This is the last blog I am writing for the calendar year 2009 and i want to discuss about something which is a live example of human interference in god’s natural creation. Can you guess what am I hinting at? Yes its Bt brinjal, a transgenic crop which has brought about several controversies.
Scientific innovations and research is all about experimenting with the natural creation. We can say that being creative implicitly means breaking the nature’s inertia. Being a student of biotechnology I personally feel that genetic cloning and making of genetically modified products are one of the greatest threats to this inertia.
We can say that Biotechnology researchers have an edge over the other researchers in that, if they come up with a beneficial GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms), they have the chance to patent it. Bt cotton was the first transgenic crop to be released in India (2002). Its performance, impact on the environment, biodiversity and health of cattle was widely debated. Bt brinjal is far more dangerous because it can have adverse effects on the health of human beings. Its anticipated that it would have a significant economic impact on farmers and safety of the environment.
Right to choose safe food is a fundamental right of consumers in a democracy. However, the onslaught of GM crops has been robbing the people of their right to choose. Bt brinjal can be a threat for the traditional way of cultivation of brinjals so far in India. It can have an irreversible adverse impact on human health.
But introduction of Bt brinjal is a scientific innovation which aims to help farmers reduce the use of chemical pesticides. It aims to provide maximum good to maximum number of people. If the advantages of Bt brinjal is denied our farmers will be at the mercy of multinationals who will control the distribution of seeds. so we can say that there are several pros and cons of introducing Bt brinjal.
Scientific innovations and research is all about experimenting with the natural creation. We can say that being creative implicitly means breaking the nature’s inertia. Being a student of biotechnology I personally feel that genetic cloning and making of genetically modified products are one of the greatest threats to this inertia.
We can say that Biotechnology researchers have an edge over the other researchers in that, if they come up with a beneficial GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms), they have the chance to patent it. Bt cotton was the first transgenic crop to be released in India (2002). Its performance, impact on the environment, biodiversity and health of cattle was widely debated. Bt brinjal is far more dangerous because it can have adverse effects on the health of human beings. Its anticipated that it would have a significant economic impact on farmers and safety of the environment.
Right to choose safe food is a fundamental right of consumers in a democracy. However, the onslaught of GM crops has been robbing the people of their right to choose. Bt brinjal can be a threat for the traditional way of cultivation of brinjals so far in India. It can have an irreversible adverse impact on human health.
But introduction of Bt brinjal is a scientific innovation which aims to help farmers reduce the use of chemical pesticides. It aims to provide maximum good to maximum number of people. If the advantages of Bt brinjal is denied our farmers will be at the mercy of multinationals who will control the distribution of seeds. so we can say that there are several pros and cons of introducing Bt brinjal.
.jpg)
No comments:
Post a Comment