Genetic manipulationis a process where the gene for a particular character is introduced inside the chromosome of a cell. When the gene for a particular character is introduced in a plant cell, a transgenic plant is produced. These transgenic plants exhibit characters governed by the newly introduced gene. Genetic manipulation helps in obtaining desirable agronomic characters like Dwarfness in cereals and tallness and profuse branching in fodder crops.

Genetic manipulation, also known as genetic engineering or genetic modification, is a process that involves altering the genetic material of an organism. This is done by introducing specific genes or modifying existing ones, allowing scientists to create desired traits or characteristics in organisms.

**Benefits of Genetic Manipulation in Agriculture:**

1. **Improved Crop Yield:** One of the primary goals of genetic manipulation in agriculture is to enhance crop productivity. By introducing genes that promote increased photosynthesis, disease resistance, or tolerance to environmental factors such as drought or salinity, scientists can develop crops that yield higher quantities of food.

2. **Pest and Disease Resistance:** Genetic manipulation allows for the incorporation of genes from other organisms that possess natural resistance to pests and diseases. By introducing these genes into crops, they can be made more resistant to harmful insects, viruses, fungi, or bacteria, reducing the need for chemical pesticides and minimizing crop losses.

3. **Enhanced Nutritional Content:** Genetic manipulation can be used to improve the nutritional quality of crops. By introducing genes that enhance the production of specific vitamins, minerals, or essential nutrients, scientists can develop crops that have increased nutritional value, addressing deficiencies in certain populations.

4. **Environmental Adaptation:** Climate change and environmental challenges pose significant threats to agriculture. Genetic manipulation enables the development of crops that are more resilient and adaptable to changing environmental conditions. By introducing genes that confer tolerance to temperature extremes, water scarcity, or soil nutrient deficiencies, crops can better withstand adverse conditions.

5. **Improved Shelf Life and Post-Harvest Qualities:** Genetic manipulation can help enhance the shelf life and post-harvest qualities of agricultural produce. By introducing genes that slow down the ripening process or reduce susceptibility to decay, crops can remain fresh for longer periods, reducing food waste and improving marketability.

6. **Reduced Dependency on Chemical Inputs:** Through genetic manipulation, crops can be engineered to be more self-sufficient and less reliant on external inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides. This can lead to reduced environmental pollution, lower production costs, and more sustainable agricultural practices.

In summary, genetic manipulation in agriculture offers numerous benefits including increased crop yield, pest and disease resistance, improved nutritional content, environmental adaptation, improved post-harvest qualities, and reduced dependency on chemical inputs. These advancements contribute to more sustainable and efficient agricultural practices, helping to address global food security challenges.