Sustainable Development of Agriculture Through Biotechnological Interventions: An Ideal Approach

Food security and its accessibility to every individual has been of primary importance for every responsible citizen and it is of more concern to technologists who are involved in research of one kind or the other. With the advancement of time and in view of population increase greater thrust is being laid upon quantity and of course quality of agricultural produce and in this direction the role of biotechnology cannot be ruled out. With the availability of renewed biological processes, enzymatic action, and other scientific methods, there has been a great progress in green revolution thrown open through biotechnological interventions which is a promising tool for improving soil health and fertility through nutrient cycling in sustainable agriculture. The plant microbial complex available in the rhizosphere of every plant significantly regulates the development and environmental responses of plants. The microbes can directly or indirectly benefit plant health thus affecting yield. Various microorganisms can act as potential biocontrol agents as well to regulate plant diseases. Additionally, selective microorganisms with specific properties like phosphorus mobilization, nitrogen fixation, etc. can be added to soil to promote plant growth and suppress pathogen load. The prevalence of pests and diseases and the subsequent outbreak of diseases can significantly diminish crop yields and quality and at the same time affect human health. However, biotechnology can be used to create crops that are resistant to pests and diseases and also evolve drugs that keep diseases, etc. at a distance from human beings. Furthermore, various biotic and abiotic stresses also increase the risk of challenges posed by global climate change. Through biotechnology it has not only been possible to enhance crop productivity with reduced use of harmful chemicals but also beforehand information can be predicted for emerging agricultural challenges. Further genetic engineering along with speed breeding techniques are employed to develop stress-tolerant plants with higher yield potential.