AGRICULTURE BIOTECHNOLOGY

Impact of Agriculture Biotechnology on Farmers

Impact of Agriculture Biotechnology on Farmers

Introduction

Agriculture will be brought to cover the growing needs of the human population expected to reach 8 billion by 2020. If the population growth rate is steadily decreasing, the increase in the absolute number of people to feed may rapidly reach the carrying capacity of agricultural land, if we count only on the current techniques. New technologies such as biotechnology, permit, provided they gets used properly, raise agricultural productivity now and for future generations, in a responsible manner (Cooke, 2004).

Farming Agricultural biotechnology is the application of modern biotechnology techniques, particularly recombinant DNA gene splicing, for developing new varieties of food crops and animals with useful genetic traits. In the mid-1990s, the introduction of the first genetically modified (GM) food crops launched a major global controversy that continues today. In the United States, many farmers grow GM crops, and an estimated 75% of the processed food products contain ingredients from GM crops. In Europe, however, there is strong public opposition to GM foods and crops based on concerns about safety, environmental impacts, the lack of benefits, and moral and ethical issues. In addition, the European Union (EU) has adopted much stricter regulations (Priest, Bonfadelli, & Rusanen, 2003).

Benefits of Biotechnology

The essence of the concept that agricultural biotechnology can help the poor is that agricultural biotechnology can be brought to eliminate the deficiency in supply of food in the face of increasing demand. It is because of this reason that agricultural biotechnology is a subject of recurring concern and gets considered being an area that merits all the investment that it asks for. This paper will attempt to highlight how agricultural biotechnology can help the poor. This paper will attempt to highlight how developments in the area of Agricultural biotechnology can contribute to the development of the standard of living of the poor. The paper will shed light on the relevance of Agricultural biotechnology in this regard while elaborating on the relevance of Agricultural biotechnology in the social context in the process of doing.

Biotechnology proponents point to a number of environmental benefits from genetically modified crops. Technologies that allow farmers to achieve higher yields per acre mean that more food can be grown on less land. More efficient farming, particularly in the developing world, could reduce the pressure to convert marginal lands (such as tropical rainforests) for farming. Genetically Modified crops allow farmers to reduce the use of some chemical pesticides on some crops, and herbicide-resistant crops make it easier for farmers to use no-till agriculture methods, which help preserve soil integrity and reduce soil erosion. Advocates also point to potential environmental benefits of future genetically modified crops, such as drought-resistant crops that will reduce the need for water (Glowka, 2003).

The laws of supply and demand apply to bring a scenario in which demand supersedes supply extensively, contributing to an increase in the price of food. Agricultural biotechnology can be brought to reduce the cost of production of food, thereby making it possible ...