Introduction
Agricultural engineering has recently undergone great developments. New fields have emerged, which have allowed agricultural engineers to advance towards greater innovation and progress. Recently, genetic engineering has witnessed huge advancements in its techniques and application. Modified agricultural crops would be one of the most important applications, as known as genetically modified foods (GMO). GMO is a controversial field and most of the opinions varied about their potential benefits and risks. In this article, we will delve into detail of the genetically modified foods production process, and the role of agricultural engineers. Also, we will discuss the pros and cons of this technology.
What are genetically modified foods?
Genetically modified foods are agricultural products with modified genetic material (DNA). Using genetic engineering techniques, this process aims of create desirable traits and qualities such as increased productivity or improving the nutritional value of the plant. It is done by transferring specific genes from another organism into the genome of the target plant.
The process of producing the genetically modified foods
The process of producing genetically modified foods includes several main stages. First, Isolate the gene in order to transfer. Scientists in the field identify and isolate the gene that is responsible for the desired trait in another organism. Second, the target gene is introduced to a plant cell using some specific techniques. Next, culturing a genetically modified cell. A genetically modified cell is cultured in a controlled and suitable nutrient environment until it multiplies and forms a complete plant possessing the new trait. In addition, the genetically modified plant is get tested to ensure its safety to the environment overall. Finally, after obtaining the necessary approvals, genetically modified agricultural products are marketed and promoted.
Role of agricultural engineers
Carrying-out a vast range of tasks and duties, agricultural engineers lead a crucial track of the development and production of genetically modified foods process. These tasks involve an experimental design. They design agricultural experiments to test these crops in various environmental conditions. Additionally, they do a statistical analysis of data generated from agricultural experiments to evaluate the performance of genetically modified crops. Next is risk assessment. They estimate the potential risks associated with the culturing and use of these modified crops. Moreover, they develop innovative agricultural strategies provided by the use of the genetically modified crops. Finally, they raise awareness and educate people about the benefits and risks of these modified crops.
Pros and Cons
Genetically modified crops have many positives sides and effects. However, there are some negative effects that engineers should consider and addressed. We can demonstrate the main pros and cons as below.
Positive effects of genetically modified foods
- Increasing agricultural productivity: which helps and contributes to meet the vast food needs of the increasing number of populations.
- Enhancing the content of nutrients: scientists of agricultural engineers can genetically modify crops to improve and increase vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.
- Adoption to harsh environmental conditions: modified crops could withstand harsh environmental conditions such as drought.
Negative effects of genetically modified foods
- Impact on health: long-terms consuming of modified foods may cause allergies and digestive problems.
- Impact on the environment: producing these crops may result in the loss of biodiversity and genetic contamination.
- Control of markets: there are concerns that control the GMO crop seed market by a few companies, would raise monopoly and lead to high prices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many benefits we could gain from producing genetically modified foods. However, there must be more researched and experiments to reduce the potential risks of use them in the long term.
INTERNATIONAL ENGINEERING ORGANIZATION (IEO)