Biotechnology is defined as a set of tools that uses living organisms (or parts of organisms) to make or modify a product, improve plants, trees or animals, or develop microorganisms for specific uses. In many countries, the debate surrounding the use of biotechnology in agriculture is often solely associated with genetically modified (GM) crops. As a result, many believe that biotechnology is only about developing these products. What many do not realize is that there are many other important applications of biotechnology that have made (and will continue to make) a tremendous impact on agricultural productivity. Biotechnology encompasses a number of tools and elements of conventional breeding techniques, bioinformatics, microbiology, molecular genetics, biochemistry, plant physiology, and molecular biology.
With the severe agricultural problems and challenges that developing countries face, scientists need all the tools available to ensure there is enough to eat for succeeding generations. Biotechnology is not a panacea for hunger and malnutrition but simply another set of tools to assist in developing better plant varieties and seeds and protecting them from devastating pests, diseases, and adverse environments. The present applications of biotechnology that are important for agriculture and the environment include:
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