1.

Necessity:
● Intro: Honorable adjudicators, esteemed opposition, and audience, today we stand in
firm support of the government’s decision to allow GMO crops in agriculture. The
necessity of embracing GMO technology is driven by multiple factors that demand an
urgent and pragmatic response.
● Argument: Firstly, global food demand is increasing rapidly, with the population
projected to reach nearly 10 billion by 2050. Traditional agricultural practices alone
cannot meet this demand sustainably. Without GMO crops, we risk food shortages,
higher prices, and increased hunger, particularly in developing countries where
agricultural resources are already strained.
● Evidence: According to the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO),
food production must increase by at least 60% to feed the global population by 2050.
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) provide higher yields by making crops more
resistant to diseases, pests, and adverse weather. A report from the National Academy
of Sciences (NAS) concluded that GMOs have already demonstrated the ability to
increase crop yields, especially in environments with high biotic stress such as pest
infestations.
● Additional Argument: Moreover, climate change is creating new agricultural
challenges, such as more frequent droughts and floods. GMOs are engineered to
withstand such stresses, making them necessary to ensure the stability of global food
systems.
● Additional Evidence: Research published in Nature Biotechnology has shown that
drought-tolerant maize, developed using genetic engineering, increased yields by 25% in
regions affected by drought in Sub-Saharan Africa, proving GMOs' importance in
adapting to climate change.

2. Practicality:
● Intro: Honorable panel, not only is the adoption of GMO crops necessary, but it is also
highly practical from both a technological and agricultural standpoint.
● Argument: GMOs are designed to improve resistance to pests, diseases, and extreme
weather conditions. Farmers using GMO seeds require fewer chemical pesticides and
fertilizers, which reduces both cost and environmental impact. This makes GMO crops a
practical solution for farmers, particularly in regions where agriculture faces tough
environmental challenges.
● Evidence: According to a study by the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-
biotech Applications (ISAAA), farmers using Bt cotton, a genetically modified variety that
produces its own insecticide, reduced pesticide applications by 50%. Additionally, the
same report estimates that over the last two decades, GMO crops have helped reduce
agricultural carbon emissions by 23.1 billion kg—the equivalent of removing 15.3 million
cars off the road.
● Additional Argument: Moreover, GMOs provide practical benefits to farmers in the
form of higher profitability. Increased yields and reduced input costs lead to better
financial outcomes, especially for small-scale farmers in developing countries.
● Additional Evidence: A study published in Nature Communications found that GMO
crops have contributed to a global income increase of $225 billion since their
introduction. In countries like India, Bt cotton has raised farmer incomes by 50% due to
 better crop protection and higher yields, according to research from the Indian Council of
Agricultural Research.

3. Beneficiality:
● Intro: Now let us explore the broader benefits of GMO crops, not only to farmers but to
society and the environment as a whole.
● Argument: GMO crops can be engineered to have enhanced nutritional value, which is
crucial in combating malnutrition, especially in regions where access to diverse food
sources is limited. Furthermore, GMOs can help reduce agricultural waste and lower
greenhouse gas emissions by requiring less land, water, and energy.
● Evidence: Golden Rice, a genetically modified rice enriched with Vitamin A, has the
potential to prevent millions of deaths and cases of blindness caused by Vitamin A
deficiency, particularly in Southeast Asia. The International Rice Research Institute
(IRRI) has confirmed its safety and potential to address this public health issue.
● Additional Argument: Besides health benefits, GMOs also contribute to environmental
sustainability. With higher crop productivity per acre, less land is needed for farming,
preserving forests and biodiversity. This also reduces deforestation, one of the major
contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions.
● Additional Evidence: A report by the European Commission found that between 1996
and 2018, GMO crops resulted in an overall land-saving of 230 million hectares globally,
an area larger than the entire agricultural land of the European Union. Reducing land
use for agriculture also protects wildlife habitats and promotes biodiversity.

4. Ending Statement:
In conclusion, the government’s decision to allow GMO crops in agriculture is not only
necessary to meet the growing global food demand and address the impacts of climate change,
but it is also practical, as it provides farmers with economic benefits while reducing reliance on
harmful chemicals. Furthermore, GMOs bring tremendous benefits, including enhanced nutrition
and environmental sustainability. The opposition may argue against GMOs based on fear or
misconceptions, but the evidence overwhelmingly supports their safety and utility. We are not
advocating for unregulated use but a science-based approach to secure a sustainable future.
Therefore, we urge you to support the adoption of GMO crops in agriculture.

Health Concerns
1. Safety of GMOs: Major health organizations, like the WHO and FDA, affirm that GMOs
on the market are as safe as non-GMO foods, having undergone rigorous testing.
2. Allergic Reactions: While the WHO states that GM foods should be assessed on a
case-by-case basis, GMOs have passed detailed risk assessments for allergenicity. No
unique allergens have been identified in GM foods compared to conventional foods.
Additionally, food allergies are common regardless of genetic modification.
3. Cancer Risk: There is no evidence linking GM foods to cancer. Research has not
shown an increase in cancer cases corresponding to the introduction of GM foods since
the 1990s.
 4. Impact on Human DNA: Consuming GM foods does not alter human genes. The
digestive process degrades DNA, and scientific research has not established any direct
genetic effects from GMO consumption.

