Importance of research on GM crops

Genetically modified (GM) crops are getting popular nowadays. These crops possess many properties including herbicide and virus tolerance, resistance to drought and salinity. The use of GM crops is often considered as a solution to several food and agricultural problems. It can speed up food production for the fast-growing population, reduce the use of pesticides and fertilisers and help combat global warming.

However, some researchers have claimed that it can threaten biodiversity because of the adverse effects of the crops. However, its long-term impact on humans remains unknown. Nonetheless, many countries such as the US, Argentina, Brazil and China have been working extensively to produce GM crops for years. Since a large section of the population in Bangladesh is engaged in agriculture, we also should conduct our own research whether these crops will be good for us and our environment or not.

Sirazi Shahjahan,

Malibagh, Dhaka

mshaju001@gmail.com