2. Benefits and limitations of genetically modified crops

One of the highlighted advantages of GM crops, among others, is their ability of these to enhance food security, particularly to small-scale and resource-poor farmers in developing countries [6]. Some of the noted benefits include increased crop yield in a relatively shorter period of time, reduction in the utilization and cost of plant protection chemicals, crops with enhanced tolerance to environmental stresses, reduction in labor input, and production of foods that are affordable with enhanced nutritional contents [6]. These benefits have been said to, overall, improve agricultural production and plant breeding in developing countries.

However, the documented benefits have been countered by shortcomings and concerns. Some of the issues brought forward include potential toxicity, the assumption that the products may contain allergens and the possible development of antibiotic resistance from the utilization of GM products [7]. Genetically, concerns about GM crops include the possible unintended transfer of genes from GM to non-GM crops or to their wild type relatives, the evolution of GM crops into becoming weeds, the direct and indirect impact of GM crops on non-target species, environmental risks associated with GM crops, and the impact of GM crops on genetic diversity [8]. Directed at the small-scale and resource-poor farmers, the highlighted concerns also include hindrances that may result in limited access to seeds created by patents on the GM crops [9]. Furthermore, contrary to the highlighted benefits of GM crops, crops with enhanced resistance have been viewed as having a one-sided benefit to commercial farmers that grow the crops and companies that own the production technologies [8, 10].
