What defines climate-resilient crops?

Crops defined as climate-resilient are specifically those that have been modified or bred to withstand various climate-related stresses, such as drought, heat, cold, salinity, and pest pressures that arise as a result of changing environmental conditions. This resilience ensures that these crops can maintain productivity even when faced with challenges brought by climate change, thus contributing to food security and sustainable agriculture.

The development of climate-resilient crops often employs techniques such as genetic modification, traditional breeding, or marker-assisted selection to incorporate traits that enhance their ability to cope with adverse environmental conditions. By improving the resilience of crops to these stresses, agricultural systems can remain productive and viable, particularly in regions that are increasingly affected by climate variability.

Other options focus on aspects that do not align with the definition of climate resilience. For example, crops that require more water would not be considered resilient in areas facing water scarcity, while crops that grow only in specific climates may lack adaptability to changing conditions. Finally, while a shorter growth cycle can be beneficial in some contexts, it does not inherently confer resilience to climate stresses.