Genetically modified millet can play critical roles in climate smart agriculture through increasing climate change adaptation and mitigation. Genetical modified millets is enhanced for a drought tolerance, pest and heat resistance in the face of changing climatic conditions. Genetical modified millets can also easily escape extreme weather conditions. Through these aforementioned processes, genetically modified millets can increase resilience to the climate change impacts.

Genetical modified millet can also provide higher yield, enhanced in its nutritional content, improved in water use efficiency and lower input requirement (fertilizer, chemicals and water).

I have tried to mention something about the potential benefits of genetical modified millets in Climate smart agriculture. Here I want to add something about the potential risks about genetical modified millets.

Genetical modified millets can cause biodiversity loss. It can lead to a reduction in genetic diversity, as farmers may favor certain modified varieties over traditional ones, potentially threatening local ecosystems. There can also loss in market demand and acceptance under the communities who have different cultures.

Himanshu Tiwari

Genetically modified (GM) millets offer potential benefits like increased drought resistance, yield, and nutritional content, crucial for climate-smart agriculture. However, risks include potential for unintended ecological consequences, like herbicide resistance, and the possibility of long-term effects on biodiversity and human health.

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Potential Benefits of Genetically Modified (GM) Millets in Climate-Smart Agriculture:

• Improved Climate Resilience: Enhanced tolerance to drought, heat and salinity.
• Higher Yields: Boosts productivity under stress conditions.
• Nutritional Enhancement: Biofortified millets with higher iron, zinc or protein.
• Reduced Chemical Use: Built-in pest and disease resistance lowers pesticide need.

Potential Risks:

• Environmental Impact: Possible gene flow to wild relatives and loss of biodiversity.
• Food Safety Concerns: Uncertainty about long-term health effects.
• Farmer Dependency: Reliance on patented seeds and multinational biotech firms.
• Regulatory and Public Acceptance Issues: Resistance due to ethical, cultural or labeling concerns.