Introduction
Hunger is one of the greatest global challenges of the 21st century. Despite considerable progress over the last 20 years, there has been a surge in global hunger, with figures from 2016 showing that more than 800 million people worldwide are malnourished. Children under five years of age represent 150 million of those affected, and for roughly three million of these children every year, the struggle ends in death. When faced with such staggering statistics, it is natural to wish for one simple solution to prevent these deaths and rid the world of hunger. Genetic Modification is being put forward as a viable solution.
What is Genetic Modification?
Genetic modification is a special set of gene technology that alters the genetic machinery of such living organisms as animals, plants or microorganisms. Combining genes from different organisms is known as recombinant DNA technology and the resulting organism is said to be ‘Genetically modified (GM)’, ‘Genetically engineered’ or ‘Transgenic’.
Genetic modification is the process of modifying an organism's genetic composition. This has been done indirectly for thousands of years by controlled, or selective, breeding of plants and animals. Modern biotechnology has made it simpler and quicker to target a particular gene for more precise genetic engineering of an organism.
The terms "modified" and "engineered" are often used interchangeably in the context of labelling genetically modified, or "GMO," foods.
Critical Analysis
Pros
GMO crops generate greater yields, have a longer shelf life, are resistant to pests and diseases, and even taste better. These advantages help both farmers and consumers. For instance, larger yields and a longer shelf life may result in reduced pricing for customers, while pest-resistant crops reduce the amount of pesticides that farmers must purchase and employ to cultivate high-quality crops. Thus, GMO crops may be more environmentally friendly than traditionally cultivated crops.
Cons
Increased Herbicide Usage,The widespread cultivation of genetically modified (GM) crops that are herbicide-tolerant has increased the use of herbicides like glyphosate. Sales of herbicides increased by 19% in Canada between 1994 and 2016.
"Superweeds" are weeds that have evolved and spread as a result of the usage of certain pesticides alongside genetically modified (GM) crops that are herbicide-tolerant. Various weed species have evolved resistance to the pesticide glyphosate during the last 20 years.