Saving earth with Agro-Biotechnology

Agro-biotechnology can be described as the use of genetic and molecular modification and regulation of crops to produce a benefit. Example applications of this are genetically modified organisms, which can be resistant to plagues or drought, and microbiome engineering. Different regions, like Europe and Africa, are dialoging whether to promote or ban the use of agricultural biotechnology. 

Environmentally speaking, crops that are resistant to pests need less pesticides. These chemicals´ use reduction means less of it will be deposited on the soil and reach underground water deposits. Also, if crops have higher yields, agricultural activities will require less water and energy.

Economically speaking, agro-biotechnology approaches help increase agriculture productivity. Many small farmers and rural areas get the benefits of this improvement. Such is the case in countries like Nigeria and Kenya. 

Recently, genetically modified cotton and cowpea crops were approved in Nigeria. Kenya is pushing to get approval of this crops too. In Europe, on the other hand, regulations are very strict with these technologies. National and global events and summits discussing Agro-Biotechnology are taking place to improve dialogue between stakeholders in these decisions. We can expect this debate to continue further, but we hope everyone keeps in mind that climate change and global warming are critical problems right now. If this technologies help mitigate them, there is a need to act.

Links:https://www.foodnavigator.com/Article/2019/05/02/Extremely-strict-GMO-policy-detrimental-to-agricultural-biotech-argues-philosopher

https://allianceforscience.cornell.edu/blog/2019/04/earth-day-demand-biotechnology/

https://www.newsghana.com.gh/kenya-mulls-deployment-of-agricultural-biotechnology-to-boost-food-security/