It is expected that global warming over the years would affect the water supplies around the world. Realizing this, researchers have gone ahead and created drought resistant varieties crops which will require minimum quantity of water. Researchers are genetically sequencing a weed like plant and in around 125 million base pairs, researchers at the Mendal Biotechnology have identified more than a dozen genes which will be able to control drought tolerance.
Laboratory tests showed that the plants produced more without losing much water. Though these crops could be effective in preventing water shortage but the biggest roadblock would be consumer acceptance since it has not been proved up till now scientifically whether these crops are safe or not.
Frank Egger, former Fairfax mayor said:
Genetically engineered products are not labeled, and the public has a right to know what they’re eating. The consumer has a right to know.
This drought resistant variety is expected to land up on the dinner table of the consumers within a period of ten years.
Via abclocal