GM Crops: A Solution or Concern for Food Security

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A new “gene revolution” is being heralded as a remedy to growing global hunger, aimed at supporting a growing population and combating climate-induced agricultural challenges by producing “transgenic or GM” crops designed through bio-engineering.

What is a GM crop?

• GM (Genetically Modified) The genes of a crop are artificially modified with the help of genetic engineering to include such qualities that are not naturally present in that crop.
• Such traits include increased yield, disease and weed tolerance, drought resistance, improved nutritional value.

GM Crops: A Solution

• Drought-tolerant ability: These crops are drought-resistant, so they can be produced even under adverse climatic conditions.
  • Drought-tolerant transgenic maize can tolerate up to 95% dehydration by adding genes from a ‘resurrection plant’ called Xerophyta viscosa, according to research from the University of Cape Town.
• Less need for fertilizers: Some of these crops also require less use of fertilizers as compared to traditional crops.
• Higher production capacity: GM crops have higher production capacity than traditional crops, thus increasing production.
• Pest safety: Australian scientists are leading a project to produce cowpeas that have been a staple in the African diet for thousands of years by bio-engineering ‘built-in’ insect safety.

Concerns about GM crops

Ecological concerns

• Loss of biodiversity: GM crops are herbicide-tolerant, which encourages excessive use of herbicides to achieve higher yields. This can result in the development of herbicide-resistant weeds, which can disrupt local ecosystems and reduce biodiversity.
• Biosecurity concerns: These crops can reduce species diversity. For example, pest-resistant plants can harm insects that depend on a particular crop for their survival and result in the extinction of that particular species of pest.
• Cross-pollination and gene flow: GM crops, such as genetically modified canola, can crossbreed with their wild siblings, increasing the likelihood of modified genes spreading to non-GM populations and affecting natural plant diversity.
• Unintended consequences: The use of GM crops that are resistant to specific pests may inadvertently affect non-target species, leading to unforeseen ecological consequences.

Food Safety Concerns

• Allergy-related genes: Transfer of allergy-related genes into GM crops can potentially create new allergens or enhance existing allergic properties, posing risks to sensitive individuals.
• Health effects: The altered nutritional profile of GM crops may affect human health in unpredictable ways. The long-term effects of consuming genetically modified foods need to be thoroughly investigated.
• Resistance development: Overreliance on a few GM traits could lead to the evolution of resistant pests or diseases, requiring more intensive chemical treatments and posing a risk to the environment and human health.

The way forward

• Scientific evidence-based decisions: Governments should make decisions on GM technologies based on solid scientific evidence and thoroughly evaluate benefits and risks before implementation.
• Openness and transparency: Open communication of scientific findings and regulatory processes is vital to allay genuine concerns and build public trust.
• Involve stakeholders: The involvement of scientists, farmers, consumers and environmentalists in regulatory protocols increases the legitimacy of decisions and builds confidence in GM technology development.
• Ethical principle: Given uncertainties over GM safety, adoption of this principle suggests waiting for broad scientific consensus to minimise risks before widespread implementation.
• Policy framework for equitable benefits: Reform policies to address concerns such as pricing and input costs and ensure equitable benefits for all stakeholders involved in GM farming.
• Strong liability laws: Enacting strong laws to hold parties accountable for environmental hazards or unforeseen consequences resulting from GM technologies encourages responsible behaviour.