It’s an excellent question to ask: what are the benefits of genetically engineered crops?
Genetic engineering is gaining popularity for various reasons, from the promise of more abundant yields to the ability to improve crop diseases and pests. While this technique has many disadvantages, it does offer some advantages.
The technology allows scientists to improve crops by making them resistant to disease and pests. This, in turn, can reduce the amount of fuel and water needed to cultivate the crops. This type of agriculture also reduces the pressure on natural resources and habitats.
More beneficial effect on human health
They may have a more beneficial effect on human health than a traditional crop. Aside from improved flavor and a more desirable texture, crops that have undergone genetic engineering may also be more drought and pest resistant. This would make them more desirable as food and less harmful to the environment.
More drought and disease-resistant
Another advantage of GE crops is that they may be drought- and disease-resistant. In this process, valuable genes from one plant are transferred to another crop. This will increase the crop’s ability to survive a drought.
For example, researchers in Japan have already transferred a gene to a rice variety that will increase its production during periods of dry weather. Other countries, such as Brazil, have also successfully introduced genetic engineering into their crop varieties to make them more drought-tolerant.
Genetic engineering may be used to develop drought-resistant crops. The technique involves transferring a gene that makes the crop withstand drought conditions. This gene was recently transferred to a rice variety in Japan, which has increased its yield during droughts.
These advantages may improve crops being more resilient to pest and disease conditions. This is an excellent advantage for both human and environmental welfare. Therefore, there is a need to evaluate the safety and environmental risks associated with such technology.
Best way to improve the yield of crops
There are also other benefits of using genetic engineering in agriculture. For example, it can improve the yield of crops in a given area and reduce the use of chemical insecticides.
A study found that areas that grew Bt plants reduced their use of wide-spectrum insecticides, while areas with Bt cotton showed an increase in yields. The reason was that Bt cotton was able to cope with bollworm infestation.
May develop new medicines.
Moreover, the benefits of GE crops are not limited to improving crop quality. Some scientists hope to use it to develop new medicines by using GE crops. However, there are still many concerns about this technology, including the environmental impact of this new technology.
Nevertheless, GE will provide benefits that chemicals cannot match. Besides that, it will also allow farmers to reduce their production costs while utilizing sustainable resources.
Beneficial for the environment
The GE process can also be beneficial for the environment. It can improve the efficiency of agricultural measures, mainly when applied to crops. These traits can be beneficial for the economy and the environment.
For instance, a GE plant could improve the yields of other types of crops. This would allow farmers to increase their production. This technology can also help grow new varieties of food that are more resistant to pests.