Population increase, shrinkage of arable land and available resources have
led to the development of genetically modified plants for improving food quality and
quantity. Cultivation of genetically modified plants has been reported to improve the
socio- economic condition of farmers around the globe and their cultivated area has
increased constantly. Important food, and feed crops are genetically engineered for
improving the nutritional quality, cooking/edible quality, herbicide tolerance, shelf life,
pest and disease resistance. Besides several advantages, the impact of genetically
modified plants on human health, environment, social and political conditions needs to
be addressed. Educating common public towards genetically modified plants and their
safe use; framing proper policies and strict regulations towards transgene escape, loss
of diversity, non-target effects will empower the society to relish the benefits of
genetically modified plants.
Keywords: Genetically Modified Plants, Genome Engineering, GM Trait,
Impact, Regulations.