The mere mention of genetically modified (GM) crops or organisms, will send shivers down the spine of common people, for they conjure up an image of Frankenstein foods. The fears are not only in vogue in developing countries but also persist in several advanced nations. It is not without valid reasons the negative image for GM crops looms large in the minds of people.
Past experiences have shown that several technologies held by the profit-seeking multinational corporations (MNCs) were dumped on the third world countries without any concern for the people and the environment. Altruism, in general, is not their cup of tea!
Genetic pollution caused through the dispersal of the pollens and toxic residues that could enter human food-chain through Bt cotton have been serious concerns raised against GM cotton by the NGOs and concerned citizens’ groups. Unlike in the West, young cotton bolls are eaten raw as vegetable in many parts of the country, and cotton seed-cake forms an important ingredient of cattle feed. The toxin from the Bacillus thuringiensis, which is bred in to the Bt cotton, through genetic engineering, could have deleterious effect on those who eat the tender bolls and it could show up in the milk of cows fed with oilcakes of Bt cotton. These aspects have not been addressed carefully to clear the doubts raised by concerned groups.
“When in doubt, cut it out” was an advice by a senior journalist to the novice editors. The same logic holds good in this context. The general apprehensions about the GMOs and GM crops stem from the fact that much work, as also the patents, are in the confines of MNCs and the results are kept as closely guarded secrets. The MNCs, as is their wont, will only publicise the potential the new biotechnological breakthroughs hold for the future, and conveniently push under the carpet the possible dangers they could pose. It then becomes the responsibility of the scientific community to come out in the open and explain the pros and cons to dispel the public fears. Until this is done and the public at large are doubly convinced of the usefulness of the new biotechnological marvels, it is best kept in the backburner.
Publicly-funded agricultural and biotechnological research institutes lag far behind in the GM technology as it calls for huge investments, which the corporate sectors with futuristic-goals could easily fork in. The transparency in the technological development and public debates and public awareness could go a long way in allaying fears about GM crops. According to non-governmental organizations and well-meaning scientists, one should not rush to the new technology, which is shrouded by serious concerns. They can wait till the scientists come out with clear proofs to eliminate fears from all stakeholders.
There are several possible attributes to GM crops such as the “Golden Rice” touted as the sure bet to eradicate vitamin A deficiency in rice-eating populations in the world. However, it has not taken off due to some inherent fears. Our people would rather trust and consume several other naturally available safe fruits and leafy vegetables such as “moringa” leaves, which are endowed with abundance of several beneficial nutrients and essential vitamins, rather than eating an untested genetically fortified-food.
Even with the present level of technological advances, the global food production could be increased substantially through the efficient management of natural resources base comprising soil and water and the use of quality seeds of improved varieties of crops and hybrids. So, why is the hurry now?
(G. Venkataramani is an agricultural communications specialist, who worked as Water Management Communications and Knowledge-Sharing Specialist at the International Centre for Agricultural Research in Drylands (ICARDA) in Alleppo, Syria, until recently)
