January 25, 2019
For the first time, Iran is allowing a genetically-modified (GM) crop to be cultivated in Iran.
The Financial Tribune reported January 1 that the Agriculture Ministry has approved a plan to allow genetically modified cotton seeds to be planted beginning this year.
Mokhtar Jalali-Javaran, a member of the Biosafety Council, told the daily the seeds had been modified in Iranian laboratories to be pest resistant—mainly resistant to the cotton bollworm, which has often afflicted Iran’s cotton crops.
He said the GM seeds would mean that farmers would be able to use less pesticide, and maybe even eliminate it altogether in some cases.
As of 2016, only 26 countries, mostly in the Americas, but also including India and China, grew GM crops. There is still much resistance to the entire idea of genetic modifications—especially in Europe. The Islamic Republic has been on the side of those suspicious of GM crops, in part, perhaps, because it is the United States that has most loudly promoted genetic modifications.
Jalali-Javaran charged that the opposition to GM crops is largely based on superstition.
GM seeds are mainly designed to resist pests and diseases, but they also can provide for bigger and tastier foods and for greater yields.
The Islamic Republic is only allowing GM cotton for now. The use of GM soybeans and corn, which are the biggest GM food crops around the world, will remain banned.
While Iran has banned GM crops from being cultivated in Iran, Jalali-Javaran said Iran imports about $5 billion worth of genetically-modified crops every year, primarily soybeans, corn and rapeseed.