Unregulated use of GM: A cautionary tale

Source: The post “Unregulated use of GM: A cautionary tale” has been created based on “Unregulated use of GM: A cautionary tale” published in “Indian Express” on 13th October 2026.

UPSC Syllabus: GS 3- Science & Technology

Context: A seed industry-commissioned study reveals that over a quarter of India’s cultivated cotton area may comprise unauthorised genetically modified (GM) hybrids containing herbicide-tolerant (HT) and advanced Bt traits. The study highlights the growing demand for advanced agricultural technology among farmers and the challenges arising from its adoption outside the government’s regulatory framework.

About Genetically modified (GM) crops

1. Genetically modified (GM) crops are developed by introducing specific genetic traits to improve characteristics such as pest resistance and herbicide tolerance.
2. GM crops are plants that have had their DNA altered using genetic engineering techniques.
3. This process involves inserting one or more genes from a different species into the plant’s genome to confer certain advantageous traits that aren’t naturally present in the species e.g. Bt Cotton, which is widely grown in several countries, including India.
4. GM crops are developed to improve crop yield, enhance nutritional value, reduce the use of chemical pesticides, and increase resistance to environmental stressors like drought or frost.
5. Bt cotton is India’s major commercially approved GM crop.
6. However, the growing use of unauthorised HT-Bt cotton hybrids highlights the conflict between farmers’ demand for advanced technology and the government’s regulatory approach.

Reasons for the growing adoption of unauthorised GM cotton

1. High Cost of Manual Weeding: Manual weeding costs farmers around ₹12,000–15,000 per acre, whereas two to three rounds of glyphosate application cost approximately ₹750–850. HT cotton allows farmers to control weeds with less dependence on manual labour.
2. Labour Shortages: The shortage of agricultural labour has increased farmers’ interest in technologies that reduce the time and cost involved in weed management.
3. Improved Pest Resistance: Existing approved Bt cotton hybrids contain Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab genes, but these do not adequately control pink bollworm. The unapproved Vip3A Bt gene has a different mode of action and can provide protection against this pest.
4. Farmer-Led Demand: Farmers are prioritising lower cultivation costs and better crop protection. Their adoption of these seeds demonstrates acceptance of HT technology.
5. Regulatory Restrictions: The government has not authorised the commercial cultivation of cotton incorporating the glyphosate-tolerance and Vip3A traits. Consequently, farmers are obtaining such seeds through unauthorised traders and breeders.

Major Concerns Associated with Unregulated GM Cotton

1. Violation of regulatory safeguards: Unauthorised GM seeds are being produced and sold through illegal channels without the necessary government biosafety and regulatory approvals.
2. Risks to farmers: Farmers may become dependent on unreliable seed suppliers and may not receive the quality assurance associated with research-backed seed companies.
3. Weakening of the organised seed industry: The decline in approved seed sales undermines genuine seed companies that invest in research and development.
4. Environmental and biosafety concerns: Unapproved GM crops may be commercialised without the required assessment of their environmental and biosafety implications.
5. Regulatory credibility: Widespread unauthorised adoption indicates a gap between farmers’ technological needs and the existing approval system.

Way Forward

1. Adopt Science-Based Regulation: Decisions on GM crops should be guided by empirical evidence, transparent risk assessment and independent biosafety evaluation rather than ideological considerations.
2. Facilitate Regulated Field Trials: Promising GM technologies should be evaluated through properly designed field trials under strict monitoring and safeguards.
3. Make Timely Decisions: The government should establish a responsive approval process that considers emerging challenges faced by farmers without compromising biosafety.
4. Curb Illegal Seed Markets: Authorities should strengthen seed traceability, monitor unauthorised breeding and distribution, and take action against illegal suppliers.
5. Protect Farmers’ Interests: Farmers should have access to quality-assured seeds, reliable technical guidance and information about the benefits and risks of new technologies.
6. Strengthen Agricultural Research: Public research institutions and established seed companies should be encouraged to develop improved cotton varieties that address weed management, pest resistance and cultivation costs.

Conclusion: The growing adoption of unauthorised HT-Bt cotton demonstrates that regulatory restrictions cannot eliminate demand for agricultural innovation when farmers face persistent economic and production challenges. At the same time, farmer demand alone cannot substitute for scientific assessment and biosafety approval. India must bridge this gap through timely, transparent and evidence-based regulation, stronger enforcement against illegal seed suppliers and greater investment in agricultural research. A balanced approach can protect farmers, safeguard the environment, support the formal seed industry and strengthen India’s long-term cotton productivity and competitiveness.

Question: Unregulated adoption of genetically modified (GM) cotton highlights the gap between farmers’ needs and India’s regulatory framework. Discuss the reasons, concerns and way forward in light of recent developments.

Source: Indian Express