Role of Biotechnology in Ensuring Food Security

Introduction to Food Security

Food security is an important issue affecting millions of people worldwide. It refers to food access, availability, and use to ensure that all people have sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to meet their nutritional requirements and live healthy lives. Achieving food security is the foundation of human well-being and is one of the central goals set by the United Nations for Sustainable Development (SDGs).

What is Biotechnology?

Biotechnology is the scientific discipline that involves utilising living organisms, cells and biological systems to create goods and technologies intended for improving human life and the environment. It combines the principles of biology, chemistry, physics and engineering to manipulate biological processes in various applications. Biotechnology profoundly impacts many fields, including agriculture, medicine, environmental management and industrial processes.

Biotechnology's Impact on Crop Yields

As the population grows rapidly and climate change affects agriculture, traditional farming methods alone cannot meet the growing demand for food. The best engineering colleges in India offer Biotechnology programs in science and engineering domains. Biotech is an effective ally in food security by increasing agricultural productivity, crop resistance, and nutritional value.

Genetic engineering of high-yielding crops

Genetic engineering allows scientists to change the DNA of crops to display useful traits. This could lead to the development of high-yielding crop types that are more resilient and productive. Example:

• Insect resistance: Crops such as Bt cotton and Bt corn have been genetically altered to express a toxic bacterial protein to certain insect pests. This reduces the need for chemical pesticides, and increases yield while minimising pest damage.
• Weed tolerance: Plants engineered to tolerate certain herbicides, such as glyphosate-resistant soybeans, allow farmers to control weeds more effectively without harming crops. Reducing weed competition results in higher yields.

Development of drought-resistant varieties

Climate change has made water scarcity a major challenge for agriculture. Biotechnology addresses this by developing drought-tolerant crop varieties that can thrive in dry conditions. These crops are designed to:

• Improve water use efficiency: Features that allow crops to use water more efficiently help sustain crops during water shortages.
• Improve the root system: Changes that promote a deeper or wider root system allow plants to access water from deeper soil layers, ensuring better growth in dry conditions.

Resistance to diseases and pests

Plant diseases and pests pose a serious threat to yields. Biotechnology offers solutions by developing crops with built-in resistance to the following challenges:

• Virus resistance: genetic modifications can make crops resistant to viruses that cause devastating diseases. For example, the development of papaya resistant to papaya ringspot virus saved the industry in areas where the disease was endemic.
• Resistance to fungi and bacteria: crops can be engineered to resist fungal and bacterial infections, reducing losses and improving overall yields.

Improving the nutritional value

Biotechnology also focuses on biofortification, which improves the nutritional value of crops. It can improve health outcomes and increase agricultural productivity:

• Golden Rice: This genetically modified rice variety is enriched with beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A. This will not only improve the food supply of the rice-dependent population. A basic product, but it also shows how biotechnology can correct micronutrient deficiencies without reducing yield.

Reduce postharvest losses

Postharvest losses can significantly reduce the amount of food available for consumption. Biotechnology helps reduce these losses in the following ways:

• Extended shelf life: Genetic varieties can delay the ripening of fruits and vegetables, reducing spoilage and waste during storage and transportation.
• Better storage properties: Crops can be engineered to be more resistant to post-harvest diseases and pests, ensuring that healthier products reach the market.

Sustainable Agricultural Practices

Biotechnology promotes sustainable agricultural practices that promote higher yields in the long term:

• Less chemical input: Biotechnology reduces the need for chemical pesticides and herbicides by developing resistant crops. This lowers production costs, reduces environmental impact, and improves soil health.
• Conservation of resources: Biotechnology-based innovations, such as nitrogen-saving crops, help reduce the need for synthetic fertilisers, conserve natural resources, and improve crop yields.

Biotechnology at Top Universities in India

Biotechnology is a rapidly developing field and has enormous potential to improve medicine, agriculture and environmental sustainability. Several leading universities in India are at the forefront of this exciting field, offering world-class training and research opportunities.

Among these prestigious institutions is Manipal University Jaipur, recognised amongst some of the exceptional B Tech Biotechnology colleges. This program follows an interdisciplinary approach and provides a strong foundation in the fundamentals of cell biology and modern biotechnological processes.

This is where Manipal University Jaipur's Biotechnology program stands out:

• Comprehensive Curriculum: The program combines the latest knowledge of cellular processes with the development of various technologies. Students learn about living organisms' structure, function and behaviour, promoting a deep understanding of biological systems.
• Industrial Focus: The program equips graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in various fields of biotechnology. The curriculum is designed to meet the changing needs of industry and prepare students for careers in both the government and corporate sectors. State-of-the-art facilities: The program has well-equipped laboratories, including molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry and instrumentation laboratories. This hands-on learning environment fosters a deep understanding of the practical applications of biotechnology.
• Exceptional Faculty: The faculty of Manipal University Jaipur consists of highly qualified and experienced professionals who are passionate about biotechnology. Their expertise ensures that students receive a well-rounded education combining theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Manipal University Jaipur being one of the best engineering colleges in India, equips students with the knowledge to become valuable contributors in the dynamic field of biotechnology. The program allows them to positively influence various areas of society, from developing new medicines to creating sustainable solutions for ensuring food security and more.