Challenges in Genetically Modified Foods

Science is undergoing a revolution thanks to biotechnology, which holds the promise of eradicating poverty and malnutrition by utilizing the sufficient plant-based raw materials. Conversely, there are numerous biosafety issues and uncertainties possessed by genetically modified (GM) crops could have dangerous and unintentional effects on the environment and well-being of both target and non-target organisms. Many nations are putting into effect both national and international biosafety rules in an effort to address these possible issues. Sudan, South Africa, Egypt, and many other countries are the main producers of genetically modified crops. While India, China, etc. are the countries which uses GM crops the most. Additionally, Ethiopia has created its own biosafety guidelines and policies for biotechnology products. A wide range of crops that use transgenic technology are being tested at different stages, including brinjal, tomato, maize, and chickpea. Nonetheless, the only transgenic crop grown commercially in India is still cotton. Genetically modified crops have received the attention they deserve from the Ethiopian government as a means of improving agricultural output and quality. A few years ago, Bt cotton—cotton that contains toxic Bacillus thuringiensis protein—was introduced to Ethiopia. It is anticipated to significantly alter the way fiber is produced for the textile industries and have a significant impact on how modern biotechnological science is used in the nation going forward. The advent of Bt cotton is one well-known instance that demonstrates the relative adaptability of Ethiopian biosafety regulation, This chapter emphasizes on the challenges and opportunities of the GM crops.