What are the reasons for the country's vigorous promotion of genetically modified crops from multiple perspectives?
Introduction: With the recent approval and approval of a number of genetically modified crop varieties by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, genetically modified technology has once again become a hot topic of public discussion. Among them, soybean, as a typical case, has attracted the attention of many relevant people. Are the benefits of genetically modified crops outweigh the harms, or do the disadvantages outweigh the benefits? Why should the state vigorously promote genetically modified crops? Let's take a closer look at this issue from different angles.
Pros and cons of genetically modified crops.
The advantages of genetically modified crops are undeniable: they are highly resistant to pests and diseases, can reduce the use of pesticides, reduce labor management costs, and increase yields. However, there are also some potential risks associated with genetically modified crops, and different voices have caused controversy.
Amplification: In the field of genetically modified soybeans, its resistance to pests and diseases allows farmers to reduce the overuse of pesticides, not only reducing the burden on the environment, but also reducing production costs. Chinese have a large population and limited land resources, and the high yield of genetically modified soybeans is also an important guarantee for national food security. However, some people remain skeptical of genetically modified crops, fearing that their potential risks will have unpredictable consequences, and these doubts also deserve further analysis.
The practical need of the state to promote genetically modified crops.
With a population of 1.4 billion and only 1.9 billion mu of arable land, China faces serious challenges to food security. Taking soybeans as an example, China's soybean production in 2023 will be significantly insufficient compared to its imports, with a dependence of up to 82%. Most of the imported soybeans are genetically modified varieties, mainly from countries such as Brazil, the United States and Argentina. Worldwide, the production of non-GMO soybeans is relatively limited, making it difficult to meet China's demand. Therefore, in order to ensure the stability of the country's food **, the promotion of genetically modified crops has become an inevitable choice.
Amplification: China's own soybeans are far from meeting the huge demand, so it has to rely on imports. Affected by the international market, most of the imported soybeans are genetically modified varieties. The production of non-GMO soybeans is far from meeting China's huge needs, and the amount of arable land required to rely solely on non-GMO soybeans is almost unimaginable, which is almost unaffordable for a country with huge food needs like China. Therefore, the promotion of genetically modified crops, especially soybeans, has become a practical need to maintain national food security.
Market demand and production of genetically modified crops.
China has been growing genetically modified soybeans for 20 years since the official introduction of genetically modified soybeans in 2004. Imported genetically modified soybeans are mainly used for oil extraction and poultry feed, which meets people's demand for edible oils and fats, and also provides important feed for livestock and poultry breeding**. For consumers, genetically modified soybeans have permeated every aspect of their lives, and farmers are more concerned about reducing costs and increasing yields, which is the huge advantage that genetically modified crops can bring.
Amplification: Genetically modified soybeans have gained a foothold in the Chinese market and are widely used in edible oil production and animal feed formulation, meeting the demand for high-quality fats and meat products. Although some people are skeptical about GMO technology, in fact, GMO products have gained a foothold in the market and are widely accepted. As direct beneficiaries, farmers pay more attention to the tangible economic benefits brought to them by genetically modified crops, which is also an important reason why they are willing to plant genetically modified crops.
Summary: In short, the country's vigorous promotion of genetically modified crops is based on practical needs and market conditions. Considering the need to ensure food security, reduce production costs and increase income, the promotion of genetically modified crops is a reasonable measure in line with national conditions and people's livelihood and well-being to a certain extent. Of course, supervision should also be strengthened in the process of promotion to ensure the safety and sustainability of genetically modified crops, so as to achieve the overall goal of sustainable agricultural development and national food security.