\nAbout the GM crops permitted in India and in other countries<\/a>
\nHow India is regulating transgenic crops?<\/a>
\nWhat are the arguments supporting the introduction of GM crops in India?<\/a>
\nWhat are the arguments against the introduction of GM crops in India?<\/a>
\nWhat should be the Way Forward?<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
<\/a>What are GM crops?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n- GM crops are plants that have had their DNA altered using genetic engineering techniques. 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 <\/span>e.g. Bt Cotton<\/strong>, which is widely grown in several countries, including India.<\/li>\n
- Unlike what plant breeders did traditionally in cross breeding by combining genes from same or closely related plant species, GM technology does not restrict trait selection. Genes from any living organism, be it plants, or animals, is used to arrive at the desired traits.<\/li>\n
- 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. However, the use of GMOs also raises concerns related to potential health risks, environmental impact, and ethical considerations. \u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/a>About the GM crops permitted in India and in other countries:<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n![\"Transgenic](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Transgenic-Crops-in-India-Need-and-Challenges-%E2%80%93-Explained-pointwise.png?resize=750%2C421&ssl=1\")
Source: Genetic literacy project<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nGM crops in India:<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n\n- Bt Cotton:<\/span><\/b> In India, the major transgenic crop that has been commercialized is Bt cotton. Bt cotton is genetically modified cotton that expresses a toxin derived from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis, which provides resistance against destructive pests such as the bollworm. Bt cotton remains the only GM crop approved for cultivation in India till date. The area under Bt. Cotton cultivation has increased from less than 1%<\/strong> in 2002-03 to almost 94%<\/strong> in 2019-20.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- GM mustard:<\/span><\/b> In addition, India is also considering the commercial release of genetically modified mustard known as Dhara Mustard Hybrid (DMH -11). This GM mustard has genes from a soil bacterium that enhance hybridization, potentially leading to a yield increase of 25-30%. As of now, this crop has received approval from the GEAC but is yet to receive final clearance from the Ministry of Environment.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Other transgenic crops which are under developmental phases in India:<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n\n- GE Banana:<\/span><\/b> The National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI) in Mohali is developing fungus-resistant varieties and exploring the fortification of bananas with iron. They are also working on increasing the amount of provitamin A in the fruit.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- GE Potato:<\/span><\/b> The Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI) in Shimla has received permission to conduct research on the GE potato hybrid KJ66, derived from the wild Mexican potato, aimed at combating the late blight pathogen Phytophthora infestans<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- GE Maize:<\/span><\/b> Rallis India Limited has received conditional approval from GEAC to conduct trials on GE maize, aimed at improving its resistance to the moth Spodoptera frugiperda<\/strong> and tolerance to the herbicide glyphosate.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- GE Rubber:<\/span><\/b> The Rubber Research Institute in Kottayam has been granted permission for trials of two GE rubber lines expressing an ‘osmotin’ gene, which is expected to confer resilience to the plants under a range of adverse conditions.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Transgenic crops in other countries:<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n\n- Soybean:<\/span><\/b> In the United States, one of the first and most widespread transgenic crops is the Roundup Ready soybean. These soybeans are engineered to be resistant to glyphosate, the active ingredient in the herbicide Roundup.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- Bt Maize:<\/span><\/b> Another common transgenic crop is Bt maize (or corn), which like Bt cotton, contains a gene from the Bacillus thuringiensis<\/strong> bacterium. This allows the maize to produce a protein that is toxic to certain types of pests, notably the European corn borer.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- Golden rice:<\/span><\/b> In some parts of Asia, a genetically modified version of rice known as Golden Rice has been developed. This rice is modified to produce beta-carotene<\/strong>, a precursor of vitamin A, in the edible parts of the rice plant. This is intended to combat vitamin A deficiency, a significant public health problem in many developing countries.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/a>How India is regulating transgenic crops?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n![\"Regulation](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Transgenic-Crops-in-India-Need-and-Challenges.png?resize=750%2C595&ssl=1\")
Source: The Hindu<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nIndia has a well-established regulatory framework in place to control and supervise the introduction and cultivation of GM crops. This is governed by various rules, regulations, and guidelines set by different ministries and departments.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC): <\/span><\/b>The committee reviews proposals related to the release of GM organisms and products into the environment, including experimental field trials.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- Environment Protection Act:<\/span><\/b> The GEAC or people authorized by it have the power to take punitive actions under the Environment Protection Act. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- Role of the Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR)<\/a>:<\/span><\/b> The ICAR plays a crucial role in supervising the development of new GM varieties and hybrids. For example, the approval for GM mustard allows for the environmental release of two genetically engineered mustard varieties are under the supervision of the ICAR. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- Assessment of Risks:<\/span><\/b> The regulatory framework also requires the evaluation of potential risks to human health, animal health, and biodiversity. This involves rigorous testing under laboratory and field conditions to ensure the safety and efficacy of GM crops. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- Public Consultation:<\/span><\/b> In some cases, public consultation is also part of the process before a final decision is made about the commercialization of a GM crop. This allows stakeholders, including the public, to voice their concerns and opinions.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
