Genetic modification refers to the deliberate alteration of the genetic structure or DNA of an organism in order to give it new abilities and produce a desired effect. Organisms that are modified with DNA from another organism are called transgenic. Scientists have used this process to create crops that are stronger, stay fresh for longer and are healthier.
At the turn of the Millennium, the human population stood at just over 6 billion. According Sally Morgan (2002) by 2030 there will be 8 billion people in the world. This rapid increase will create huge challenges to an already challenged world. Meeting these challenges will require advances in science and technologies. Genetic Modification or engineering can offer some solutions to this problem. Currently there is a global food crisis.
Genetic Modification is a controversial field of science.
Today, genetically modified crops grown around the world include maize, soybean, rice and cotton. For many genetic modifications is the answer to the world’s food crisis. Sally Morgan (1998) argues that genetic modification can improve yields of crops by making them resistant to diseases, pesticides, herbicides and pests. Genetically modified crops will also help solve nutritional deficiencies by adding nutrients that are lacking in diets of many people. E.g. golden rice has been modified with increased amounts of B-carotene that prevents vitamin A deficiency. GM crops are developed to withstand harsh conditions, like extreme