BICnews: Issue 7

Genetic Modification - Boon or Bane?

Summary:

This issue of BICnews will discuss the many controversies surrounding the use of Genetic Modification (GM) techniques in agriculture. What are the arguments for and against this technology? Has there been great acceptance in GM crops by growers? If so, why?

Farmers have always sought to improve crops in a variety of way. Amongst them, they have used the natural processes of genetic exchange through breeding which exploits natural variation in biological combinations by making sexual crosses. In practice, many crosses are necessary before the ‘right’ recombination of genes occurs in plants. Genetic improvement as we know it today is the result of a lengthy process of research and scientific discoveries that occurred throughout the 20th century.

Approximately two decades ago, many agricultural scientists saw the emerging recombinant DNA technology as a potent tool in enhancing crop productivity and food quality while promoting sustainable agriculture. Much of this early excitement and expectation was met with successive breakthroughs in scientific research on gene transfer methods, identification of valuable genes, and the eventual performance of transgenic crops. The resulting crops are called Genetically Modified (GM) crops.

This issue will also address a selection of purported environmental concerns caused by GM crops. Case studies will be used to highlight specific points and arguments, both for and against the employment of this technology. We will also look at Malaysia’s position in Agriculture Biotechnology, and a selection of its current research work in this field.


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