Arguments in Favor of the Use of Genetically Modified Food

Introduction:-

Genetically Modified (GM) food are food developed from genetically modified organisms. These organisms have been genetically engineered with specific changes introduced in their DNA and are more precise than mutagenesis i.e. mutation breeding. It was in the year 1990 that GM foods were first put on the market. Most of the genetically modified foods are plant products like soybean, corn, cotton seed oil. As of July 2010, animal products have also been developed but not as yet in the market.

Advantages:-

* Genetically Modified crops have larger yields and are considered to be more productive than the traditional method.

 I would say that crops being more productive and having larger yields is not only beneficial to the farmers and their families but also to the rest of the world.

* Genetically Modified food offer more nutritional value and better flavor.

* There is a good possibility that they could eliminate allergy- causing properties in certain foods.

* The GM crops are modified to resist pests, weeds and any diseases they might harm the plant or the consumer alike.

* GM crops are modified in such a way that they are capable of growing even in regions with poor soil or adverse climates.

 This is very useful in terms of places with desert type climate or even if anyone wants to create a diverse plantation to benefit from food that can otherwise can' be grown in certain places or climate.

* Genetically Modified crops are very environment friendly as they require less herbicides and pesticides.

* GM foods are able to say ripe for a longer duration than the normal ones so that it becomes easier to ship these products to longer distances or can even be kept on the shelves of shops for a longer period of time.

* Generally GM foods are said to be safe and that changing a few genes here and there does not make a crop toxic.

 This is a true statement and can be compared with the genetic exchange provided by the human beings who like to alter their natural body state like the color of the eyes, type of hair, etc. I the case of plants it is less risky and therefore considered safe.

Many people reveal solid facts from the normal day to day commercial experience that the Genetically Modified food actually enhances biodiversity. Paul Rylott who is one of the debaters 'for' GM food mentions that the genetically modified food and crops arose because they gave farmers taking part in the trial new options for weed control. He also specifies that it was not a GM versus conventional farming which was significant, but different approaches to crop type,