Genetically modified corn makes Chinese people confused

The Chinese public suspects that a popular cultivated corn variety in this country is genetically modified and causes many unusual phenomena in animals.

>>>Scientists warn about the reverse side of transgenic plants

Asia Time said, while demand for corn in China soared, public attention focused on the corn variety XY335 (aka Xianyu ).

In just 5 years, XY335 has become the most popular cultivated corn in northern China and the second most popular in the country. However, public opinion has begun to suspect that XY335's 'parents' are genetically modified corn. According to a Chinese Ministry of Agriculture document, transgenic plants are not yet approved for commercial planting in China.

In 2010, the International Economic Herald published an article about people discovering unusual phenomena in the XY335 eating animals in many areas, such as infertile mice and miscarriage pigs. The argument that XY335, due to genetic modification, mutated genes and reduced the fertility of corn-eating animals.

Genetically modified plants, namely maize, are the subject of debate in China. With high yields, plants that genetically engineered can help this country avoid costly imports. But on the other hand, the unexplained effects of transgenic plants cause social activists to be concerned about food safety.

Rice and wheat are the two main staples in China. But due to the increasing living standards of the people, the demand for meat consumption has also increased over time. So China needs a large amount of corn to feed poultry and livestock.

China's food shortage in the 1970s was an important driving force for Beijing to implement agricultural and economic reforms. But today, when the economy is booming, China must decide the level of dependence on the international market to ensure food demand.

Promoting genetically modified seed production is a big deal for seed companies, herbicide companies, research organizations and government agencies. But whether it brings benefits to farmers is still a question without a clear answer.