Question

What are the benefits of genetically modified foods?

Answer 1

The benefits of genetically modified (GM) foods are as follows:

1. Tolerance to harsh environmental conditions like heat, cold, drought, and salinity.
2. Pest tolerance, such as Bt cotton which resists insect larvae reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
3. Reduction in post-harvest losses by prolonging shelf life (e.g., Flavr Savr tomato).
4. Increased efficiency of mineral usage by plants, lowering reliance on chemical pesticides.
5. Enhanced nutritional value, including biofortified crops like vitamin A-rich Golden Rice.
6. Production of tailor-made plants to meet industrial needs like starches, fuels, and medicines.
7. Use in phytoremediation to clean contaminated soil, air, and water.