The advancement of technology has driven innovation across all aspects of human life, streamlining processes to make life easier and more efficient. This ease of living has facilitated access to advanced tools, equipment, and machines, fostering further research and development.
The journey began with the Industrial Revolution in 1760, which marked a pivotal shift from manual to machine-based production through the use of steam power. This revolution prompted significant migration from rural agrarian communities to urban centers, where factories became the new hubs of productivity.
The third industrial revolution brought the concept of a “global village” to life, ushering in the digital age through the transition from mechanical and analog technologies to digital electronics. This era saw a surge in electronic innovations that transformed global connectivity.
Today, the ongoing fourth industrial revolution—a fusion of physical, digital, and biological technologies—has made profound impacts across industries and continues to reshape the way humans interact with the world.
In agriculture, technology has played a pivotal role since the Industrial Revolution, evolving alongside it. Agriculture and technology are intrinsically linked because food is fundamental to human existence.
Technological advancements have significantly influenced crop evolution and processing. For example, maize, commonly known as corn, evolved from the wild grass teosinte through artificial selection by ancient humans.
Today, the global demand for high-quality corn has driven the adoption of modern technologies to enhance its efficiency, quality, and sustainability. Innovations such as precision farming reduce errors and minimize aflatoxin contamination—a critical threat to food security and public health for farming-dependent households.
At the intersection of technology and agriculture lies biotechnology. Biotechnology leverages scientific knowledge of biology to manipulate living organisms or their components for specific purposes. This includes traditional breeding techniques, as well as modern methods for developing microorganisms to improve agricultural outcomes.
While the term “biotechnology” gained popularity in the late 1970s, its roots trace back centuries. Ancient Egyptians used yeast to bake bread, the Chinese developed fermentation techniques for brewing and cheesemaking, and the Aztecs utilized Spirulina algae for food.
In the modern era, biotechnology has enabled the mass production of useful substances such as antibiotics, enzymes, and biofuels through processes like fermentation. It has also optimized the production of insulin and biodegradable plastics using bioreactors. Moreover, biotechnology has revolutionized crop production through genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Since the 1980s, GMOs have improved crop yields, starting with the first genetically modified plant and the approval of microbial enzymes for food manufacturing. GM crops were introduced in the United States in 1994 with the Flavr Savr tomato, designed to delay ripening and spoilage. Today, GM crops are cultivated on vast swathes of land worldwide, enhancing photosynthesis, improving plant growth, and increasing biomass production.
Biotechnology also protects crops from diseases and pests, reducing reliance on chemical fungicides and insecticides that can harm soil nutrients. Herbicide-tolerant crops, developed through genetic modification, allow farmers to manage weeds more efficiently without damaging crops. Additionally, biotechnology enriches crops with essential vitamins and minerals, addressing malnutrition and improving public health. For instance, iron-enhanced beans and high-protein crops benefit both human nutrition and animal feed. Genetic modifications also extend shelf life, reduce post-harvest losses, and maintain nutritional value.
By lowering farming costs and reducing the need for pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, biotechnology supports food security and enhances farmer profits. Crops produced through biotechnology often yield higher-quality harvests, creating new market opportunities. As the global population is projected to reach nine billion by 2050, biotechnology offers solutions to ensure a stable and sufficient food supply. Its resilience to climate change further supports continuous food production, even under environmental challenges.
In Nigeria, these advancements hold immense potential to enhance agricultural productivity, sustainability, and economic viability. Biotechnology could address critical challenges such as pest resistance, climate change, and food security. Leveraging these innovations would position Nigeria as a leader in agricultural growth and development on the global stage.