Harnessing CRISPR Genome Editing for Sustainable Agriculture, Livestock and Food Security
Shyam Sundar Shaha
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Gono Bishwabidyalay, Savar, Dhaka-1344, Bangladesh.
Md. Mosharraf Hossen
Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh.
Anwar Hossain Rana
Department of Microbiology, Hajee Mohammed Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur-5200, Bangladesh.
Md. Al Nasir
Department of Pharmacy, University of Asia Pacific, Dhaka-1215, Bangladesh.
Md. Rezaul Alam
Department of Microbiology, Gono Bishwabidyalay, Savar, Dhaka-1344, Bangladesh.
Md Shiblee Sadik Sabuj
College of Veterinary Medicine and Institute of Animal Transplantation, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, Jeollabuk-do 54596, Republic of Korea.
Tajrin Sultana
Department of Anatomy,School of Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan 54538, Republic of Korea.
Limon Biswas
Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Muymensingh-2202, Bangladesh.
Kazi Abdus Sobur
Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Muymensingh-2202, Bangladesh.
Md. Ashiquen Nobi
Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Muymensingh-2202, Bangladesh.
Arafat Zaman
Department of Biotechnology, University of Mumbai, Mumbai-400032, India.
Md. Tajul Islam
Department of Clinical Courses, Gono Bishwabidyalay, Savar, Dhaka-1344, Bangladesh.
Md. Sayeed Anawar
Department of Clinical Courses, Gono Bishwabidyalay, Savar, Dhaka-1344, Bangladesh.
Himangsu Sarker
Department of Clinical Courses, Gono Bishwabidyalay, Savar, Dhaka-1344, Bangladesh.
Partha Pratim Ghosh *
School of Engineering Technology and Applied Science (Biotechnology), Cenetennial College, 755 Morningside Ave, Scarborough, ON M1C 4Z4, Canada.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
CRISPR genome editing has rapidly evolved from a bacterial immune mechanism into a powerful, programmable platform for precise genetic modification across plant and animal systems. In agriculture and livestock production, CRISPR-based tools such as Cas9, Cas12, base editors, and prime editors are enabling sustainable innovations that directly support global food security. Applications range from improving crop yield, nutritional content, and climate resilience to enhancing livestock disease resistance, productivity, and animal welfare. These advances offer transformative solutions to challenges posed by population growth, environmental stress, and limited arable resources. This review aims to critically summarizes recent technological developments, delivery strategies, and representative applications of CRISPR in crops and farm animals, while highlighting biosafety, ethical, and regulatory considerations that influence translational adoption. By integrating scientific progress with policy and sustainability perspectives, this work underscores CRISPR’s pivotal role in shaping resilient, ethical, and equitable food systems for the future.
Keywords: CRISPR, cas9, genome editing, agriculture, livestock, food security