pros and cons of GM crops

Opponents say GM foods have not been adequately tested and could pose unknown risks to human health. But producers like Kilian say they hold many pluses, particularly in a region that regularly suffers from food shortages.

"About 20 percent of my maize crop is GM," says Kilian.

"They help to increase your yields and reduce your input costs. If you have a crop that is resistant to being eaten by pests you don't have to spend money on spraying with insecticide."