31 October 2009

Genetically Modified food for me?

As a Biotechnology student, I've come across the words 'genetically-modified organisms' ever since I've been studying into this field.
I happened to attend a couple of short films screened in my college's auditorium dealing with the same.
With the latest bt Brinjal that has come into picture and the approval of its introduction at the stake of the Indian government and other national authorities, we are facing one major question,
A dilemma-whether or not I, as a consumer, should opt for these genetically modified foods on my platter?!

The genetically modified Bt Cotton that has already been introduced in our agriculturally dominating country has proved to be quite the opposite of the so-claimed benefits it 'hoped' to bring along.
This variety of cotton seeds initially priced at almost seven to eight times than its organic counterpart, claimed to resist infection of plants by the American Boulworm: a major hindrance to the cotton crop.
Poor farmers had no choice but to reduce their costs of pesticide sprays and complied with this GM variety.
And what happened after a few years of rich blooms?
Minor pests posing threat to the crop. More water. More care taking that spelled more costs. AND damaged crops.
That led to several farmers committing suicides.

But what really is with this GENETICALLY MODIFIED food?
You cross an albino mouse with a wild type black mouse. You get a hybrid.
You cross a potato with a tomato, you get a Pomato.
There, keep the species same, and you cross to obtain variety of hybrids.
We are bright and smart with science.
Let's for heavens' sake be bright and smart with political correctness.

Let us preserve the right to choose what is served on our platter!
With the concerned authority approving the introduction of Bt (Bacillus thuringeinsis) Brinjal in the Indian market, who will know when we go veggie shopping: whether we are buying a GM brinjal or the normal one?
And why so?
simply because India has no 'labeling laws'!

These GMfoods are tested on a 90 days trials on mice. But the effects on consumption may linger to our forthcoming generations...

Isn't it too early to invite the GM foods in our homes?
Given the fact that they have no additional nutritional values, whatsoever; why should I as a consumer opt for a Bt brinjal or a tomato or okras?

Let us make informed choices and let us not subject ourselves to being guniea pigs, just like that. Are you a lab rat?
Greed and science don't make a great combination.

GM food on my platter!
IS IT SAFE???