What is the main goal of agricultural biotechnology?

The primary goal of agricultural biotechnology is to enhance crop yield and resistance. This field utilizes various biotechnological methods, such as genetic engineering, marker-assisted selection, and tissue culture, to develop crops that can thrive in diverse environmental conditions and resist pests, diseases, and adverse weather phenomena. By increasing the efficiency of agricultural production, biotechnology aims to improve food security and sustainability.

Enhanced crop yield means that farmers can produce more food on the same amount of land, which is crucial in meeting the demands of a growing global population. Additionally, improved resistance in crops leads to decreased losses from biotic and abiotic stresses, reducing the dependency on chemical pesticides and the risk of crop failure. This not only benefits farmers economically but also promotes a more sustainable agricultural practice that can help preserve natural resources.

While increasing genetic diversity, reducing the use of chemical fertilizers, and promoting organic farming practices are important aspects of agriculture and can be influenced by biotechnology, they are not the primary focus. Agricultural biotechnology directly aims to optimize crop performance and resilience to ensure higher productivity and sustainability in food production.