SCIENTIFIC PERSPECTIVE ON GMOS

One significant advantage of GMOs is their engineered resistance to harmful insects . In conventional agriculture , crops are vulnerable to pests that can significantly reduce yields and quality . GMOs contain genes from natural insecticides like Bacillus thuringiensis ( Bt ), which produce proteins toxic to specific insects but safe for humans and other species . This built-in resistance reduces the need for chemical insecticides , lowering pest management costs and minimizing environmental impacts such as soil and water contamination and harm to beneficial insects and wildlife . Reduced chemical residues on food crops also contribute to better human health by decreasing exposure to potentially harmful substances .

Another key benefit of GMOs is their engineered tolerance to specific herbicides . Weeds compete with crops for resources and often require extensive management . Herbicide-tolerant GMOs survive applications of particular herbicides that kill weeds without harming the crop . For instance , soybeans , corn , and cotton have been modified to tolerate glyphosate , a widely used herbicide . This allows farmers to control weeds more effectively , leading to higher yields and reduced

BY NORAZILAWATI MD DAHLAL

and

NURRULHIDAYAH AHMAD FADZILLAH International Institute for Halal Research and Training ( INHART ), International Islamic University Malaysia

labour costs . Additionally , herbicidetolerant crops facilitate no-till farming practices , which help maintain soil health , reduce erosion , and decrease carbon emissions .

Plant viruses significantly threaten global food security by reducing crop yields and quality . GMOs can be engineered to resist specific viruses , enhancing crop

resilience and ensuring stable agricultural output . For example , genetically modified papayas resistant to the Papaya Ringspot Virus ( PRSV ) have saved papaya crops in Hawaii . By incorporating genes that confer resistance to such viruses , GMOs can prevent the spread of infections that would otherwise devastate crops , ensuring reliable food supplies , especially in regions where viral diseases are prevalent and traditional control methods are ineffective or too costly . The ability to protect crops against viruses through genetic modification represents a significant advancement in agricultural biotechnology , helping to secure food production and reduce losses caused by plant pathogens .

These enhancements — resistance to insects , herbicide tolerance , and virus resistance — demonstrate GMOs ’ transformative potential in modern agriculture . By addressing pressing crop production challenges , GMOs contribute to increased productivity , economic stability , and environmental sustainability .

SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS OF GMOS

GMOs play a crucial role in boosting agricultural yields , essential for tackling global food scarcity and malnutrition . By incorporating traits that improve resistance to pests , diseases , and environmental stresses , GMOs enable crops to thrive in conditions that would otherwise limit productivity . For

instance , drought-resistant GMOs can maintain high yields in arid regions where water scarcity hampers traditional farming . Similarly , insect-resistant GMOs reduce crop losses due to pest infestations , ensuring a higher proportion of planted crops reach harvest . These yield improvements are vital for feeding the growing global population , particularly in food-insecure regions . By increasing productivity , GMOs help ensure a stable and sufficient food supply , combating hunger and improving nutrition in vulnerable communities .

As the global population is projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050 , the demand for food will rise significantly . GMOs help meet this demand by producing more abundant and nutritionally enhanced crops . Biofortification , which involves genetically modifying crops to increase their nutritional value , addresses micronutrient deficiencies in regions with limited diet diversity . For example , genetically modified rice enriched with vitamin A , known as Golden Rice , aims to reduce vitamin A deficiency prevalent in many developing countries and causing severe health issues . Additionally , GMOs can improve the shelf life and quality of produce , reducing food waste and ensuring access to fresh , nutritious food . Enhancing both the quantity and quality of the food supply , GMOs play a critical role in achieving food security and meeting global nutritional needs .

The economic benefits of GMOs