Many have described the beginning of the 21st century as the
Information Age. Precision farming and biotechnology resulted from the
increased ability to analyse information. Innovations in computing capabilities
and low-cost access to computers have dramatically enhanced the ability to
store and analyse data. In addition, today’s communication networks allow the
rapid exchange of information. Firms can assess consumer demands worldwide,
farmers can produce value-added crops for specific markets, and scientists can
collaborate with researchers around the world to gather and analyse data.
Developments in multiple scientific disciplines have led to
exciting discoveries, and to the origin of several new fields: bioremediation,
nanotechnology, genomics, and bioinformatics. There is no way to predict
exactly how these will affect developing-country agriculture, but they will all
add to the foundation of knowledge on which scientific and technological
discoveries are made. Enhancing the amount of essential amino acids, vitamins,
and minerals in foods is particularly valuable for countries where food sources
are limited.
Bioremediation
Research in both natural and physical sciences has shown
that plants and microbes can be used to remove contaminants from the
environment. Bioremediation techniques are being developed to clean up oil
spills, hazardous wastes, and other pollutants. Enhancing the bio-catalytic
characteristics of some plants would be valuable in particular developing
regions where harsh environments, depleted resources, or unusual habitats
preclude production with current technologies.
Nanotechnology
The development of microscopic tools for imaging and
manipulating single molecules has led to the exciting new field of
nanotechnology. Ultra-small structures and machines are being made of as few as
one molecule. Bio-nanotechnology may give molecular biologists even greater
opportunities to investigate the physiological functions of plants and animals,
which can increase the speed and power of disease diagnosis.
Genomics
Genomics is the study of the genome and the biological roles
genes play, individually and collectively, in determining structure, directing
growth and development, and controlling biological functions. Public and
private projects have generated genome maps and complete deoxyribonucleic acid
(DNA) sequences of several organisms. Two biotechnology companies donated
research results to the international effort to produce a complete genetic map
of rice. Genetic sequence information can be used to develop diagnostic tests,
find genetic markers, identify genetic susceptibilities, and develop
therapeutics. The role genes play in biological functions involves protein production.
Genes exert their effects through proteins, but less is known about the link between
proteins and biological function. Proteomics is the study of the structure,
function, location, and interaction of proteins within and between cells.
Bioinformatics
This
technology uses statistical software, graphics simulation, and database
management to consistently organize, access, process, and integrates data from
different sources. Specific activities may include screening chemical
compounds, identifying potential pharmaceutical drugs, and determining plant
and animal genes to improve sustainable agricultural production. Bioinformatics
has already been used to form international databases that are available to
scientists around the world via the Internet. In this way, the quality of the
data on plants, animals, and microbes can be assessed, and the information made
accessible to researchers in both developed and developing countries.
