Which of the following is a potential benefit of biotechnology in agriculture?

Enhanced resistance to pests and diseases is a significant benefit of biotechnology in agriculture. Through biotechnological advancements, scientists can develop genetically modified organisms (GMOs) that possess traits which improve their resilience against various biotic stressors. For example, techniques such as gene editing can be employed to introduce specific genes into crops that make them more resistant to pests or diseases, thereby reducing the reliance on chemical pesticides and ensuring higher crop yields.

This approach not only leads to increased agricultural productivity but also contributes to environmental sustainability by minimizing the ecological footprint associated with pesticide application. Enhanced resistance can also help ensure food security by maintaining crop performance even in challenging conditions where traditional varieties might fail.

The other options, while related to agricultural practices, do not represent the positive impacts associated with biotechnology in the same way. The use of harmful pesticides and restrictions on crop diversity could be viewed as negative consequences, and while a reduction of farming practices could imply efficiency, it does not directly relate to the positive impacts biotechnology has on enhancing agricultural outputs.