Lesson 4 of 12 · 6 min
Genetically modified crops
NCERT §10.1
Kavya's next stop is a farmers' meeting in a district office, where a scientist puts up a slide titled 'What can a changed gene do for your field?'
The lesson in notes
In short
Genetic modification offers a way to raise yields while cutting the use of fertilisers and chemicals, and so their harm to the environment.
Any plant, bacterium, fungus or animal whose genes have been deliberately manipulated is a Genetically Modified Organism (GMO).
GM crops have been made more tolerant of abiotic stresses: cold, drought, salt and heat.
Pest-resistant GM crops reduce reliance on chemical pesticides.
Genetic modification has also helped cut post-harvest losses and made plants use minerals more efficiently, which stops the soil's fertility from being exhausted early.
It has enhanced the nutritional value of food. Golden rice is rice enriched in vitamin A.
GM has also produced tailor-made plants that supply industries with alternative resources: starches, fuels and pharmaceuticals.