Introduction –

Biotechnology has varied applications, some of which include :-

1. Therapeutic
2. Diagnostics
3. Genetically modified crops for agriculture
4. Processed food
5. Bioremediation
6. Waste treatment
7. Energy production

There are critical research areas of biotechnology

1. Providing best catalyst as improved organism , usually a microbe or pure enzyme .
2. Creating optimal conditions by engineering for a catalyst to act .
3. Downstream processing technologies to purify the proteins / organic compound.

Biotechnological applications in agriculture

Food production can be increased by applying biotechnology by the following ways :

1. Agrochemical-based agriculture.
2. Organic agriculture
3. Genetically engineered crop-based agriculture.

The green revolution succeeded in increasing food supply because of

1. Use of improved crop varieties.
2. Use of improved crop varieties.
3. Use of agrochemicals ( fertilisers and pesticides)

Agrochemicals are expensive for farmers in developing countries and also have harmful effects on environment. Therefore genetically modified crops were developed.

Genetically modified organism (GMOs)

Plants, bacteria, fungi and animals whose genes have been altered by manipulation.
. Genetic modification of crops have resulted in

1. Increased tolerance against abiotic stresses ( cold, drought,salf, heat)
2. Reduced reliance on chemical pesticides ( pest-resistant crops).
3. Reduced post-harvest losses.
4. Increased efficiency of minerals used by plants (this prevents early exhaustion of fertility of soil).
5. Enhanced nutritional value of food,e.g., vitamin ‘A’ enriched rice ( golden rice )
6. Creation of tailor-made plants to supply-alternative resources such as starches, fuels and pharmaceuticals to industries.