GMO (GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISM): IS IT THE REAL SOLUTION FOR WORLD FOOD SCARCITY AND HUNGER?

JOSE RANDY M. FUERTES

A GMO or genetically modified organism is a plant, animal, micro-organism or other organism whose genetic make-up has been modified using the method called “gene splicing, gene modification or transgenic technology , also known as “genetic engineering”, a technologically advanced way of selecting crops with desirable traits.

Accordingly, genetic modification of crops makes them more resistant to diseases, droughts, pests and herbicides used to control weed which ensures a higher yield. This can hold a great promise for the developing countries and for global food security. GMO’s are not new. They have actually been in our food supply for nearly 20 years.

Genetic modification in crops can also improve the nutritional profile of food which will aid in combating or at least reducing global rates of malnutrition. A good example is the golden rice which is enhanced with beta –carotene that makes the rice fortifies with vitamin A, so golden rice is a crucial initiative in reducing malnutrition (The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation). Other examples are wheat that are more resistant to drought, maize that can survive pesticides, and cassava that is bio-fortified with additional nutrients. Because of promising higher yield of GM crops, this in turn will uplift the economic status of small farmers from developing countries. But, are GMO,s safe to humans and the environment? Are they really the answer for the growing food demands of the growing population of the world? — oOo— The author is a Teacher III at Dolores National High school Magalang, Pampanga