Genetically modified (GM) foods: the food security dilemma
Abstract The green revolution through which food safety and security was achieved in many countries of the world reached its saturation point with soil erosion, lowering of soil fertility, and pesticide-laced soil/water. Genetic modification of crops provided an alternative way to enhance crop yield without harmful pesticides and other chemicals. In this method, the DNA of the crop was manipulated in different ways to insert certain useful traits into the genetic composition of the crop, such as enhanced yield, disease-resistance, release of toxins fatal to pests, production of specific chemicals, improved quality, etc. Another important advantage of GM crops was to produce such useful chemicals which are normally not produced by organisms in natural settings. However, certain unintended impacts of GM crops were also observed, such as harm to nontarget species or creation of superweeds. Concern about allergens or proteins sequenced by new genetic material and hitherto unknown negative impact of GM crops on health were also raised. Due to these reasons, in India, flip-flop decisions were taken about allowing GM crops by different governments. Several nongovernmental organizations protested the trials of GM crops and the government has not yet taken a final decision.