Introduction: Define Transgenic Crops. Body: What is the current status of such crops and why is lack of acceptance regarding GM crops. Conclusion: Conclude with way forward. |
Transgenic crops are those crops that have used genetic engineering to modify their genomes by the addition or removal of genes. The modification helps the crop develop certain traits like immunity from pest attack, high yield, or herbicide tolerance. Transgenic crops were in the news recently when 3 states Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Telangana deferred the Centre’s proposal for testing of transgenic cotton seed with the gene Cry2Ai, which makes cotton resistant to pink bollworm.
What is the current status of transgenic crops in India:
- Different types of crops: A wide range of crops like brinjal, tomato, maize, and chickpea are in different phases of trials in India. Only 1 crop Bt Cotton has received approval for commercial cultivation in India.
- Area: India has the world’s fifth largest cultivated area under genetically modified (GM) crops, at 11.4 million hectares (mh) in 2017. The entire GM crop area is under cotton, incorporating genes from the Bacillus thuringiensis for resistance against Heliothis bollworm insect pests.
- GM Mustard: The government has cleared the release of the GM variety of mustard, DMH-11, developed by the Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants (CGMCP) at Delhi University but the decision was opposed by environmentalists, and the release was put on hold.
- Bt Brinjal: Bt Brinjal was developed by Mahyco (Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Company) in collaboration with the Dharwad University of Agricultural Sciences and the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University. Its release was also put on hold regarding biosafety concerns.
Why is there a lack of acceptance regarding GM crops?
- Precautionary Principle: The principle argues that the absence of any scientific data and information on any innovation can cause adverse effects on health and the environment.
- Health: Independent research has shown carcinogenicity, neurotoxicity, reproductive health problems, organ damage, etc. as harmful effects on the health of GM crops.
- Farmer’s concern: A particular concern of farmers is that GM crops will lead to the risk of monopoly of big corporates like Monsanto in the seed business.
- Not universally practiced: Only 29 out of 172 countries worldwide still cultivate GM crops. Additionally, only five nations—the United States, Brazil, Argentina, Canada, and India—continue to contain 91% of the world’s GM cropland. China has also seen a decline in the usage of Bt cotton, and rapeseed and mustard are being hybridized using non-GM technologies.
- Environment: Activists argue that GM crops destroy soil, and impact microbes, medicinal herbs, and pollinators like bees which adversely impacts our crop diversity.
Conclusion:
The issue of GM crops is delicate as it relates to agriculture, food security, and nutrition. Central Government should consult all stakeholders involving NGOs, State Government, Farmer Groups, and Dept of Biotechnology before implementing any important decision.