ABSTRACT

The challenges of food security and environmental sustainability are significant obstacles facing global agriculture today. However, CRISPR technology (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) is emerging as a transformative tool for improving crops. It allows scientists to make precise genetic modifications that enhance essential traits like yield, disease resistance, and nutritional quality. This review delves into how CRISPR can help develop crops that are better equipped to handle various stresses, while also addressing the growing food demands of a diverse global population. At its core, CRISPR technology involves a guided RNA system that directs the Cas9 enzyme to specific locations in the genome, enabling targeted gene editing. Unlike traditional breeding methods, which can be slow and cumbersome, CRISPR offers a fast-track approach to developing new crop varieties through precise genetic changes. Successful applications, particularly in staple crops like rice and soybean, show impressive gains in yield, nutritional content, and disease resilience. The importance of improving crops with CRISPR extends beyond productivity; it has significant implications for food security. With the global population on the rise, it's critical to increase both the yield and nutritional value of crops, especially in resource limited settings. Additionally, CRISPR technology can lead to a reduction in chemical inputs, thereby promoting ecological sustainability. However, the integration of CRISPR into agriculture brings its own set of regulatory hurdles and public perception challenges. Varied regulations around genetically modified organisms (GMOs) across different countries can hinder the adoption of CRISPR-enhanced crops. Addressing public concerns about genetic editing is crucial for building consumer trust and ensuring informed acceptance of these biotechnological innovations. The review highlights the implications of genome editing on biodiversity and the impact on smallholder farmers and indigenous communities. Ensuring transparency, engaging the public, and providing equitable access to CRISPR technologies are essential for fostering ethical practices in agriculture. CRISPR technology represents a significant leap forward in creating sustainable agricultural solutions. By enabling targeted enhancements in crop yield, disease resistance, and nutritional quality, CRISPR aligns with the overarching goals of improving food security. Moving ahead, collaboration among researchers, regulators, and farmers will be key to maximizing the advantages of this revolutionary technology, helping to develop resilient agricultural systems ready to tackle future challenges. Ongoing evaluation of regulations and active public engagement will be vital in guiding the integration of CRISPR in sustainable agriculture and ensuring its positive influence on global food systems.