The Chinese government has only approved the growth of GM papaya and cotton in the country, while GM soybeans, beets, rapeseed and corn are imported overseas. (Photo : Getty Images)
Genetically modified food still creates a division among China's political advisors and the general public after two years of sessions, according to an article by CRIENGLISH.com.
The public has voiced out concern regarding the fact that there isn't a lot of awareness surrounding GMOs, with majority of people clueless on how to distinguish organic food from GMO.
To appease the public's growing concerns, China has further strengthened its research and supervision of GM food technologies in the country, said Chen Xiwen, director of the central agricultural work leading team office and a political advisor.
The Chinese government has only approved the growth of GM papaya and cotton in the country, while GM soybeans, beets, rapeseed and corn are imported overseas. Such imported GM crops and produce must only be used to feed animals and help in the manufacture of oil.
"GM soybeans can resist herbicide. So the technology mainly works to improve the plants' resistance which will also reduce costs for farmers and pollution," said Chen in an interview with CRIENGLISH.com. "Cotton plants are genetically modified to fend off attacks from cotton bollworm. And GM papaya can resist viruses. GM technology doesn't increase production but it does improve resistance."
Although some GM food are being imported or locally grown, Chen admits that there are several illegal plantations of GM corn in China--a testament to the lack of supervision in the country.
While the public is unsure of what to think about GM food, scientists are welcoming the introduction of GMO in the country, believing this will add new options to people's diet.
"With the growth of our population, our demands on food are also developing: we want higher quality and more variety," said Luo Yunbo, dean of College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering in Agricultural University.
"When it comes to resolving food issues, there are only two solutions: one is land; the other is the technology," said Luo. "In China, we do not have much potential left on the land part. The farmland is shrinking in the face of increasing urbanization. So we need to speed up on the technology. If we have the technology and breed good crops, we will have the advantages in the market and in strategy."
