Genetically Modified Crops Controversy:The Actualization of Intellectual Property Rights Regime

Genetically modified crops have generated a lot of controversy on intellectual property rights. GM crops, also called Genetically Engineering (GE) crops contain altered genetic materials, or have genes transferred from other organisms to introduce new agronomic traits to production. The common targeted traits of GM crops include herbicide tolerance, pet, and pathogen resistance, a biotic stress tolerance, and product quality. GM technology has been applied in many major field crops, including soybean, corn, cotton, and canola by planting GM crops. Farmers may benefit from increased yields, less use of herbicide and pesticide, lower production costs, reduced cost of labour and capital equipment, and improved agricultural productivity. This paper critically appraises genetically modified crops, vis-a-vis, intellectual property rights, and satisfies itself that controversy really exists. It describes the benefits that genetic modified seed can provide to farmers, as well as the concerns that farmers should address before utilizing these seeds. It appraises the case for and against genetically modified crops and opines that the case for genetically modified crops is meritorious.