Source: The post India debates genetically modified crops amid global trade pressure has been created, based on the article “Fields of the future” published in “The Indian Express” on 7th July 2025
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; And issues of buffer stocks and food security.
Context: As the July 9 deadline for trade talks with the US nears, pressure is increasing on India to open its agriculture sector to genetically modified (GM) crops. India’s firm stance, citing concerns over farmer livelihoods and food safety, may hinder progress in finalising the deal.
For detailed information on The Ongoing Debate on Genetically Modified Crops in India read this article here
India’s Current GM Crop Status
- Bt Cotton’s Presence in the Food System: India’s only approved GM crop is Bt cotton, allowed in 2002 under the Vajpayee government. Over 90% of India’s cotton area uses Bt cotton. While meant for textiles, its seed is fed to cattle and oil is consumed by humans, indicating GM material already exists in the food chain.
- Past GM Feed Imports: India previously imported GM soya and corn for poultry feed, further proving that GM elements have long entered the system, though indirectly.
The Cotton Boom and Its Decline
- 2002–2014: A Period of High Growth: Bt cotton led to a massive jump in production—from 13.6 million bales in 2002–03 to 39.8 million bales in 2013–14. Productivity rose by 87%, and Gujarat experienced over 8% agri-GDP growth. India became the second-largest cotton producer and exporter, with $4.1 billion in net exports during 2011–12.
- Post-2015 Decline: Since 2015, productivity has dropped from 566 kg/ha to 436 kg/ha by 2023–24, far below the global average of 770 kg/ha, and much less than China’s 1,945 kg/ha and Brazil’s 1,839 kg/ha. Production has declined by 2% annually, mainly due to pest outbreaks and regulatory hurdles preventing next-generation seeds.
The Rise of Illegal HT-Bt Cotton
- Unapproved Yet Widely Adopted: HT-Bt cotton, tolerant to glyphosate, was never cleared officially. Still, it now covers 15–25% of cotton acreage in states like Gujarat and Maharashtra, as farmers seek solutions to pest resistance.
- Consequences of Unregulated Spread: These seeds, being illegal, offer no legal protection to farmers, while hurting legitimate seed firms. The shadow seed market undermines regulation, revealing a gap between policy and reality.
Policy Barriers and Innovation Slowdown
- Deterrents to R&D Investment: The 2015 Cotton Seed Price Control Order cut Bt cotton royalties sharply. By 2018, trait fees dropped to Rs 39 per packet, making R&D unviable. Further caps in 2016 and 2020 discouraged global biotech players from investing in India.
- Lost Opportunity: From 2003 to 2021, policy delays driven by activist opposition blocked innovation. As a result, cotton exports declined, and by 2024–25, India became a net importer of raw cotton, with imports worth $0.4 billion.
Broader GM Crop Paralysis
- Bt Brinjal and GM Mustard in Limbo: Despite GEAC approval, Bt brinjal (since 2009) and GM mustard (cleared in 2022) await commercial release. Regulatory delays and legal hurdles have kept them from reaching farmers.
- Impact on Innovation and Imports: This prolonged stagnation has blocked crop innovation, increased import reliance, and weakened India’s biotech edge.
The Way Forward
- Need for Strong, Science-Based Leadership: India needs bold leadership guided by science. PM Modi’s slogan “Jai Anusandhan” and the Rs 1 lakh crore RDI fundare encouraging. But real change requires commercial rollout of biotech crops like HT-Bt cotton, Bt brinjal, GM mustard, and others.
- Biotech as a Rural Growth Engine: As Vajpayee said, what IT is to India, BT is to Bharat. Gene technology can revive rural prosperity and secure India’s agricultural future.
Question for practice:
Examine the reasons behind India’s resistance to commercial adoption of genetically modified crops despite their proven benefits in cotton production.
