All new technologies
raise concerns about their use. The main concern today is the effect on health
due to genetically modified foods. The composition of a genetically modified
crop depends on its manipulation.
If a cereal is
genetically grown with a high content of a vitamin, it may benefit those with
deficiency in that vitamin, but some people may be allergic to it. It is feared
that unsuspected allergic reactions to GM (genetically modified) foods may
cause problems after decades.
i. Cross-pollination
between normal and genetically modified crops could ruin the natural traits of
the normal crops, and breed superweeds.
ii. Biotechnology may
give control of agriculture to corporates. This may cause death of family farms
and local supply systems.
iii. Indiscriminate use
of biotechnology in reproduction is a major concern today.
iv. Biological warfare,
if fought by using genetically modified viruses and bacteria, can have
catastrophic effects.
Therefore, it is
important that biotechnological advancements are regulated, so as to gain
maximum benefits with minimum risks, and paying heed to ethical and social
values of the human race.
0 comments:
Post a Comment