GM crops for higher Production: Dr. Mahapatra

In a conference on the impact of the genetically modified (GM) crops on food security was organized at NDRI Karnal where experts gave their view point on this issue.

The director general of the ICAR, Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, who is the secretary of DARE, presented his views on the GM crops. He said, "Around 900 million people in the world are undernourished. Many more suffer from specific nutritional deficiencies, often related to insufficient intake of micro-nutrients. Eradicating hunger is a central part of the United Nation Millennium Development Goals. In order to achieve the goals, genetically modified (GM) crops are also mentioned on some occasions, as scientists see the development and use of GM crops as the key to reduce hunger amidst other controversies."

He said, "There are three possible pathways how GM crops could impact food security. First, GM crops could contribute to food production increases and thus improve the availability of food. Second, GM crops could affect food safety and food quality. Third, GM crops could influence the economic and social situation of farmers, thus improving or worsening their economic access to food."