Cultivation of genetically modified (GM) crops has been found not only to have environmental and nutritional benefits but also health advantages especially to small holder farmers.
A research paper done at the University of Saskatchewan, Canada, shows that growing of GM crops like cotton and maize has reduced cancer incidence, pesticide poisoning and suicide rates as well as improving mental health.
This is because development of insect-resistant crop varieties has reduced the effect of chemicals on human health by reducing cancer rates.
The study showed Bt maize contained lower concentrations of toxins. “Research examining the relationship between farm suicide and Bt cotton adoption revealed a plateauing of the suicides following commercialisation of Bt cotton,” said Stuart Smith in the paper.