The techniques of bringing about improvements in living organisms by artificial genetic changes and by hybridization for the welfare of human beings, are together called biotechnology. Impact of biotechnology on agricultural management:
- Genetically modified crops (GM crops) are being produced by introducing changes in DNA of natural crops.
- Normally such varieties are not found in nature.
- Thus, new varieties are produced artificially Different useful characters are introduced in such varieties.
- Some naturally occurring varieties cannot withstand environmental stress like frequently changing temperature.
- Wet and dry famines, changing climates etc. However, GM crops can grow in any of such adverse conditions.
- As GM crops are resistant to insect pests, pathogens, chemical weedicides, etc. the use of harmful chemicals like pesticides can be avoided.
- Due to use of seeds of GM crops, there is improvement in nutritive value and decrease in loss of crops.