Biotechnology is an interdisciplinary field that involves the use of live organisms or enzymes from organisms to produce products and processes useful to humans.
Achievement in Biotechnology:
- Biotechnology is used to produce genetically modified crops that are resistant to pests, improve crop yield, and have higher nutritional value. For example, Bt Cotton, GM Soyabean, etc.
- Recombinant DNA techniques are used to produce a number of medicines like Insulin, etc.
- Biotechnology is also employed in waste management and reducing pollution. For example, Phytoremediation uses plants for the removal, degradation, or containment of contaminants in soils, groundwater, etc.
- Biotechnology is used for the diagnosis of a number of diseases. For instance, RT-PCR is based on genetic amplification to detect the presence of viruses like Dengue, SARS, etc.
- Development of RNA (mRNA) based vaccine is used to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Biotechnology is also at forefront of Assisted Reproductive Technologies like IVF, Test tube babies, etc.
Role of Biotech in Uplifting Poor’s
- Biotechnology is helping to increase the income of marginal farmers by increasing crop yield and making them climate and pest resilient.
- The development of medicines using Biotech is reducing healthcare expenditure for the poor. E.g; the cost of Insulin has come down.
- Biotechnology is also helping in the conversion of waste into assets for the poor. E.g.; Bio-composting turns waste into valuable fertilizer.
- The poor suffer the most from pollution. Biotechnology also helps in reducing pollution and thus alleviates their suffering. E.g.; Bioremediation techniques help clean landfills around slums.
- Biotechnology also helps in increasing the shelf life of food products which in turn keeps their price in check for the poor.
Biotechnology is a revolutionary field that has the potential to alleviate poverty and hunger. However, there is a need to equitably distribute its benefits among all strata of society.
