Drought-resistant maize

Definition

Drought-resistant maize is a genetically modified or selectively bred variety of maize that has been developed to withstand periods of low water availability. This innovation is particularly important for enhancing food security in regions susceptible to drought, as it ensures higher yields despite challenging environmental conditions, contributing significantly to agricultural sustainability.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Drought-resistant maize can improve yields by up to 30% in drought-prone areas compared to traditional maize varieties.
2. This type of maize has been engineered or bred using traditional methods to enhance traits like root depth and water-use efficiency.
3. Adopting drought-resistant maize can help farmers reduce their reliance on irrigation, lowering costs and conserving water resources.
4. Countries heavily impacted by climate change are increasingly turning to drought-resistant maize to combat food scarcity and ensure stable production.
5. Research and development in biotechnology have played a critical role in advancing the cultivation of drought-resistant maize across different agro-ecological zones.

Review Questions

• How does drought-resistant maize improve agricultural productivity in regions affected by water scarcity?
  • Drought-resistant maize enhances agricultural productivity by being able to survive and yield crops during periods of low water availability. This resilience allows farmers to maintain or increase their harvests even when faced with insufficient rainfall, ensuring that food supply remains stable. Additionally, this type of maize typically requires less irrigation, reducing costs for farmers and promoting sustainable farming practices.
• Evaluate the impact of drought-resistant maize on food security and sustainability in vulnerable regions.
  • Drought-resistant maize significantly impacts food security by providing a reliable crop option for farmers in areas prone to drought. This innovation not only helps secure food supplies during challenging weather conditions but also promotes sustainability by reducing dependence on water-intensive farming methods. By ensuring consistent yields, this maize variety supports local economies and can contribute to reducing poverty in vulnerable regions.
• Critically assess the ethical implications and potential risks associated with the widespread adoption of genetically modified drought-resistant maize.
  • The widespread adoption of genetically modified drought-resistant maize raises various ethical implications and potential risks. Concerns include the impact on biodiversity, as monoculture practices may diminish genetic diversity among crops. Additionally, there are debates about intellectual property rights and access for smallholder farmers who may not afford patented seeds. A critical assessment should consider both the potential benefits for food security and the socio-economic consequences for farming communities, prompting discussions on equitable access and responsible innovation in agricultural biotechnology.

Related terms

Genetic modification: A technology used to alter the genetic makeup of organisms, enabling the introduction of specific traits such as drought resistance in crops.

Food security: The state of having reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food, which can be threatened by climate change and environmental factors.

Sustainable agriculture: Farming practices that meet current food needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, often involving innovations like drought-resistant crops.