In agricultural biotechnology, which of the following is an important objective of applying biotechnological techniques to crop plants?

Introduction / Context:
Biotechnology has become an important tool in modern agriculture, allowing scientists to modify plants at the genetic level to improve their performance. These improvements can target yield, resistance to pests and diseases, tolerance to environmental stresses, and quality traits such as nutritional content. Exams often ask about the main objectives of using biotechnology in the agricultural sector. This question focuses on identifying a realistic and widely recognised goal of agricultural biotechnology.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question deals with objectives of biotechnology in agriculture.
• The options mention pest resistance, nitrogen content, seed number, plant weight, and complete elimination of inputs.
• We assume standard practices such as developing genetically improved crop varieties.
• We also assume knowledge of what biotechnology can practically achieve in fields and farms.

Concept / Approach:
A key objective of agricultural biotechnology is to develop crop varieties that are more resistant to pests, diseases, and environmental stresses while maintaining or increasing yield and quality. Examples include insect resistant cotton and pest resistant brinjal, which reduce the need for chemical pesticides. Biotechnology can also be used to enhance nutritional content and improve post harvest traits. The overall aim is to produce better performing plant varieties that support sustainable agriculture. Options suggesting unrealistic goals such as greatly increasing atmospheric nitrogen or eliminating all fertilizers do not reflect practical or current targets of biotechnology. Therefore, producing pest resistant and high yielding plant varieties is the most accurate objective listed.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that biotechnology allows targeted modification of plant genomes to introduce useful traits. Step 2: Consider examples of genetically modified crops, such as insect resistant Bt cotton, which illustrate pest resistance as a key goal. Step 3: Recognise that farmers and researchers aim to maintain or increase yield while reducing crop losses from pests and diseases. Step 4: Review the options and identify which one describes a realistic and widely practised goal of crop improvement. Step 5: Select the option about producing pest resistant and high yielding plant varieties as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Agricultural case studies show that insect resistant and herbicide tolerant genetically modified crops have been developed and adopted in many countries. These crops reduce yield losses and can lower pesticide use. Research pipelines also include varieties resistant to viruses, fungi, and environmental stresses such as drought and salinity. While biological nitrogen fixation is an area of interest, biotechnology has not yet led to large scale increase of atmospheric nitrogen; instead, it works within plant and soil systems. The focus remains on improving plant performance and resilience, confirming that pest resistant, high yielding varieties are a central objective.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B: Increasing the nitrogen content of the atmosphere is neither practical nor desirable; biotechnology focuses on improving plant nitrogen use efficiency rather than changing atmospheric composition. Option C: Decreasing seed number in all cultivated plants would reduce yield rather than improve it, which contradicts the goals of agriculture. Option D: Increasing plant weight without considering quality, nutritional value, or resistance would not be a meaningful objective and might even cause lodging and other problems. Option E: Eliminating the need for any fertilizers or irrigation is unrealistic; biotechnology may reduce dependence but cannot completely remove the need for proper agronomic practices.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners may think biotechnology can solve every agricultural problem magically, leading to unrealistic expectations such as completely avoiding fertilizers or water. Others might confuse atmospheric nitrogen with soil nitrogen availability and assume that biotechnology could dramatically alter global atmospheric composition. To stay grounded, it is helpful to focus on real world achievements of biotechnology, such as insect resistant crops, disease resistant plants, and varieties better suited to stressful environments. These examples clearly illustrate that producing pest resistant and high yielding varieties is a core objective.

Final Answer:
An important objective of biotechnology in agriculture is to produce pest resistant and high yielding plant varieties that support better and more sustainable crop production.