by Genetically modified crops refer to crop plants created for human or animal consumption using the latest methods of genetic modification. Genetic modification is a process in which genes are isolated and artificially inserted, altered or deleted from the genome of an organism. This results in the creation of plants with desirable traits which they did not possess previously. Some of the main traits engineered into GM crops include herbicide tolerance, pest resistance, and drought tolerance and enhanced nutritional value. GM crops have been commercially cultivated since 1996 and as of 2019, over 90 percent of corn, soybean and cotton grown in the US are genetically engineered.
Benefits of Genetically Modified Crops
Increased Crop Yields: One of the major benefits of Genetically Modified Crops is increased yields. Genes that increase resistance to pests and diseases reduce crop losses and allow cultivating high-yielding varieties even in marginal lands. Soybean, corn, and cotton yields increased significantly after adopting herbicide-tolerant and pest-resistant GM varieties. Increased availability from higher production helps lower food prices.
Reduced Pesticide Usage: Crops engineered with pest resistance trait reduce the use of chemical insecticides and herbicides. For example, Bt cotton which produces its own insecticide has significantly reduced synthetic pesticide usage and groundwater contamination from chemicals in many cotton-growing regions. Other herbicide-tolerant GM varieties have facilitated adoption of no-till farming practices which are more sustainable over the long run.
Economic Gains for Farmers: Farmers growing genetically modified crops benefit economically from higher yields and lower pest management costs. Biotech crops have boosted farm incomes especially in developing countries like India. Additionally, more income has reduced poverty in some regions.
Drought and Salinity Tolerance: Drought and salinity pose major challenges for global food security. Scientists are working on developing crops modified to tolerate harsh field conditions through genes from other plants or introducing novel genes identified through advanced research. Successful examples include drought-tolerant corn varieties in Africa and GM rice that can grow in saline soils and provide more nutritional advantages. If developed further, such traits will become invaluable for climate change adaptation.
Concerns about Genetically Modified Crops
Health and Safety Issues: One of the main concerns regarding GM crops pertains to potential health hazards arising from their consumption. Some studies link consumption of certain GM crops to toxicity in lab animals. However, there is no scientific consensus on human health risks. The long-term effects of GM crops consumption on public health remain unknown and need careful evaluation. There is an ongoing debate about completely ascertaining safety through scientific risk assessment protocols before large-scale cultivation.
Environmental Threats and Impact on Ecosystems: There are also some environmental concerns regarding genetically modified crops. Genes may escape from GM crops through cross-pollination with wild relatives or development of resistant pests and weeds. This could potentially lead to the emergence and spread of ‘superweeds’ which may be difficult to control. Also, loss of biodiversity is a serious risk if GM crops displace traditional varieties favored by small farmers. Cultivation of GM monocultures on a large scale can irreversibly alter ecosystems in the long run if left unregulated. Careful monitoring and risk mitigation measures are crucial.
Social and Economic Issues: Increased seed monopoly due to patents owned by biotechnology firms, high costs of GM seeds compelling poor farmers into debts and disputes over lost livelihoods of resource-dependent communities are some of the social concerns associated with GM crops adoption. Global food security challenges stemming from inequitable international trade policies further exacerbate these issues in certain developing countries where companies pursue profits over community needs. Addressing these underlying socio-economic problems will require ongoing policy interventions.
Genetically modified crops represent both opportunities as well as risks that require prudent assessment based on sound scientific evidence. They can potentially address future global food insecurity if developed sustainably after transparent public discourse and consensus involving all stakeholders. Ongoing progress in biotechnology if guided by principles of ethics, equity and environmental responsibility may help overcome challenges associated with GM crops in the long run. However, health, ecological and socioeconomic impacts particularly in developing countries necessitate cautious development and adoption based on participatory decision making processes. With balanced regulatory oversight and continued research focus on diversity, GM crops could play an important role in achieving agricultural and nutritional security worldwide.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research.
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it.
