Biotechnology in Agriculture and Food Processing: Opportunities and Challenges

The book begins with the fundamental concepts of the role of biotechnology and genomics in agriculture and food processing. Building on this, it then focuses on specific applications of biotechnology in agriculture and includes chapters on plant cell and tissue culture techniques, genetic transformation in crop improvement, and the production of biofertilizers and biopesticides. The authors cover different aspects of biotechnology in food processing such as production of fermented foods, functional foods, enzymes in food processing, production of polysaccharides, production of sweeteners, biocolors and bioflavors, and genetically modified foods. They then examine the management of crop residues and by-products of agro-industries, comprising mushroom production and value addition to agro-industrial wastes and residues.

Biotechnology has been recognized as one of the key technologies for increasing economic growth. With chapters written by leading experts in this field, the book provides a better understanding of how biotechnology applications can reduce production costs, improve productivity, and enhance product quality in the agro food processing sector.