Gene editing, nanotechnology in farming

In Context- Recently, experts recommended employing new tools such as Gene editing and Nanotechnology-based solutions in the Agriculture sector.

Why is it needed?

• The need for new breeding technologies is essential if global crop production is to double by 2050 to meet the rising food demand.
  • Yield increases of 2.4% per year are required to meet the demand without putting more land under cultivation.
  • The annual production of cereals would need to go up by 50% to about three billion tonnes to provide for the 2050 population demand.
•  Genome-edited crops had the potential to lower chemical fertilizer and pesticide use, reduce post-harvest losses while at the same time producing climate-resilient, nutrient-dense, and higher-yield crops.
• Nanotechnology is an emerging field of Indian agriculture.
  • The use of nanotechnology for enhanced crop productivity can be a locally viable strategy for farmers, especially in exigencies.

What is  Gene editing?

• Gene/genome editing refers to technology that permits to change an organism’s DNA.
  • These technologies allow genetic material to be added, removed, or altered at particular locations in the genome.

• Its applications include correcting genetic defects, treating and preventing the spread of diseases and improving crops etc.
  • CRISPR technology is one of the tools used in gene editing.
• Genomic editing is more accurate, faster, and less expensive compared to genetic modification.

Use Nanotechnology in Agriculture:

• Nanoscience and nanotechnology are the study and application of extremely small things which is about 1 to 100 nanometers.
• It can be used across all the other science fields, such as chemistry, biology, physics, materials science, and engineering.
• Nanotechnology in agriculture includes specific applications like nano fertilizers, nano pesticides, and targeted use of inputs to increase the productivity without decontamination of soil and water etc.
• Steps Taken-   In 2007, the government launched a 5-year program called Nano Science and Technology Mission (NSTM) for research and promotion.

Last year, the Ministry of Agriculture released ‘Guidelines for Evaluation of Nano-based Agri-input and food products in India’.

Source: TH