NATURE VS NURTURE: RIGHT VS LEFT

- by Juwah C. O.  

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For more than a decade this topic has polarized Nigerians, provoking a heated debate wherever it arises. Some Nigerians list the pro's while others list the con's. I for one, am skeptical but ultimately disagree with the introduction of GM - Genetically Modified - crops or seedlings to our economy and ecosystem at large.

Those on the left who support the radical introduction of GM crops say the benefits outweigh the possible consequences as improved yields and stronger resistance to pests and diseases will improve food reach, reduce food imports resulting in reduced foreign exchange (forex) expenditure. These probable outcomes, if they indeed materialize, would be welcome in any economy. However, we must not summarily dismiss the probable consequences of adopting GM crops; unbridled perennial dependence on biotech firms for seeds, uncharted disruption of our ecosystem by the new strains and even more pernicious, uncertain health implications as genetically modified crops are currently, albeit speculatively, being linked with certain ravaging infirmities like cancers.

For those on my side of the fence, those closer to the right, I believe we all agree that GM is not the better way to go. Why? Start with the reasons stated above but aside from these, there is another reason for my skepticism about our enthusiasm for GM crops. This extra personal thought is the recurring trend of Ministers of Agriculture insisting that GM crops will be introduced, usually at the beginning of presidential cycles. Could this be a tell-tale sign of POSSIBLE unnecessary external influence from biotech firms?

If this is the reality, then it may not just end well for the source of these self-interested external pressures. The whole situation reminds me of a certain failed energy deal Nigeria had with a certain foreign firm a few regimes ago. This 'burton-deal' which was meant to "help" solve our energy problems was heavily skewed in favour of the foreign firm. The deal would have short-changed us greatly. If the introduction of GM crops is primarily for the benefit of some large corporation hiding in the shadows with plans to short change Nigeria then this would be another reason to remain right.

Nigerians should be careful with what we let through our borders, as "gifts" may be difficult to regulate and are more often than not, profit motivated. Unfortunately, however, the profit is rarely ever in our favour.

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