G.M.O

Recently the government of Kenya led by his excellency the President, lifted the ban on GMO.A genetically modified organism (GMO) is any organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques.

The exact definition of a genetically modified organism and what constitutes genetic engineering varies, with the most common being an organism altered in a way that “does not occur naturally by mating and/or natural recombination”. A wide variety of organisms have been genetically modified (GM), from animals to plants and microorganisms.

In order to produce a genetically modified plant a DNA is transferred into plant cells.Usually the cells are then grown in tissue culture where they develop into plants. The seeds produced by these new plants will inherit the new DNA.

Seeds that have been modified to contain specific characteristics such as resistance to herbicides that is incase of plant diseases or pest resistance. However the method of modification used with GM seeds varies from the traditional method in an important respect : the genes have not been modified over generations of cross-fertilization,but rather inserted directly into the DNA of the seeds.

Although this method is more efficient,crisis fear that the result i a “Novel gene combination ” may have healthy or environmental impacts that qre not being adequately addressed. As a result , the technology is surrounded by significant controversy.

Some of the benefits of GM seeds include increase in crop yields, diminished use of pesticide and finally increased profits from GM produces. However, private organisations have advised farmers to take caution and be concerned before adopting the technology. They should consider the environmental impacts of tge technology and the potential impacts of customers concerns (both domestic and international) on the market of Geneticaly Modified products.

In conclusion, considering the benefits and concerns raised by GM seeds is that neither full-scale adoption nor full scale rejection is a viable option. There is also the uncertainty surrounding consumer acceptance of GM products, particularly in foreign markets,is a risk that may simply be unacceptable to some farmers.