Chapter 2 - The need of regulations for GM crops and products thereof

Abstract

The pros and cons of GM (genetically modified) crops have long been debated. GM crops offer potential benefits such as higher crop yield, lesser input requirement, lower insecticide and herbicide application, and longer shelf life of perishable products. Despite these advantages, substantial opposition has been aroused against GM crops, predominantly in many European countries. The major concerns include allergic reactions, transgene flow, superweeds, resistant pathogens, and loss of biodiversity. However, such risks have not yet materialized, and the few risks that do exist proved to be controllable. There are even pieces of evidence that the cultivation of GM crops can help in biodiversity conservation. However, there are reservations about adverse social implications, for instance, that GM technology could undermine traditional knowledge systems in developing countries and the exploitation of small farmers through a monopoly of multinational companies in the seed business. Governments have the responsibility to supply an ample quantity of safe food/feed for humans and animals at an affordable cost. On the other hand, countries are parties to various international treaties that ensure the safety of humans, other living organisms, and the environment around the globe. The World Trade Organization (WTO) agreements and the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CPB) are particularly relevant international treaties. Hence, most countries have developed premarket biosafety regulations that govern the approval of GM crops and products thereof. However, an uniform approval process and strict implementation of biosafety regulation at international level are necessary to harvest the benefits of this profitable technology.