Click to play videoNew Delhi: Over 119 million people worldwide have been pushed into hunger this year according to Oxfam. But genetically modified foods could be the answer to the hunger question
With over four mln hectares of land being used to grow genetically modified (GM) crops, GM revolution may soon change the face of Indian agriculture.
For better or for worse is a question that is still unanswered. Scientists claim that GM food is of a higher quality and is more resistant to pesticides.
Green Peace, however, believes tests done on the safety of GM crops are insufficient. Activists say GM crops can fail or contaminate other non GM crops leading to huge economic losses.
"We will become lab rats. We do not know the long term effects of these GM crops. It is very dangerous and we should not allow it to enter Indian markets until it has been tested properly,” says Grenpeace Sustainable Agriculture Campaigner, Jaikrishna.
At present there are a total of 56 GM crops in various trial stages in India, of which 41 are food crops. BT Cotton is the only GM crop to be commercialised so far. BT Brinal will become the first food crop to be made available in December.
With just a few weeks to go for the availability, the debate on GMO's is heating up. Consumer activist. Bejon Misra says that the consumer should be aware of the potential risks of GM food.
"It is very important for people to be educated about this new technology. Many animals have died after being exposed to GM food. It is very dangerous and GM food should be labelled but India does not have any labelling rules in place. This leaves consumers helpless,” says, Voluntary Organisation in Interest of Consumer Education, Bejon Misra.
With no safety guidelines implemented so far, and the constitution of Food Safety and Standards Authority still on paper, it is still to be observed if India is ready for GM revolution.
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