Genetically Modified Trees

In News

• Genetically modified trees have been planted in the United States for the first time in a low-lying tract of southern Georgia’s pine belt.

About

• The poplars have been genetically engineered to grow wood faster while absorbing more carbon dioxide from the air.
• Living Carbon, the San Francisco-based biotechnology company is behind the modified trees, which attempts to help fight climate change.
• Critics have however expressed concern that opening the door to commercial plantings still requires in-depth research on repercussions and long-term impacts on native ecosystems.
• At present, the commercial cultivation of GM trees is not allowed in India.

What are Genetically Modified Trees?

• Genetically modified trees, also known as GM trees, are trees that have been genetically modified using biotechnology.
• These are done to enhance their desired traits, such as faster growth, disease resistance, or ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
• These trees are created by introducing foreign genes into their DNA through techniques like gene editing or gene gun method.

Importance

• GM trees have the potential to mitigate the effects of climate change by absorbing more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
• They can also be used for commercial purposes, such as producing timber or pulp more efficiently.

Challenges

• The long-term effects of GM trees on the environment and ecosystems are not yet fully understood.
• There are concerns about the potential risks of cross-pollination with wild or non-GM trees, which could lead to unintended consequences.
• Critics argue that GM trees could harm biodiversity and increase the use of harmful pesticides and herbicides.
• Government has strict regulations on GM crops before they can be approved for commercial use which often kills the research incentives for developing new crops.

Government schemes: Promoting the R&D of genetically modified (GM) crops

• National Agricultural Innovation Project (NAIP): This scheme is implemented by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and provides funding for research and development in the field of agriculture, including the development of GM crops.
• National Food Security Mission (NFSM): It is implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and aims to increase food grain production and productivity in India with research on GM crops to achieve the mission’s objectives.
• Biotechnology Industry Partnership Program (BIPP): It is implemented by the Department of Biotechnology and provides funding for public-private partnerships in the field of biotechnology and GM crops.
• National Biotechnology Development Strategy (NBDS): This is a long-term strategy implemented by the Department of Biotechnology to promote biotechnology research and development in India.
• Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY): This scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and aims to promote the development of agriculture and allied sectors.

Source: TH