Genetically modified (GM) crops are crops made out of organisms whose genes have been modified in a way that does not occur naturally. A gene is a sequence of DNA that contains information that determines a particular characteristic/trait. All organisms have DNA, located in the chromosomes. . Crops that are developed through genetic modification are referred to as genetically modified (GM) crops or transgenic crops or genetically engineered (GE) crops. Most existing genetically modified crops have been developed to improve yield, through the introduction of resistance to plant diseases or of increased tolerance of herbicides.

1. THE GM CROPS HYSTERIA AND ITS REALITY
Praveen Asokan
MBA- IB
Pondicherry University
Introduction:
We all are familiar with the genetically modified (GM) crops .This is a major
scientific breakthrough in 21st century and we hear them in news every day.GM corps are
introduced in order to answer few of the modern worlds problem like water scarcity and
hunger issues.
Genetically modified (GM) crops are crops made out of organisms whose genes have
been modified in a way that does not occur naturally. A gene is a sequence of DNA that
contains information that determines a particular characteristic/trait. All organisms have
DNA, located in the chromosomes. . Crops that are developed through genetic modification
are referred to as genetically modified (GM) crops or transgenic crops or genetically
engineered (GE) crops. Most existing genetically modified crops have been developed to
improve yield, through the introduction of resistance to plant diseases or of increased
tolerance of herbicides.
Usually a lot of research, hectic tasks and precautionary steps are involved in
developing GM crops. The major steps involved are
1. Isolation of the gene(s) of interest
2. Insertion of the gene(s) into a transfer vector
3. Plant transformation
4. Selection of the modified plant cells
5. Regeneration into whole plants via tissue
6. Verification of transformation and characterization of the inserted DNA fragment.
7. Testing of plant
8. Safety assessment.
The Pros and Cons of GM Crops:
In 21st
century, man has witnessed several huge breakthroughs in science and
technology and we started adopting it for our own use. Everything science has delivered has
its own advantages and disadvantages and it’s in the human’s hand whether to use the
invention to his advantage or as a weapon of destruction (Example: A thermo-nuclear fusion
can be used a source of energy production as well as a weapon of mass destruction during
wars). Also, agitating or exploiting the mother earth may lead to massive destruction.
We have entered an era of genetically modified foods, which are just that —
genetically mutated foods that are not necessarily better for you. The health implications not

2. only to humans but also to the environment are a hotly contested debate; the introduction of
genetically altered food could have serious consequences, such as allergic reactions and
increased resistance to certain antibiotics.
GM crops are known to the modern day problems like hunger, water scarcity etc..
Some advantages of GM corps are as follows:
 Better quality food.
 Inexpensive and nutritious food.
 Foods with a greater shelf life.
 Herbicide and pesticide free.
 Effective labour utilisation.
If there are advantages, there will be disadvantages. It’s the human nature to
contradict the advantages of every invention. So, GM corps also has its own disadvantages
 Toxicity.
 Tendency to provoke any allergic reaction.
 Stability of the inserted gene.
 Whether there is any nutritional deficit or change in the GM food.
 Any other unintended effects of the gene insertion.
 Adverse effects on the immune system.
The Reality behind GM Crops:
The Capitalist Mindset:
“The essence of capitalism is to turn nature into commodities and
commodities into capital. The live green earth is transformed into dead gold
bricks, with luxury items for the few and toxic slag heaps for the many”
Since the start of the 21st
century, capitalist mindset has invaded human mind. He
has transferred from being a socialist to a capitalist. With globalisation and privatisation,
everyone started seeing everything as an investment and started calculating the return on
investments for every activity one does.
Bringing a GM food crops to market is a huge process starting from Research and
Development to Marketing the product. The biotechnology and agriculture companies (like
Monsanto GMO) wish to ensure a profitable return on their investment. Even few big
corporate houses started venturing into GM food crops as a mode of business. Many new
plant genetic engineering technologies have been patented and patent is where the
capitalist nature of these big firms comes into play. Economists are worried that patenting
these new plant varieties will raise the price of seeds so high that small farmers and third
world countries will not be able to afford seeds for GM crops, thus widening the gap
between the wealthy and the poor.

3. Also, the agriculture business has started a way to combat possible patent
infringement by introducing a "suicide gene" into GM plants. These plants would be viable
for only one growing season and would produce sterile seeds that do not germinate. Farmers
would need to buy a fresh supply of seeds each year. However, this would be financially
disastrous for farmers in third world countries who cannot afford to buy seed each year and
traditionally set aside a portion of their harvest to plant in the next growing season
The Indian Scenario
If Indian growers bought GM seeds, then they could not harvest and store seeds for
the next year’s planting; instead, they would have to buy new seeds each year. This
contractual agreement stepped completely outside India’s tradition of harvesting and storing
seeds to be used for the next year. The economic consequence was clear: The developed
countries would gain while India would lose, since there was no proof that the yearly
investment in GM seeds would sustain a farmer's cash flow over the long term.
Conclusion:
“Science never solves a problem
without creating ten more.”
Science and technology of the 21st
century has seen both the ends. It had been a boon
to human beings as well as led to much destruction. It is in our hands on how we use it.
Genetically modified crops have the potential to solve many of the world's problems
like water scarcity, hunger, health related issues, and to help in preserving environment by
increasing yield and reducing the application chemical fertilizers. However, we must always
be cautious enough to avoid causing unintended harm to human health and the environment
as a result of genetic engineering.