Statement I: The Green Revolution increased food production primarily through the use of agrochemicals and improved management practices.

Statement II: Bt cotton is an example of a genetically modified crop that incorporates a gene from Bacillus thuringiensis to produce a protein toxic to insects.

Both statements I and II are correct.

The correct answer is Option (3) – Both statements I and II are correct.

The Green Revolution succeeded in tripling the food supply but yet it was not enough to feed the growing human population. Increased yields have partly been due to the use of improved crop varieties, but mainly due to the use of better management practices and use of agrochemicals (fertilisers and pesticides).

Plants, bacteria, fungi and animals whose genes have been altered by manipulation are called Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO). Bt toxin is produced by a bacterium called Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt for short). Bt toxin gene has been cloned from the bacteria and been expressed in plants to provide resistance to insects without the need for insecticides; in effect created a bio-pesticide. Examples are Bt cotton, Bt corn, rice, tomato, potato and soyabean etc. Bt cotton is an example of a genetically modified crop that incorporates a gene from Bacillus thuringiensis to produce a protein toxic to insects.