Regulating genetically modified organisms

Six vessels of genetically modified oilseeds (soybeans and canola) have been stuck at Port Qasim, awaiting clearance from the federal government. This issue has, once again, revived an old debate in the country about regulating genetically engineered/genetically modified organisms (GMOs), as arguably they have potential adverse effects on human health and the environment. GMOs are animals, plants, or microorganisms whose genetic material (DNA) is modified or altered in a laboratory to get specific traits that can’t be achieved through conventional breeding. Such modification in crops can produce resistance to certain environmental conditions, pests, diseases, or herbicides (chemicals). In 1994, the United States approved genetically modified (GM) crops for human consumption, and after 28 years, GM crops cultivation expanded to around 200 million hectares in over two dozen countries. The US is the top producer of GM crops, followed by Brazil, Argentina, and Canada. Worldwide, soybeans, corn (maise), cotton, and canola are the largest GM crops in terms of production area. In Pakistan, Bt cotton — a notable example of GMO — is grown on over 2m hectares.