The
proclamation of the Chinese government to commercialize food grains, especially
rice, developed by the technique of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) has
raised serious debate in the economic circles of the world. This is because China
is the world's largest producer and consumer of rice, which is the staple food
for billions of people in the world; and in this scenario any decision taken by
China will have an effect on other nations including India. The production of
GM crops has always been a contentious issue ever since they were invented in
the mid-1970s. While on the one hand, the supporters of GM foods believe that
they can help combat falling food production and save the population from hunger,
on the other hand, environmental activists, religious organizations and public
interest groups have raised serious concerns over environmental hazards and human
health risks. They have also raised economic concerns and have called these so-called
GM foods as "Franken foods".
Against
all these odds, if China allows the sale of GM rice it will become the first developing
country in the world to do so. The Chinese government has invested around $500
mn for research activities on genetically modified foods. Recently, four Chinese
companies have filed applications with the Chinese government seeking permission
for the sale of their GM rice. Local proponents of the genetic modification, including
China's Ministry of Science and Technology, believe that since China's total food
production is falling by about 5% each year, GM food grains are the most efficient
and ecological way for China to improve its food security, foster sustainable
development and improve its competitive position in international agricultural
markets. |
