People have been engaged in farming for centuries to survive. Agriculture has constantly changed according to the needs of people and the growing population. It has developed in the methods used in agriculture to increase product variety, yield, and quality. In addition, methods used in agriculture have been developed to find solutions to problems arising from natural disasters such as drought and floods. Also, factors such as increasing population, wars, and the level of development of countries have caused food shortages.
Only 7.5% of the world is suitable for agriculture. In this 7.5% area, it is not possible to produce enough products for the whole world with primitive methods. For this reason, significant progress has been experienced in agriculture since the 1960s. The most important period of these developments was called the Green Revolution. It has brought important solutions to the food shortage in the world. This revolution brought many important developments. For example, the use of chemical fertilizers and drugs, modern irrigation methods, and mechanization in agriculture. At the point reached today, the innovations brought by the Green Revolution have been insufficient to solve the food shortage.
The most important reason for the food shortage is the increasing population. According to United Nations data, the world population will reach 9.8 billion in 2050. In response to this population, production in agriculture must increase by 70%. In response to the increasing population, food needs must be met. New technologies are used in agriculture so that the world does not have food shortages. In this direction, agricultural biotechnology will lead to significant changes in agriculture today and in the future. Let’s find out detailed information about what agricultural biotechnology is and its advantages.
What is Biotechnology?
Biotechnology was first described by Karl Ershy in 1919. Biotechnology is the process of transforming raw materials into new products with the help of biological systems. In today’s technology, biotechnology provides the use of biological systems in the production of goods and services. The purpose of this technology is to make human life easier and help people live in healthier conditions.
Biotechnology enables the exchange of genetic material between all living organisms. Biotechnology is gaining importance, especially in agriculture and food production. The most important reason for this is the increasing population in the world. There are some problems brought about by the increasing population such as poverty, food shortage, and climate change. In this respect, agricultural biotechnology is a second revolution because it may solve these problems.
Advantages of Agricultural Biotechnology
Agricultural biotechnology is the technology that scientists use to understand and modify the genetic makeup of organisms in the production of agricultural products. Thanks to agricultural biotechnology, certain problems of economic importance that cannot be solved by traditional agricultural methods can be solved. Genes that are more resistant to diseases are transferred to agricultural products with agricultural biotechnology. In this way, the amount of pesticides used in agriculture is reduced. In addition, a significant increase in productivity is achieved. Besides, positive factors such as increased shelf life and flavor of agricultural products make them easier to market.
Agricultural biotechnology also provides many benefits to farmers. These include tools that cost less and allow easier management of the land. For example, herb control has been made simpler thanks to biotechnology. In this way, the farmer got much more yield from the land. As another example, weed control has become more effective and safe. Thanks to agricultural biotechnology, agricultural products are designed to be more resistant to pest damage and certain diseases. New kinds of plants with high value can be produced. Besides that, the products can be produced at less cost and their quality can be increased.
Agricultural biotechnology has advantages for the national economy. Countries can obtain foreign currency by exporting the products with the high added value they produce. Agricultural biotechnology provides advantages, especially to developing countries in the agriculture and food sector.
The Potential Risks of Agricultural Biotechnology
Agricultural biotechnology has many advantages for human health, the environment, living things, and production. Biotechnology applications in agriculture are carried out within the framework of certain laws. The laws are very strict as they are based on the protection of human health and the environment. Therefore, biotechnology applications in agriculture are applied bound by all procedures and laws. As a matter of fact, agricultural biotechnology still has potential risks to human health and the environment.
Potential Risks for Human Health
New proteins can also be found in genetically modified foods. These proteins can cause allergic reactions in humans. Therefore, an increase in health problems can be observed.
The long-term effect of genetically modified foods is unknown. For this reason, new types of health problems and diseases can emerge in animals and humans in the future.
Potential Risks for the Environment
Agricultural biotechnology can lead to the creation of new types of microorganisms such as bacteria, and viruses. Herbicide-resistant weeds may increase. Finally, agricultural biotechnology is a relatively new and emerging technology. Therefore, it may lead to unforeseen and unknown consequences in the future.
The Future of Agricultural Biotechnology
Agricultural biotechnology is a much newer field. For this reason, research is still in development. Actually, it is expected that biotechnology will find solutions to potential problems in the future and its usage area will be very diverse.
As a result of developments in agricultural biotechnology, it is predicted that consumers will be able to consume nutrient-rich and long-lasting foods. In addition, it is expected that certain toxic substances that occur naturally during the production phase of foods are at much lower levels.
Scientists dealing with agricultural biotechnology continue to work to reduce the amount of saturated fat in foods. Also, they aim to reduce allergenic substances in foods. Finally, they use biotechnology to increase the proportions of disease-fighting nutrients in food. Agricultural biotechnology enables the spread of more sustainable agriculture. For this, they aim to create a new plant-made pharmaceutical industry that will cut production costs.
One of the main purposes of biotechnology is the protection of natural resources. Besides, it meets the food demands of the growing population. Agricultural biotechnology aims to keep productivity at the highest level with less fuel, fertilizer, water, and labor.