Question

What are the various advantages of using genetically modified plants to increase the overall yield of the crop?

Answer 1

Genetically modified crops:

Genetically modified crops are those crops that contain genes of other organisms to enhance various desirable characteristics in them such as improved nutritional status, increased yield, disease resistance etc.

Advantages of genetically modified crops:

Advantages of genetically modified crops are as follows:

• The genetically modified plants can improve the yield which can meet the increasing demand of the population.
• They can be produced in a relatively short period of time with accuracy in traits.
• These crops are less dependent on pesticide and insecticides as they are genetically pest-resistant. Hence, the disadvantage of using chemical pesticides and resultant environmental pollution is eliminated. Example - Bt cotton.
• These GM plants have increased efficiency of mineral usage hence prevents early exhaustion of fertility of soil.
• They have enhanced nutritional content. For example, golden rice which has been engineered to contain the gene encoding precursor of vitamin A.