GMOs in Kyrgyzstan: Corn, soy, wheat, and rice on local tables

Kyrgyzstan is no longer a country solely reliant on ecologically clean products, as genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have become a noticeable presence on store shelves and in agricultural practices. Kuban Matraimov, director of the CAREC branch in Kyrgyzstan, stated in an interview that while the country lacks the laboratories and scientists for domestic GMO production, imported GMO products and crops grown from genetically modified seeds are a reality.

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In Kyrgyzstan, GMOs are not produced. We do not have such laboratories and scientists who could genetically modify certain types of agricultural crops. And, of course, this is good for us, for now.

Matraimov highlighted that GMOs are primarily found in corn, soy, rice, and certain types of wheat. He also noted the possibility of modified seeds being used for fruit saplings like apples, pears, and berries, although farmers often attribute these to selective breeding. The prevalence of GMOs extends to spices, which contribute to the flavor of food. The year-round availability of corn, unlike its previous seasonal presence, is cited as an example of GMO influence.

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GMOs are present in Kyrgyzstan. This is not denied now by our government agencies, nor by businessmen who import GMO products into the country, nor by farmers who are already growing GMO products.

The discussion around GMOs often centers on their potential health risks. Matraimov acknowledged that medical science has not provided a definitive answer on the harmfulness of GMOs. While the nutritional content and taste may be comparable to non-GMO products, the altered genetic material in GMOs could potentially impact human health. However, he also mentioned scientific findings indicating that while humans consume genetically modified products, their own genes do not change as a result. The lack of comprehensive checks and regulations leaves consumers uncertain about the safety of these products.

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Do you eat corn on the way to Issyk-Kul? Have you noticed that corn is now sold all year round, not just in summer, as before? This is corn grown using genetically modified seeds.