(N/A) With the ever-increasing population of the world, the enhancement of food production is a major necessity. This is achieved by applying biological principles to animal husbandry and plant breeding.
Following are the three options to increase food production:
$(a)$ Single Cell Proteins $(SCP)$: The biomass obtained from microorganisms can be treated or processed in industry to be used as food. Example: $Spirulina$.
Merits of $SCP$: $(i)$ It uses organic and industrial waste, which reduces pollution. $(ii)$ It is a rich source of protein, fulfilling the dietary demands of human beings.
Demerits of $SCP$: $(i)$ It may sometimes cause allergic reactions. $(ii)$ Some microbes produce toxic substances.
$(b)$ Biofortification: This is the method of developing crops with higher levels of vitamins, minerals, healthier fats, and proteins to improve public health. Example: Golden rice.
Merits of Biofortification: $(i)$ It can increase yields on the same or less acreage. $(ii)$ It significantly improves nutritional value.
Demerits of Biofortification: $(i)$ Successful implementation requires safe delivery systems, stable policies, and appropriate social infrastructure. $(ii)$ It requires continuous financial support.
$(c)$ Tissue Culture: It is an $in$ $vitro$ technique for the regeneration of an entire plant from any part of the plant by culturing it on a nutrient medium under aseptic conditions. It is also called micropropagation.
Merits of Tissue Culture: $(i)$ Many genetically identical plants can be grown in a short period. $(ii)$ Through meristem culture, virus-free plants can be produced. $(iii)$ Seedless plants can be produced. $(iv)$ Plants that fail to reproduce sexually can be grown through somatic hybridization.
Demerits of Tissue Culture: $(i)$ It is an expensive technique. $(ii)$ It requires special expertise. $(iii)$ It requires a hardening process for plants to adapt to the external environment.