Select the statement that are correct for GM plants with genetic modi…

The correct answer is Option (3) → A, C and E only

Genetically modified (GM) plants are plants whose genes have been changed by genetic engineering to give them useful traits.

A. Made crops tolerant to abiotic stresses — True. GM crops can bear cold, drought, salt and heat better.

B. Increased the reliance on chemical pesticides — False. The effect is reversed. Pest-resistant GM crops such as Bt cotton reduce the need for chemical pesticides.

C. Helped to reduce post-harvest losses — True. GM crops can be made to keep longer after harvest, so less of the crop is wasted.

D. Decrease efficiency of mineral usage by plants — False. Genetic modification has increased the efficiency of mineral use. This prevents early loss of soil fertility.

E. Enhanced nutritional value of food — True. Golden rice, for example, is rich in vitamin A.

Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2026 on 24-05-2026 (Slot 2), on 24-05-2026 (Slot 1), on 22-05-2026 (Slot 2) and on 14-05-2026 (Slot 1).

NCERT Extract:
Biotechnological Applications in Agriculture – “… 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., golden rice, i.e., Vitamin ‘A’ enriched rice.”