Progress on GM Food Crops: DBT Official

Syllabus: GS3/S&T, Agriculture

Context

• Recently, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) Secretary stated that there is ‘progress’ on Genetically Modified (GM) food crops, acknowledging ongoing research and development. 

About the Genetically Modified (GM) Food Crops

• These are plants whose genetic material has been artificially modified using biotechnological methods to enhance desirable traits.
• It is done to introduce beneficial traits such as pest resistance, drought tolerance, and higher nutritional content that do not naturally occur in the species.
• Some common modifications include:
  • Pest resistance (e.g., Bt cotton, Bt brinjal)
  • Herbicide tolerance (e.g., GM soybean)
  • Drought and salinity resistance
  • Nutritional enhancement (e.g., Golden Rice enriched with Vitamin A)

GM Crops in India

• Bt Cotton is the only commercially cultivated GM crop in India that was introduced in 2002.
• Other key developments include:
  • Bt Brinjal: Approved in 2010 but banned due to public protests.
  • GM Mustard (DMH-11): Approved by GEAC in 2022 but faces legal and environmental concerns.
  • Golden Rice: Under research but not yet approved for commercial cultivation.

Benefits of GM Crops

• Higher Yields: GM crops can increase productivity, helping in food security.
• Reduced Pesticide Use: Crops like Bt Cotton are resistant to pests, reducing pesticide dependence.
• Climate Resilience: Drought- and salinity-tolerant crops can withstand harsh conditions.
• Nutritional Benefits: Biofortified crops like Golden Rice combat malnutrition.

Concerns and Challenges

• Environmental Impact: GM crops may affect biodiversity, soil health, and pollinators.
• Health Risks: Long-term effects on human health remain debated.
• Farmer Dependency: GM seeds are patented by corporations, increasing dependency.
• Ethical and Religious Concerns: Some communities oppose genetic modification for cultural reasons.

Regulatory Framework & Policy in India

• Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC): The primary body regulating GM crops.
• Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI): Approves GM food imports.
• Environment Protection Act, 1986: Rules for Manufacture, Use, Import, Export and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms (HM) Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells, 1989.
• BioE3 Policy: Use of biotechnology to improve food crops – as in the case of GM mustard – is a key focus of the government’s BioE3 policy.
  • It involves manufacturing new kinds of enzymes, pharmaceuticals and agricultural products while applying techniques, including genetic engineering.
• Programs like BioSaarthi are fostering innovation by connecting biotech startups with international mentors.

Global Perspective

• While countries like the US, Brazil, and China have adopted GM crops extensively, nations like the EU and India remain cautious. 
• The debate on GM crops continues, with scientists advocating their potential and activists highlighting risks.

Source: TH