Lesson 7

BioBusiness Revolution: Agribiology, Environment Life Sciences and Industrial Biotechnology (Past, Present and Future)

Thoughts and Summary:

Readings on Ending World Hunger. The promise of Biotechnology and the threats of Antiscience Zealotory

This reading caught by attention as it tags along with the Nobel Prize for Peace, 1970. The whole article is on a critique on the genetic modification of crops. In fact, author tries to emphasize that the green revolution is not over but it is another improvement made to the crop management productivity. I believe it is bringing more food supply to the world and I am totally supportive of this. As long as this genetic improvement of food crops can continue to meet the needs of 8.3 billion people (that is stated to be projected at the end of quarter century), I don’t see the point why we should be against it. Imagine days without food? That is then the end of the day for us human.

The use of biotechnology has developed invaluable new scientific methodologies and products. Look at the long term effects – reduction in herbicide (leads to lower production costs and a more environment friendly world), ability to plant agriculture in acidic soil (more arable land), greater tolerance of weather conditions and more. These have proven that the genetic modification of crops is a progressive force of nature of feeding human race. The author also stressed that a better education about genetic diversity and variation, so that people are more aware that the new technology shall be their salvation.

In Bandana’s presentation, she has also brought up the whole picture of Monsanto's profit margin vs socially responsible. Instead of teaching farmers or selling their new technology to them, the company simply sells to farmers without any interest in whether or not farmers benefit from them. Being profit driven and re-patent their core products is Monsanto’s main motives. They do not seen to be an ethical practice but I believe this is what every businesses' goals to survive, either you are the big brother calling the shots or not but the ones following in the norm. Suggestion brought up by the class is that Monsanto could change their business model such that they can collect their money of the seeds sold after every harvest that instead of farmers buying seeds.

Rate: 7 /10