Genetically modified crops (GM crops) are plants used in agriculture, the DNA of which has been modified using genetic engineering techniques.
The use of genetically modified crops have come under the scanner again and again due to the following issues:
- Foods produced using biotechnologies have not been established as safe and are also not regulated properly at the places of production.
- Crops produced using biotechnology can negatively impact the environment (contamination)
- The production of crops resistant to certain pests and weeds may lead to “Superbugs” and/or “Superweeds” that are immune to existing methods of pest and weed management.
- GM crops may force the farmers to continually buy the premium-priced GM seeds every growing season due to the usage of terminator seeds. Preventing farmers from harvesting seeds means big businesses could eventually have total control over the world’s seed supply and prices.
- Methods GMO companies use to pest-proof their crops is also suspected to kill vital beneficial bugs, like bees and butterflies – e.g. Genetically modified corn can kills Monarch butterflies which are very useful for environment.
Steps government must take:-
- Government should take up the proposed Biotechnology Regulatory Authority of India Bill at the earliest.
- Resolving IPR issues
- Regulating the prices of GM seeds
- Setting up an expert committee to analyze the data related to GM crops.
- Only crops which are suitable for India’s environment and social conditions must be approved.
- Government must focus on research on GM crops, to clear all the confusion or doubts about the usability of these crops in India.
- Making the approval process more transparent and error free.
- Ensure that there is no conflict of interest in the regulatory and approval bodies like GEAC and RCGM.
