Microsoft founder Bill Gates has undertaken a philanthropic plan to end
world's hunger by promoting genetically engineered food crops. As a part of his
plan, Monsanto and other biotech companies have collaborated with Gates
Foundation through forming "Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa''
(AGRA) to promote growing of genetically modified (GM) crops in Africa. Bill
Gates supports the use of genetically modified Golden Rice which is capable of
producing beta-carotene that human body can convert to vitamin A. True, Gates
plan has noble intentions.
But in case of GM Golden Rice, according to a Study, a woman would have to
consume 16 pounds and a child 12 pounds of Golden Rice per day to get the
recommended amount of Vitamin A. Does this sound very healthy and encouraging?
Moreover the Monsanto's herbicide "Roundup Ready" which is sprayed
liberally on genetically modified crops contains Glyphosate, which is harmful
to both humans and the environment. Glyphosate has been found to be linked to
birth defects, endocrine disruption, DNA damage and other health affects.
Mr. Gates, please review your plan for incorporating
something better suitable for human as well as for environment. For instance,
New Rice for Africa ("NERICA") may
be a potential choice.
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