Ethical Issues of Biotechnology in Agriculture and Agri-Business

Abstract

Agriculture in India is the hub around which the wheel of Indian economy and society revolves. The growing population puts extra pressure on agriculture to sustain the food and nutritional requirements. The emergence of Biotechnology has given the hope to the agriculture scientists and policy makers for tackling the problem of food security in an efficient and effective manner. Any new or innovative technology also brings with itself the various ethical issues from the perspective of the society and economy. In recent times, hardly any technology has come which has created such a stir throughout the world from the
ethical point of view. This technology has literally divided the world into two halves. One half staunchly favours the technology and the other half vehemently opposes it. The pertinent question that arises is that the problem lies with the technology itself or the problem lies with its use. This paper focuses on agriculture Biotechnology. The attempt is to find out the reasons for doubt over this technology and arguments that are given in favour and also the arguments given against the technology. Then the ethical issues related to Biotechnology and biotechnology business in agriculture is discussed and finally how Biotechnology can affect the farmers is discussed.