The integration of genomic technologies into crop improvement programs has fundamentally transformed agricultural science, offering unprecedented precision in addressing challenges posed by climate change, population growth, and food security. This review comprehensively examines the major genomic approaches currently employed in crop improvement, including marker-assisted selection (MAS), genome-wide association studies (GWAS), genomic selection (GS), CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies. These tools have enabled the identification and manipulation of genes associated with critical agronomic traits such as drought tolerance, disease resistance, yield enhancement, and nutritional quality. Notable achievements include the development of Golden Rice enriched with provitamin A, drought-tolerant maize varieties, and disease-resistant wheat cultivars. Furthermore, this review explores the convergence of genomics with artificial intelligence and multi-omics approaches, which are accelerating the pace of crop breeding and expanding the scope of trait improvement. The ethical, regulatory, and socioeconomic dimensions of genomic technologies in agriculture are also discussed. By synthesizing current knowledge and identifying emerging trends, this review highlights the transformative potential of genomic approaches in ensuring sustainable agricultural productivity for future generations.

Keywords: Genomics; Crop Improvement; CRISPR-Cas9; Marker-Assisted Selection; Agricultural Sustainability.