
Europe	2
Asia	9

These biotech advancements have also significantly contributed to environmental sustainability by reducing the need for insecticides, preserving biodiversity, and limiting soil erosion.

Beyond environmental impact, biotechnology is enhancing nutritional quality in staple foods, addressing hunger and malnutrition more effectively.

Looking towards the horizon, the agricultural biotechnology market, valued at USD 116 billion in 2023, is projected to nearly triple to USD 293.35 billion by 2034, with a CAGR of 8.8%. Its growth is fueled by various segments including crop production, genetic engineering, and hybrid seeds.

As the world’s population approaches 10 billion by 2050, the need for innovative solutions in food production and sustainability becomes more pressing.

The future of agricultural biotechnology, spearheaded by innovations like CRISPR technology and the development of gene-edited crops, positions the industry to rise to this challenge, ensuring food security and environmental resilience for future generations.

Biotech crops are rigorously assessed by regulatory bodies like the EPA, USDA, and FDA, ensuring they are safe for both humans and the environment.

The discoveries and technological advancements made over the past decades continue to shape modern agricultural practices, from genetic marker-assisted breeding to tissue culture techniques and protoplast fusion, demonstrating the profound impact of this field on global food systems.

Conclusion

Agricultural biotechnology stands at the forefront of providing sustainable solutions and securing a global food supply. The extensive research and advancements, such as genetic marker-assisted breeding and tissue culture techniques, highlight biotechnology’s transformative power.

Techniques like radiation mutagenesis, which have developed over 2,500 plant varieties including rice and wheat, as well as genetic engineering advancements since the 1980s, emphasize the importance of continuous innovation.

Such developments promise a future where crop productivity is significantly increased. For instance, more than 60-70 percent of food products on store shelves might contain genetically engineered crops. Genetic engineering has not only enhanced staple crops like corn, soybean, and cotton but also has enabled the creation of virus-resistant varieties, as exemplified by the papaya resistant to the papaya ringspot virus, developed by researchers from the University of Hawaii and Cornell University.

These breakthroughs are instrumental in addressing global food challenges and ensuring food security.

While biotechnology offers promising solutions for global food challenges, it is crucial to balance technological advancements with ethical considerations and equitable access.

Collaborative policies and robust research are essential to making these sustainable solutions beneficial for diverse global communities. By fostering such an inclusive approach, the biotechnology future can meaningfully contribute to global food solutions for the greater good. For more insights, you can refer to this comprehensive study detailing the impact of biotechnology on agriculture.

FAQ

What is agricultural biotechnology?

Agricultural biotechnology encompasses a broad range of techniques, including genetic engineering, to make or modify products, improve plants or animals, and develop microorganisms for specific agricultural uses. It aims to improve crop yields, resistance to diseases, nutritional profiles, and overall farming efficiency.

How do genetically modified (GM) crops benefit agriculture?

GM crops offer numerous benefits, such as enhanced pest resistance, herbicide tolerance, and disease resistance. These improvements lead to reduced reliance on chemical pesticides, lower production costs, higher crop quality, and sometimes increased yields, making farming more profitable and sustainable.

Are GM crops safe for consumption and the environment?

Yes, GM crops undergo rigorous risk assessments by agencies like the USDA, EPA, and FDA to ensure they pose no adverse effects on consumers or the environment. Assessments pay particular attention to potential risks such as allergenicity, genetic transfers, and impacts on non-target organisms and ecological processes.

How does biotechnology help combat hunger and malnutrition?

Biotechnology provides critical solutions for hunger and malnutrition through the development of nutrient-enriched crops, such as Golden Rice, which addresses vitamin A deficiencies. Biotech crops, tailored for high yields and resistance to pests, directly contribute to food security and nutritional improvements worldwide.

What are the environmental impacts of biotech crops?

While there are potential risks like reduced soil fertility and unintentional harm to beneficial organisms, biotech applications generally promote sustainable agricultural practices. They enable crops to grow in marginal soils, resist diseases, and use nutrients more effectively, lessening the pressure on land and wildlife habitats.

How does biotechnology promote sustainable farming practices?

Biotechnology fosters sustainability by engineering crops that require less water, labor, and fertilizers. Innovations include pest-resistant crops reducing pesticide reliance, genetically engineered animals for more efficient antibiotic and vaccine production, and crops designed for extreme environments, preserving topsoil and promoting biodiversity.

Can biotechnology meet global food demands?

Biotechnology is vital in meeting escalating global food demands with high-yielding, disease- and pest-resistant crops. Successful adoption of biotech crops like corn, cotton, and soybeans illustrates its potential to revolutionize agriculture, helping nations achieve self-sufficiency and address hunger sustainably.

How does biotechnology address climate change challenges?

Biotechnology offers solutions for climate change challenges by developing GM crops that can withstand environmental stresses such as drought, salinity, and temperature extremes. Examples include NEWEST rice that maintains yields under climate stress, aiding in the adaptation of global food systems to climate impacts.

What role does intellectual property play in agricultural biotechnology?

Intellectual property (IP) in biotechnology provides substantial control over plant genes to private firms, affecting small-scale farmers’ sustainability. The privatization of genetic resources might disadvantage agricultural research in developing nations and traditional practices like seed saving, demanding a balance for global equity and food security.

Can you provide examples of successful biotechnological innovations?

Examples include Bt cotton in India, which led to increased yields, reduced insecticide use, and higher farmer profits. Another example is the biofortification of staple crops like sweet potatoes with enhanced vitamins and minerals to address nutritional deficiencies, showcasing biotechnology’s transformative potential in agriculture.

What are the future prospects of agricultural biotechnology?

The future of agricultural biotechnology looks promising with advancements like CRISPR-based genome editing, enabling precise crop improvements without foreign genes. Gene-edited crops, including bananas and cassava, promise enhanced resilience to environmental stresses, aligning biotech progress with global food security needs.

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