In the debate on GM crops, one factor that has not received adequate attention is that owing to the threat of contamination, it is difficult for normal crops or organic crops to remain free from the impact of GM crops once these have been released. As the worldwide concern for food safety grows, it is likely that there will be an increasing demand for organically grown and normal crops which are not contaminated by GM crops. The potential ecological risks of applying genetic engineering to agriculture include the possibility that some transgenic crops could become noxious weeds, and others could become a conduit through which new genes may move to wild plants which themselves could then become weeds. The new weeds could adversely affect farm crops as well as wild eco-systems. The threat from GM crops to natural farming systems and environment is so serious that any commercial release should not be allowed. Even any experimental trials should be asked to wait till definite ways to avoid hazards can be found.
Mohd Ziyaullah Khan
Nagpur, Maharashtra