How does CRISPR-Cas9 technology enhance precision agriculture through genetic editing?

CRISPR‑Cas9 lets scientists cut and paste tiny pieces of DNA inside a crop’s genome, so they can add or remove genes that control things like drought tolerance or pest resistance. By targeting only the specific gene sequence that matters, the edits stay precise and avoid the random changes that older breeding methods sometimes produce. Farmers can then grow varieties that need less water, resist local pests, or produce higher yields without extra chemicals, which keeps costs down and the environment healthier. For example, researchers used CRISPR‑Cas9 to delete a gene that makes rice produce a bitter taste, creating a sweeter, more marketable grain without altering other traits. This level of accuracy speeds up crop development and makes agriculture more sustainable and profitable.