Bio-technology which is often referred as a new science is in fact as old as human evolution. The immortal drink of gods called "Sura" was prepared by fermentation of special grains. The preparation of cheese, curd, wine etc., is all the miraculous work of tiny microorganisms which are omnipresent and omnipotent. The fine idly and dosa in our kitchen and baking of bread and cake are also wonderful works of microorganisms releasing CO2 during fermentation. In the past these products were produced even without the knowledge of biotechnology. Today it is inevitable to use microorganisms on a very large scale to produce many commercially useful products for the benefit of mankind. 
Many pharmaceuticals, biological, therapeutics and diagnostics are today dependent on the application of bio technology. Bio technology is used for production of genetically modified organisms, processed foods, bioremediation, waste treatment and energy production. Biotechnology is mainly used in the fields of food production and health.
Green Revolution:
The word "Green Revolution" was given by William Gaud, the director of USAID (United States Agency for International Development).
Green Revolution refers to the dramatic increase in agricultural production due to use of improved varieties, chemical fertilizers and pesticides, improved irrigational practices and agricultural management practices. Norman Borlaug initiated this revolution and is known as "Father of Green Revolution". He developed many high yielding varieties of wheat by hybridization and showed increased yields using chemical fertilizers and better irrigation and management practices in agriculture.
The Green Revolution was launched successfully in India due to the efforts of M.S. Swaminathan. M.S. Swaminathan is referred to as "The father of Green Revolution in India". He established Rice Research Institute at Cuttack and promoted research in developing new varieties to increase yields. The result of Green Revolution was increase in yield of crops. But Green Revolution led to harmful effects on environment and made agriculture expensive.
The indiscriminate use of fertilizers and pesticides are making the soils infertile and polluted with toxins. The food chains also got damaged due to the loss of bio diversity.
Residual effects of these chemicals are seen in cattle and humans. Air pollution due to heavy pollutants released into the air from chemical fertilizer industry is a major problem which emerged from green revolution. Above all the green revolution is said to have benefited the large scale farmers but little benefit is accrued to the small farmers. The cost of seeds and fertilizers has become unbearable to the farmers today. Further increase in yields by hybridization and other conventional methods is not possible and hence there is a need to revise green revolution. Organic farming and gene revolution have emerged due to the present day needs to meet the demands of growing human population.
Gene Revolution:
► Green Revolution may be defined as "The increase in food production by using improved varieties, chemical pesticides and fertilizers, improved irrigational facilities, better agricultural and land reforms".
► Though it helped in increasing food supply, it created harmful effects on environment and the agrochemicals proved to be very expensive to the small and marginal farmers.
► William Gaud (director of United States Agency for International Development-USAID) gave the term "Green Revolution".
Norman Borlaug is considered as the "Father of Green Revolution".
Dr.M.S. Swaminathan is responsible for the success of Green Revolution in India.
► Gene Revolution may be defined as "The increase in food production by using biotechnology and genetic engineering methods minimizing the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides".
► It helps in systematic transfer of genes from one species to another which may not be possible in nature.
► Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are the result of gene revolution.
► Plants which are genetically modified by using genetic engineering methods are called Genetically Modified Plants (GMPs)
Uses of GMPs / Applications of Transgenic plants / Applications of biotechnology in Agriculture
► Plants with desirable characters created through gene transfer methods are called transgenic plants.
► The Genetically Modified Plants (GMPs) are high yielding and disease resistant.
► Transgenic papaya is resistant to papaya ring spot virus.
► Transgenic tomato is resistant to Pseudomonas bacteria.
► Transgenic potato is resistant to the fungus Phytophthora infestans that causes late blight.
► Pest resistant varieties like Bt cotton, Bt corn, Bt rice, Bt tomato etc., have been produced by using toxin producing genes from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis.
► They are tolerant to abiotic stresses like cold, drought, salt and heat.
e.g.: Basmati rice and Roundup ready soya bean (herbicide resistant).
► They minimize post-harvest losses.
► They show high mineral use efficiency.
► They also possess higher nutritive value.
e.g.: Vitamin A enriched rice called golden rice from Taipei prevents blindness.
► Male sterility is also induced in transgenic plants which eliminates the problem of manual emasculation and cost of hybrid seed production.
► Molecular farming uses plants as bioreactors to produce industrially starch, fuels, pharmaceuticals etc.,
► Transgenic plants are used as bioreactors to produce industrially useful products like insulin, interferon, hormones, antibodies etc.,
Pest Resistant Plants
► Pest resistant plants are produced by inserting toxin producing genes from bacteria like Bacillus thuringiensis.
► These genes produce pro toxins which are not harmful to the bacteria or the plant but they get converted into toxins in the gut of insect pests and kill them.
► For example cryIAc and cryIIAb genes control cotton boll worms cryIAb controls corn borer.
► Genes from Agrobacterium vectors are used for RNA interference (RNAi) to control nematode parasites like Meloidegyne incognitia that infects roots of tobacco plants.
Other Applications of Biotechnology:
► Biotechnology is used for commercial production of insulin, interferons and vaccines.
► Vitamins and antibiotics are produced at low cost by using bio technology.
► Gene therapy is used for treating hereditary diseases.
► Early diagnosis of diseases is possible with many methods of bio technology like PCR and ELISA.
► Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is used to amplify the DNA and detect the presence of pathogen even at very low concentration.
e. g.: HIV and Hepatitis B detection.
► ELISA (Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay) is used to detect a pathogen by using antigen-antibody reaction.
► DNA finger printing is used to solve parental disputes and also in identification of criminals.
Bio-safety and Ethical issues:
Genetic engineering has posed new problems related to environment, evolution and human safety. Some of the problems posed by bio technology are:
► Transfer of allergins or toxins from GMOs to humans and animals.
► Changes in fundamental nature of fruits and vegetables.
► Changes in bio-diversity limiting natural species due to drastic multiplication of modified organisms.
► Adverse impact on environment.
► Risk of gene pollution causing production of super weeds.
► Change in natural evolutionary pattern.
► Creates issues on patent rights and bio piracy.
e.g.: Patent rights on Basmati rice, Turmeric and Neem.
GEAC (Genetic Engineering Approval Committee) is aimed at making decision regarding the validity of GM research and safety of introducing GM organisms for public services. The Indian Parliament cleared the Second amendment of Indian Patents Bill to consider the issues of patent terms, emergency provisions and research and development initiatives.
This bill helps in developing laws to prevent unauthorised exploitation of bio-resources and traditional knowledge.
