Experts Split On GMO Foods: Are They Safe Or Should They Be Banned

Experts Split On GMO Foods: Are They Safe Or Should They Be Banned

Experts in Nigeria are divided over the use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) foods, with some advocating for their benefits while others raise concerns about potential risks. Proponents..Experts Split On GMO Foods: Are They Safe Or Should They Be Banned

argue that GMOs can boost food security, increase agricultural productivity, and enhance farmers’ profits, while critics warn of health and environmental risks.

Celestine U. Aguoru, a professor of plant science and technology, emphasized that GMOs are safe for consumption, noting that they are engineered to address food security challenges and improve crop yields. He also stressed the importance of ongoing research in GMO technology to optimize its benefits.

Fred Ukula, Agro-production/Processing Manager at Ecobasic Seed Nigeria Limited, echoed this sentiment, advocating for investment in GMO research to tackle food insecurity in Nigeria.

However, Nnimmo Bassey, executive director of the Health of Mother Earth Foundation, disagreed with the GMO approach, stating that Nigeria does not need genetically modified crops to solve food insecurity. He argued that GMO crops create dependency on corporate seed suppliers and do not promote local economic growth. Bassey also cited reports from the National Cotton Association of Nigeria (NACOTAN), which found no significant increase in yield from GM cotton seeds compared to traditional varieties. Furthermore, farmers reported that no other plants could germinate in lands previously used for GM crops, raising concerns about biodiversity loss and soil degradation.

Ifeanyi Nwankwere, national coordinator of the GMO-Free Nigeria Alliance, pointed out that GMOs approved in Nigeria are not currently labeled, which complicates consumer choice, especially in local markets where food is sold in bulk.

Global Adoption of GMOs

The global GMO market is expected to grow from $22.3 billion in 2023 to $29.1 billion by 2028, with a projected annual growth rate of 6.1%. In the United States, genetically modified crops such as soy, corn, and cotton are widely used, while South American countries like Brazil and Argentina also embrace GMO technology for crops like soybeans and maize. In contrast, European nations have stricter regulations, though they import large quantities of GMOs for animal feed.

In Asia, China and India are significant producers of GMO cotton, while other countries in the region remain cautious. Africa is showing growing interest in GMO crops, with South Africa leading the way in adoption.

In 2023, the global area dedicated to GMO crops increased by 1.9%, reaching a record 206.3 million hectares, with soybeans taking up 100.9 million hectares, followed by maize at 69.3 million hectares and cotton at 24.1 million hectares.

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