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 * 1) 5 The costs and the benefit of genetic engineering.

PROS

Genetic Engineered plants have better nutritional qualities and an increased of yield. They can repel pests and survive in a relatively harsh climatic conditions and can produce a totally new substance like proteins. Biotechnology can be used to slow down the process of food spoilage, thus resulting in fruits and vegetables having a longer shelf life.

CONS

Genetic Engineering involves contaminating genes in your crops and may prove harmful for natural plants, they also may lead to allergies. While increasing the immunity to diseases, the resistance genes may get transferred to harmful pathogens.


 * 1) 8 Alternatives to the way we practice crop agriculture

Short Term Issues: Smaller farmers are more interested in minimizing risk than maximizing productivity because they need to feed themselves and their families. Pests and diseases consume about 30% of the world’s harvest each year. Growing for market is important for livelihoods and well-being.

Medium Term Issues: Sustainability in the face of changing conditions requires farming systems that are adaptable and flexible. Coping with climate change is probably the greatest challenge facing poor farmers. Agricultural biodiversity will be an essential element in coping with climate change. Almost everywhere, conditions for agriculture will be different then those that dominate today. The Genebanks store, study and send around the world samples of the huge diversity of crop varieties. The 11 genebanks hold nearly 650,000 accessions, 11% of the world’s samples of crop plant diversity.

Long Term Issues: The long term future will be as indispensable then as it is now that is why conservation remains a bioversity priority. Genebanks play a key role in collecting and conserving plant genetic diversity.