<\/a>About the GM crops permitted in India and in other countries:<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\nSource: Genetic literacy project<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nGM crops in India:<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n\n- Bt Cotton:<\/span><\/b> In India, the major transgenic crop that has been commercialized is Bt cotton. Bt cotton is genetically modified cotton that expresses a toxin derived from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis, which provides resistance against destructive pests such as the bollworm. Bt cotton remains the only GM crop approved for cultivation in India till date. The area under Bt. Cotton cultivation has increased from less than 1%<\/strong> in 2002-03 to almost 94%<\/strong> in 2019-20.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- GM mustard:<\/span><\/b> In addition, India is also considering the commercial release of genetically modified mustard known as Dhara Mustard Hybrid (DMH -11). This GM mustard has genes from a soil bacterium that enhance hybridization, potentially leading to a yield increase of 25-30%. As of now, this crop has received approval from the GEAC but is yet to receive final clearance from the Ministry of Environment.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Other transgenic crops which are under developmental phases in India:<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n\n- GE Banana:<\/span><\/b> The National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI) in Mohali is developing fungus-resistant varieties and exploring the fortification of bananas with iron. They are also working on increasing the amount of provitamin A in the fruit.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- GE Potato:<\/span><\/b> The Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI) in Shimla has received permission to conduct research on the GE potato hybrid KJ66, derived from the wild Mexican potato, aimed at combating the late blight pathogen Phytophthora infestans<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- GE Maize:<\/span><\/b> Rallis India Limited has received conditional approval from GEAC to conduct trials on GE maize, aimed at improving its resistance to the moth Spodoptera frugiperda<\/strong> and tolerance to the herbicide glyphosate.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- GE Rubber:<\/span><\/b> The Rubber Research Institute in Kottayam has been granted permission for trials of two GE rubber lines expressing an ‘osmotin’ gene, which is expected to confer resilience to the plants under a range of adverse conditions.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Transgenic crops in other countries:<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n\n- Soybean:<\/span><\/b> In the United States, one of the first and most widespread transgenic crops is the Roundup Ready soybean. These soybeans are engineered to be resistant to glyphosate, the active ingredient in the herbicide Roundup.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- Bt Maize:<\/span><\/b> Another common transgenic crop is Bt maize (or corn), which like Bt cotton, contains a gene from the Bacillus thuringiensis<\/strong> bacterium. This allows the maize to produce a protein that is toxic to certain types of pests, notably the European corn borer.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- Golden rice:<\/span><\/b> In some parts of Asia, a genetically modified version of rice known as Golden Rice has been developed. This rice is modified to produce beta-carotene<\/strong>, a precursor of vitamin A, in the edible parts of the rice plant. This is intended to combat vitamin A deficiency, a significant public health problem in many developing countries.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/a>How India is regulating transgenic crops?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\nSource: The Hindu<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nIndia has a well-established regulatory framework in place to control and supervise the introduction and cultivation of GM crops. This is governed by various rules, regulations, and guidelines set by different ministries and departments.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC): <\/span><\/b>The committee reviews proposals related to the release of GM organisms and products into the environment, including experimental field trials.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- Environment Protection Act:<\/span><\/b> The GEAC or people authorized by it have the power to take punitive actions under the Environment Protection Act. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- Role of the Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR)<\/a>:<\/span><\/b> The ICAR plays a crucial role in supervising the development of new GM varieties and hybrids. For example, the approval for GM mustard allows for the environmental release of two genetically engineered mustard varieties are under the supervision of the ICAR. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- Assessment of Risks:<\/span><\/b> The regulatory framework also requires the evaluation of potential risks to human health, animal health, and biodiversity. This involves rigorous testing under laboratory and field conditions to ensure the safety and efficacy of GM crops. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- Public Consultation:<\/span><\/b> In some cases, public consultation is also part of the process before a final decision is made about the commercialization of a GM crop. This allows stakeholders, including the public, to voice their concerns and opinions.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
GM crops in India:<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n Other transgenic crops which are under developmental phases in India:<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n Transgenic crops in other countries:<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n India has a well-established regulatory framework in place to control and supervise the introduction and cultivation of GM crops. This is governed by various rules, regulations, and guidelines set by different ministries and departments.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n
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<\/a>How India is regulating transgenic crops?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
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