جامعة كربلاء/كلية التربية للعلوم الإنسانية/قسم الجغرافية التطبيقية

م.د. هيام فاضل فتاح

Genetic Engineering in Agriculture: Opportunities and Challenges

Genetic engineering in agriculture is one of the most prominent innovations that have contributed to improving agricultural production and crop development to meet the needs of global food security. Through gene editing, plant disease resistance can be improved, yields increased, food quality improved, and environmental challenges such as drought and salinity can be addressed.
Genetic engineering opportunities in agriculture:
Increase productivity: Crops can be adjusted to increase their yield without having to expand farmland.
Disease and pest resistance: Gene modification to increase plant resistance to diseases and pests reduces the need to use pesticides and chemicals.
Withstand harsh environmental conditions: Crops resistant to drought, salinity, or high temperatures can be developed, contributing to improved agriculture in dry areas.

Improve nutritional value: Genetic engineering can increase the nutrient content of crops such as adding vitamins or other nutrients.
Reduce crop loss after harvest: Modifying plants to make them more resistant to damage may reduce crop waste after harvest.
Challenges of genetic engineering in agriculture:
Environmental concerns: There is concern about the potential environmental impacts of genetic engineering, such as the transfer of modified genes to wild species or the impact on biodiversity.
Food safety: Genetically modified crops may cause unexpected reactions to human or animal health. Although many studies confirm its safety, there are ongoing concerns about its long-term effects.
Potential resistance: Over time, certain pests or diseases may develop resistance to genetically modified plants, threatening the effectiveness of these techniques.

Societal and political opposition: Many countries have restrictions on the use of genetically modified crops, as well as popular opposition due to concerns about the safety or ethical impact of the technology.
R&D costs: Research costs in genetic engineering can be high, challenging small farmers or developing countries to access these technologies.
Abstract
Genetic engineering in agriculture offers many opportunities to improve agricultural production and ensure future food sustainability, but it requires a careful assessment of environmental and health impacts. In the future, the solution may be to combine technology with traditional solutions to balance innovation and sustainability.