Answer:

Just as the Green Revolution was made possible by multiple technologies, such as higher-yielding food crops, more efficient IRRIGATION, fertilisers and pesticides, the second Green Revolution will be made possible by numerous innovations.

While the Green Revolution is arguably still ongoing in PARTS of the world, most notably sub-Saharan Africa, other regions have reached a barrier and a new wave of research and development is required if agricultural production is to sustainably increase.

Genetic modification has mainly been applied to crop production where it is mainly used for the control of pests and disease. In livestock it is used to speed up the rate of maturation or MAKE animals more resistant to disease.

Diligent testing, regulation and oversight of genetically modified food will help reduce any possible associated risk.

Summary

The genetic modification of food is heavily politicised and there are numerous arguments for and against the practice. Proponents of genetically modified (GM) food claim that it will increase food security, primarily by making agriculture more efficient, while detractors argue that the technology is potentially dangerous and the cultivation of GM food could have unforeseen consequences that will ULTIMATELY prove detrimental to food security. By examining the use of GM in plant and livestock agriculture, this paper will consider both sides of the debate. Ultimately, some varieties of GM food have the potential to strengthen global food security while others are likely to be self-defeating in the long-term.

Analysis

Genetic engineering, which involves the modification of the genetic makeup of living organisms, has been practiced for over 40 years and commercial applications have been available for the last two decades. Biotechnology, of which genetic engineering is a part, is a relatively young field and it is yet to reach its full potential. Equally, however, the possibility of unintended or unforeseen problems arising from the technology remains and it would be IRRESPONSIBLE to rush into the widespread production of GM food without first testing the safety of each product.

Just as the first Green Revolution was composed of multiple innovations that improved agricultural production, the second Green Revolution will also be made up of many technologies, one of which is likely to be genetic engineering.