Environmental Risks
1. Ecological Impact: GM technology has been shown to reduce chemical inputs (e.g.,
pesticides) through the development of pest-resistant and drought-resistant crops, thus
benefiting the environment.
2. Pesticide Use: GM crops often utilize herbicides and insecticides with lower
Environmental Impact Quotients (EIQ) than their conventional counterparts, resulting in
decreased pesticide application.
3. Biodiversity Concerns: Although monoculture practices can threaten biodiversity, GMO
crops can help increase yields on existing farmland, reducing the need to convert more
land for agriculture.
4. Corporate Control and Farmer Rights: While patents on GMOs exist, regulatory
frameworks are evolving to make these technologies more accessible to small-scale
farmers. GMOs can improve crop resilience and profitability for farmers.
5. Resistance Issues: The emergence of "superweeds" is not limited to GMOs and can
occur with conventional crops as well. Implementing better agricultural practices can
mitigate these issues, and new GMO technologies are being developed to address
resistance.

Benefits of GMOs
● Increased Crop Yields: GMOs can produce 20-30% more crops under similar
conditions compared to non-GMO varieties.
● Nutritional Enhancements: Crops like Golden Rice are engineered for improved
nutritional content, addressing deficiencies.
● Drought Resistance: Certain GMO varieties can withstand drought conditions, ensuring
food security in vulnerable regions.
● Sustainable Practices: The adoption of biotech crops can reduce greenhouse gas
emissions due to lower fuel use in farming.

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are organisms, whether plants, animals, or microbes,
whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. These
modifications are designed to enhance certain traits, such as resistance to pests, herbicides, or
adverse environmental conditions, and have been employed in agriculture since the early
1990s. The adoption of GMOs has been driven by the urgent need to address global challenges
such as food security, climate change, and nutritional deficiencies.

The Uses of GMOs

GMOs are utilized primarily in agriculture to increase crop yields and improve resistance to
pests and diseases. For instance, crops like Bt corn and Bt cotton have been genetically
engineered to express insecticidal proteins from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis, which
significantly decreases pest damage and reduces the need for chemical pesticides. Research
published in the journal Nature indicates that GM crops can yield 20-30% more than their non-
GMO counterparts under similar conditions. Additionally, GMOs can enhance nutritional
content; for example, Golden Rice has been developed to contain higher levels of vitamin A,
addressing deficiencies in populations reliant on rice as a staple food.

Benefits to Governments and Communities

The benefits of GMOs extend to governments and communities alike. By increasing agricultural
productivity, GMOs can contribute to national food security and economic growth. Enhanced
yields can lower food prices, making food more accessible to the population. Furthermore, the
use of GMO crops designed for drought resistance or improved nutrient efficiency can conserve
water and protect soil quality, which is crucial for sustainable agricultural practices. The
International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA) reported that the
adoption of biotech crops has led to reduced greenhouse gas emissions due to lower fuel use in
farming operations.

The Case for Allowing GMOs

Given the potential benefits, allowing GMOs in agriculture is justified. They can help mitigate the
impact of climate change by increasing resilience in food systems and reducing the need for
harmful agricultural inputs. While concerns exist regarding corporate control of patented seeds,
regulatory frameworks and licensing agreements are evolving to make this technology more
accessible to small-scale farmers in developing regions. Ultimately, GMOs can lead to improved
crop resilience, reduced crop loss, and increased profitability for farmers.

Historical Context and Discovery

The journey of GMOs began in the early 1970s, with the first genetically modified plants
produced in the 1980s. The discovery of GMOs was rooted in the need to combat agricultural
challenges such as pest infestations, diseases, and the demand for higher yields to feed a
growing global population. Today, millions of people consume GMO foods worldwide without
consistent reports of adverse effects, supported by extensive safety evaluations by
organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Academy of
Sciences.

Safety and Health Concerns

Although there are concerns about the potential risks associated with GMOs, extensive
research has concluded that GM foods currently on the market are safe for human
consumption. The WHO has stated that no substantiated evidence suggests that GM foods
pose a greater risk to human health than conventional foods. Studies have shown that common
allergens can arise from both GMO and non-GMO sources, with allergenic potential being
assessed on a case-by-case basis. The Allergen Online database lists known allergens and
shows no new allergens introduced by genetic modification.

Environmental Impact and Biodiversity

The environmental impact of GMOs has been a point of debate. While concerns about
biodiversity loss exist, studies indicate that GM technology has been beneficial to the
environment by reducing the need for chemical pesticides and herbicides. The Environmental
Impact Quotient (EIQ) is a method used to measure the impact of individual pesticides on the
environment, showing that herbicides commonly used on GM crops tend to have lower EIQ
values than their conventional counterparts. Moreover, GMO crops can help prevent
deforestation by increasing yield on existing farmland, thus reducing the pressure to convert
more land for agriculture.

Addressing Gaps and Future Prospects

While the benefits of GMOs often outweigh their disadvantages, addressing potential gaps is
crucial. These include enhancing public education to combat misinformation, conducting
transparent research, and establishing regulatory frameworks that consider environmental and
ethical concerns. Continuous monitoring and post-market surveillance can ensure ongoing
safety and efficacy.

Short-term and Long-term Effects

In the short term, the use of GMOs leads to increased crop yields and reduced pest damage,
resulting in economic benefits for farmers and agricultural sectors. Long-term effects include
sustained agricultural productivity, shifts in ecosystem dynamics, and changes in farming
practices. The sustainability of GMOs hinges on their integration into broader agricultural
systems, ensuring that they contribute positively to food security and environmental health.

Conclusion

In conclusion, GMOs represent a powerful tool in addressing some of the most pressing
challenges in modern agriculture. With proper regulation, continuous research, and transparent
communication, the potential benefits of GMOs can be harnessed effectively, ensuring that they
contribute to a sustainable and food-secure future for all.