Current Research in Agriculture and Farming (CRAF)
Year : 2024, Volume 5, Issue 4
First page : 24-31
Article doi: : http://dx.doi.org/10.18782/2582-7146.292
Role of Microbial Biotechnology in Enhancing Agricultural Productivity
1Ph.D. Research Scholar, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, RCA, MPUAT, Udaipur 2Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural Botany, Hariom Saraswati (P.G) College, Dhanauri, Haridwar, Uttrakhand 3Research Scholar, Department of School of life Sciences and Biotechnology, Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj University, Kanpur 4Research Scholar, Department of Biotechnology, RVSKVV Gwalior 5Ph.D. Scholar, Department of Horticulture (Fruit Science), RCA, MPUAT, Udaipur 6Breeder-Maize, R&D, Nu Genes Pvt Ltd, Hyderabad, Telangana *Corresponding Author E-mail: poojaludhani5@gmail.com Received: 3.06.2024 | Revised: 19.07.2024 | Accepted: 9.08.2024
ABSTRACT
Microbial biotechnology has emerged as a transformative approach for enhancing agricultural productivity and promoting sustainable farming practices. This review paper examines the diverse roles of beneficial microorganisms, including plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), mycorrhizal fungi, nitrogen-fixing bacteria, phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms, and biocontrol agents, in improving crop yield, soil health, and plant resilience to biotic and abiotic stresses. The mechanisms underlying microbial interactions with plants, such as biological nitrogen fixation, phytohormone production, siderophore synthesis, and induced systemic resistance, are critically discussed. Furthermore, the paper highlights recent advances in biofertilizer and biopesticide development, genetic engineering of microorganisms, and the growing global market for microbial agricultural products. Challenges including strain viability, regulatory hurdles, and farmer adoption are addressed alongside future perspectives integrating microbial biotechnology with precision agriculture and emerging technologies.
