One of the basic concerns of those against biotech and GM crops is that, it is not good for humans. That of the pro is that it will help solve the problem of global food shortages. As to which of the positions is true, the debate, sometimes very heated, rages unabated with each of the opposing sides holding on strongly to their position on biotech/GM crops.
In its situational analysis of the global scenario on hunger and poverty, Africa Harvest Biotech Foundation International stated that globally, 1.4 billion people are extremely poor with most being undernourished and unable to meet their daily energy requirements. Many more are said to suffer from specific micronutrient deficiencies; three billion are said to be at risk of zinc deficiency, two billion are anaemic, two billion are iodine deficient and 200 million are deficient in vitamin A.
On global food demand and supply, the report was emphatic that successes in crop breeding, coupled with one more irrigation and use of agrochemicals, have tripled cereal yields over the last 50 years in many parts of the world, especially Asia and Latin America, resulting in a Green Revolution. These productivity gains have outpaced population growth and helped to prevent widespread famines that had been predicted earlier.
Read the full, original article: Who Is Who: Biotech And GM Crops Debate?
