Stop Usage of GM Crops

On the face of it, it appears that agricultural scientists all over the world are now trying to mend their ways, trying to learn from farmers on the need to conserve natural resources, with a view to improving efficiency, equity and environment. The unprecedented global food crisis in the first half of 2008, and the continuing agrarian crisis in India, I thought, had brought about this change in their thinking and approach.

However, open field trials of genetically modified seeds have been allowed by scientists in the advisory boards of governments. With open trials the seeds are bound to get mixed with natural seeds and spread to the fields even before being tested. Also many crop varieties of GM crops are being promoted without completely knowing their long term effects on humans.

Agri-scientists are requested to refrain from indulging in either popular measures or careless decision making and stop riding the second wave of green revolution. Instead, with the precious natural resources at stake, scientists today need to be extra careful in endorsing and permitting whatever they do.