Because genetically modified crops are more resilient to environmental shocks and leave less of an ecological impact when grown, they can be an important part of the solution to environmental problems. Drought-resistant genetically modified crops, such as specific types of rice and maize, can flourish in areas with limited water resources, guaranteeing food security even in the face of unpredictable rainfall patterns. Water resources are conserved since these crops require less irrigation.
Another illustration is the production of a bacterial toxin (Bacillus thuringiensis) by pest-resistant genetically modified crops, such Bt corn and cotton, which is safe for people and wildlife but hazardous to some pests. This lowers the use for chemical pesticides, protecting beneficial insect populations and reducing contamination of the land and water.
Furthermore, it is possible to modify GM crops to increase their nutrient-use efficiency. Nitrogen-efficient genetically modified crops, for example, require less fertilizer to grow, reducing the danger of nutrient runoff that causes eutrophication of waterways and greenhouse gas emissions from fertilizer production.
GM crops that can withstand salt are also important, particularly in regions where soil salinization from irrigation and climate change is a problem. Arable area can be increased by growing these crops in saline soils where traditional crops are unable to thrive.
In conclusion, genetically modified crops (GM) contribute to sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation by increasing crop resilience, decreasing reliance on agrochemicals, and increasing arable area. These novel approaches to environmental concerns are noteworthy.