Biotechnology to boost agro productivity

With the world's population rising rapidly, the challenge of feeding billions of hungry mouths has reached a critical point. Meeting this demand will require a dramatic increase in agricultural productivity -- nearly double the current levels -- within the next decade. Achieving this feat calls for a transformative shift in agricultural practices, moving beyond conventional methods to embrace scientific innovations, most notably those related to biotechnology.

The imperative to reinvigorate agricultural research has gained prominence across the globe. Not only in countries where arable land is limited, but even in those with abundant farmland, biotechnology is being recognised as a vital tool for increasing crop yields and ensuring food security. The past few decades have seen unprecedented advancements in agricultural technology, leading to significant changes in cultivation practices and substantial increases in the yield of nearly all crop varieties.

In Bangladesh, the agricultural landscape has evolved from purely traditional practices to a mix of conventional and semi-intensive methods, largely influenced by the commendable efforts of local researchers. These efforts have yielded results -- particularly in developing high-yield seed varieties and promoting balanced fertiliser use -- but yet to make a substantial leap in productivity. The next logical frontier is the adoption of genetically modified (GM) crops, which have been successfully deployed in many countries to boost output and combat environmental stresses.

As a land-scarce country with a growing population, Bangladesh faces the pressing need to maximise productivity not only of staple grains but also of horticultural crops that diversify diets and enhance nutrition. The country has witnessed a remarkable threefold increase in grain production between 1975 and 2020. Despite this success, the sector grapples with numerous structural constraints: small and fragmented landholdings, declining soil fertility, and stressors such as drought, salinity, and periodic flooding. Moreover, the availability of cultivable land is shrinking steadily due to urbanisation and environmental degradation. Presently, Bangladesh has only 8.3 million hectares of land available for crop production.

In this challenging context, experts increasingly advocate for biotechnology as a means to overcome yield barriers and environmental stresses. Biotechnology offers powerful tools not just for agriculture but also for allied sectors like fisheries, livestock, forestry, food processing, and pharmaceuticals. It is widely seen as a cornerstone of sustainable agricultural development in the 21st century.

Over the past few decades, technological advancement and agricultural modernisation have gone hand in hand. Notably, breakthroughs in genetic engineering have allowed scientists to manipulate crops at the molecular level to improve yield, resilience, and nutritional value. These advancements have largely benefited developed countries, where food security is taken for granted. In contrast, developing and underdeveloped nations continue to grapple with hunger, malnutrition, and poverty. Therefore, it is imperative to formulate inclusive policies that ensure biotechnology benefits reach the global south, helping it to enhance productivity sustainably and equitably.

Biotechnology has enabled the development of crops with enhanced qualities such as disease resistance and drought tolerance. By identifying and transferring beneficial genes from one species to another, researchers have created crop varieties that can withstand harsh environmental conditions and pest attacks. This has significantly reduced reliance on chemical pesticides, thereby lowering production costs and minimising ecological damage. For instance, genetically modified varieties of corn, cotton, and potato have been engineered to produce proteins that are toxic to specific insect pests, offering built-in protection. In some cases, these bioengineered crops offer superior and more cost-effective pest control than traditional chemical methods. Farmers benefit from increased yields and lower input costs, while consumers gain from stable food supplies and potentially lower prices.

However, despite the promising advantages, concerns have been raised about the possible long-term effects of transgenic crops on human health, biodiversity, and ecosystems. Critics argue that insufficient attention has been paid to these issues, urging a more cautious and evidence-based approach. This is a valid concern that underscores the importance of robust regulatory frameworks and rigorous scientific evaluation before the widespread adoption of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

In Bangladesh, where biotechnology is at a nascent stage, a careful yet proactive strategy is essential. The country's scientific community must strike a balance between innovation and caution, ensuring that bio-safety protocols are strictly followed while fostering an enabling environment for research and development. Public awareness campaigns, transparent communication and stakeholder consultations are critical to building trust and acceptance of biotechnological innovations among farmers and consumers.

Ultimately, the road to agricultural sustainability and food security cannot ignore the potential of biotechnology. By integrating biotechnological solutions with ecologically sound agricultural practices, countries like Bangladesh can hope to meet the dual challenge of feeding a growing population and preserving natural resources.

The future of agriculture lies in smart innovation -- one that merges science with sustainability, technology with tradition, and productivity with ecological balance. Biotechnology, if responsibly harnessed, could very well be the catalyst that takes agro productivity to its next frontier.

wasiahmed.bd@gmail.com