What is the primary goal of agricultural biotechnology?

The primary goal of agricultural biotechnology is to increase crop yield and resistance. This approach utilizes techniques such as genetic engineering, which allows for the modification of crops at the DNA level to enhance desirable traits. By improving crop yield, farmers can produce more food on the same amount of land, which is essential given the growing global population and the increasing demand for food. Resistance to diseases, pests, and environmental stresses is also a significant focus of agricultural biotechnology, as these factors can severely impact productivity.

Increasing crop yield and resistance directly addresses challenges in agriculture, such as climate change and limited arable land, thereby contributing to more sustainable farming practices. The other options, while they may be outcomes or benefits of various agricultural advancements, are not the primary focus of agricultural biotechnology. For instance, reducing farming costs can be a result of higher efficiency due to better crop performance but is not the primary goal in and of itself. Similarly, while managing pest populations is critical, the objective is not to eliminate pests entirely but to create crops that can withstand pest pressures. Finally, enhancing soil fertility is important but not directly tied to the core focus of biotechnology, which mainly aims to improve the plants themselves rather than soil health directly.