Pros And Cons Of Genetically Modified Organisms

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Genetically modified organisms are living organisms; animals, plants or microorganisms whose genetic formation has been altered; this modification can be carried out for various purposes or to achieve certain goals including medicinal, foods security and adaptability among others. The United State of America has the highest percentage of genetically modified organisms. The amount of genetically modified organisms in the human food supply systems is increasing tremendously. Genetic modification has increased steadily since the late 1990s. Commercial production of genetically modified food has also escalated with more than 17 million farmers in 28 countries growing these crops by the year 2012. In terms of land area, this accounted for 170 million hectares of arable land. Pros…show more content…
They have also been seen as a solution to the world’s energy crisis through the production of ethanol producing crops. Food has been said to have better taste and quality as well as making production less costly through engineering pest and disease resistant varieties. This reduces the amount of chemicals used to control pests and diseases as well as reducing cost in their purchase. In addition, vitamins and minerals can be added to certain crops and benefit population that are deficient in these minerals and vitamins thus improving their health. Currently, it is estimated that a child dies every two seconds worldwide as a result of starvation, not even taking into consideration the mal and undernourished. Genetically modified food can store better hence reducing post-harvest losses and enabling easier shipping especially to food deficit
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