Genetically Modified Crops for Food Security in India: Buddhist Environmental Ethics
Journal Title: Scholars Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences - Year 2017, Vol 5, Issue 11
Abstract
Dwindling land holdings, deteriorating natural resource base, change in the consumption pattern coupled with the climate change phenomenon poses challenge to global food security for a burgeoning population. India is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change. Climate change impacts the yields of various important principle food crops and the crop yield variability will have more adverse effects on food security. Climate change projections raise concerns about future food security and needs for adaptation. In this context, the potential of the Genetic Engineering applications in agriculture caught the imagination of Indian policy makers to address the food security challenge. The Genetic modification (GM) approach to Indian agriculture has generated a conflict with key ethical goals between ensuring food security and trade, farmers and consumer rights, biodiversity, environment, animal welfare, future generations. Questions have also been raised about the nature of the science and democracy. In this paper, I will discuss in detail human health, environmental and biodiversity problems raised in the context of GM brinjal in India. The health and environmental ramifications will adversely affect the well being of both the present and future generations of all living things. Drawing on the two fundamental Buddhist doctrines namely “dependent origination” (Pratitya-samutpada) and “the middle way” as sencitising concepts, the present paper argues that the climate change adaptation measures in Indian agriculture need to be guided by the principles of Plurality, Relevance , Precaution and Participation as a way to solve health and environmental problems. Keywords: Genetically Modified crops, Food security, Buddhism, Environemntal Ethics.
Authors and Affiliations
Dr. Jacob Kalle
Keywords
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