Genetic modification, or “biotech,” of crops has been the main focus of biotechnology’s introduction and transformation of the agriculture industry. The excitement about genetically modified crops stems from the possibility that they may be larger and more productive, perhaps alleviating food problems.Â
It is probable that Nigeria would experience a scarcity of cultivable land and a notable reduction in the nitrogen levels in the soil. As a result, food shortages may occur if sufficient food cannot be grown to satisfy the country’s anticipated population growth in the near future. Agricultural productivity must be increased using contemporary technologies, such as biotechnology, in order to achieve this.
Biotechnological advantages can extend to a range of agricultural uses. Managing livestock, storing agricultural products, and maintaining current crop yields while utilizing fewer pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers are a few of these.Â
Biotechnology is being applied in agriculture in many different ways, with many different advantages. These include higher crop yields, more flavorful and fresh produce, improved crop protection, resistance to disease and drought, and more nutritional value.
Agriculture in South-East Nigeria
Although there is a lot of promise for the agricultural sector in south-eastern Nigeria, it needs greater technological assistance from public and private organizations in order to grow.
The agricultural sector in the area has potential, but it also faces a number of obstacles, including limited access to modern farming equipment, a lack of professional expertise, and subpar storage and distribution networks. Due to these difficulties, farmers have seen low yields and low productivity, which has resulted in nationwide food scarcity.
Enhancing technology support in South Eastern Nigeria’s agriculture sector has many advantages. Farmers will experience a rise in yield and productivity as a result, raising their incomes.
Furthermore, as food supplies rise, food costs will fall and become more affordable for the local populace.
Applying Biotech in South-East Agriculture
The problems that many farmers are currently having demonstrate that there is a void in the nation’s agricultural sector when it comes to food production. Investing in agricultural biotechnology is the only viable solution to the nation’s hunger crisis. Agricultural output can undergo a substantial scale shift from small to large with the investment of biotech advances.Â
The quality of produce is just as important in adding value to its worth as its quantity. Food production has undergone changes due to the use of biotechnology, genetic engineering, rDNA technology, tissue culture, molecular gene markers, micropropagation, and numerous other techniques.Â
The extension of shelf life is just another benefit of genetically modified agriculture. One such example is the modification of tomatoes, one of the most popular vegetables in the world. Tomatoes, of course, have an expiration date. However, it has been shown that using antisense RNA to change the tomato’s genetic makeup results in a considerably firmer tomato with a longer shelf life.
Apart from offering a superior substitute for processed food, biotechnology also progresses conventional methods of plant development. When paired with other innovative agricultural technologies in the South-Eastern market, it will provide an intriguing and environmentally conscious way to meet customer demand for sustainable agriculture.Â
In summary, agricultural biotechnology holds the potential to improve output, raise agricultural yield, and increase global food security. As soon as governments realize the benefits of genetically modified crops, further green revolutions may come to pass.
