Plants, bacteria, fungi and animals whose genes have been altered by manipulation are called Genetically Modified Organisms $(GMO)$. $GM$ plants have been useful in many ways. Genetic modification has:
$(i)$   made crops more tolerant to abiotic stresses (cold, drought, salt, heat).
$(ii)$   reduced reliance on chemical pesticides (pest-resistant crops).
$(iii)$   helped to reduce post harvest losses.
$(iv)$   increased efficiency of mineral usage by plants (this prevents early exhaustion of fertility of soil).
$(v)$   enhanced nutritional value of food, e.g., Vitamin $‘A’$ enriched rice.