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The side of a tank of genetically modified corn crossed with a mutant gene known as Bt3a. (COURTESY INSTITUTE FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE)
Women, children, the elderly and ethnic groups have the most to lose from genetically modified crops, a study says
Malaysia: GM Crops Are a Human Rights Issue, Says Report
By Sarah Margren
The right to food is one of the most important human rights issues in Malaysia, yet the Government is promoting genetically modified organisms (GMOs), said the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) in a new report.
“The human right to food is the most fundamental human right for all people,” says the report, “Genetically Modified Foods in Malaysia.”
GM crops have been widely promoted by Malaysia’s Department of Agriculture (DPKE) since 1999.
“A number of proponents within the Government, including a state minister, have argued that GM crops will boost national productivity, create jobs and benefit the nation,” the report says.
But it points out that Malaysia’s adoption of GM crops has not increased productivity, has harmed many farmers and, for example, failed to curb the losses suffered by fish farmers.
“The Government has failed to adequately articulate the benefits of GM crops, and has been biased in favour of large agribusiness interests,” the report says.
Malaysia’s move to grow GM crops followed a similar path in other countries, such as the UK and USA, that saw both poor regulation and the promotion of the technology, the report says.
“The lack of regulation in this sector is likely to have led to a strong bias towards large agribusiness interests who wish to grow GM crops, as it has in other countries,” it adds.
But although GM crops have been promoted in Malaysia as the solution to many of the nation’s food production problems, they have not delivered, the report says.
“The Government has failed to provide evidence to support claims that GM technology can reduce pesticide and fertilizer use, as well as boost productivity in Malaysia.”
Proponents of GM crops have often cited an increase in crop yields as one of their benefits. But the IIED points out that GM technology has not increased yields – on average the figures do
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