Agricultural biotechnology comprises everything used to manipulate organisms used in agriculture

Application is the increase of yields but there are other possibilities

The introduction of genes that give greater nutritional value

Genes in plants can be modified to withstand harsh environmental conditions and diseases

Scientists can develop genes resistant to herbicides and pesticides

Farmers could use them to wipe out pests or weeds

There are also criticisms moved against genetic modification

Long term effects and the impact on other species can't be foreseen

Biotechnology could decrease biodiversity if some crops are abandoned in favour of modified ones

It is important to evaluate both benefits and risks