GMO-
Is an organism that has been transformed by the insertion of one or more genes (called trans-genes). The genes may be from a different kingdom(e.g. a bacterial gene into plant genetic material), a different species within the same kingdom or even from the same species.
The subject of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food and agriculture is highly controversial.
Although, genetic modification is generally seen as offering benefits to farmers and consumers in food and agriculture areas, there is concern about the potential impacts on human health and on the environment.
Cartagena Protocol On Biosafety – It came into force in 2003. It is an international agreement (treaty), which was concluded and adopted in the Convention on Biological Diversity.
Objective- To contribute towards ensuring safe transfer, handling and use of LMOs resulting from modern biotechnology by establishing rules and procedures for them. Taking also into account risks to biodiversity ,human health, and specifically focusing on trans-boundary movements.
Issues with GMO-
- Human Health Issues- As GMs can be direct or indirect source of consumption , concerns are there regarding possible impact on human health.
- Environmental Issues- potential consequences of gene flow from GM to non-GM individuals of the same species or negative impact on unrelated species. Eg- GM modified crops which is insect resistant can have impact on other organisms in area like earthworms or beneficial insects etc.
- Regarding regulation– what kind of regulations should be brought ,what exactly they should regulate , how strict they should be, how GMOs should be regulated compared to their conventionally-bred counterparts
- Disturbing the nature – By modifying genetically the living beings like organism and plants , scientists are blamed of taking powers of nature into their own hands, which may have adverse long term impact on the survival of species.
Advantages –
- Producing insect resistant crops, more durable , resistant to climate change .
- Hybrid seeds , animals – desired traits can be added , undesired can be deleted.
GM in India-
Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is the apex body constituted in the Ministry of Environment and Forests under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
It is a central government regulator for giving clearances for field trials of GM crops and import/export of GM seeds .
21 new varieties of GM crops such as rice, wheat, maize and cotton have been approved for field trials by the government.
Animal feed– Though there is continuous debate in india regarding commercialization of GM crops, there has been many requests regarding import of genetically modified animal feed. GEAC had earlier this year denied the permission.
Bt Cotton-
Bt cotton is a genetically modified organism (GMO) cotton variety produced by Monsanto company, which produces an insecticide to bollworm.
Between 2002 and 2013, acreage of Bt Cotton increased from zero to 11 million hectares. Today 90% of cotton produced in india is GM.
Claims of being effective against insects , falsified –
- Ineffectiveness of GM cotton against whitefly attack in Punjab and haryana.
- Pinkbull Worm attack on Bt Cotton in Raichur district
GM Mustard-
India is one of the largest producer of Mustard in the world. The GM mustard seeds are said to be 25% higher in yield .
Bt Brinjal-
Bt Brinjal has been developed by inserting a gene cry1Ac from a soil bacterium called Bacillus thuringiensis.
Issues with GM crops-
- Impacting human health and environment
- Property Rights- Many activists allege that by adding one or two gene , the companies are owning the whole seed, the plant and making GMO crops expensive.For centuries, farmers had been custodians of seeds but now they had to obtain seeds from multinationals. Transforming seeds into expensive packets of intellectual property.
- Food totalitarianism – Activists are blaming that big multinational companies are buying the agricultural markets , the farmers of the world , leading to death of diversity of crops and seeds in different places and producing a food totalitarianism. Taking away seed sovereignty of a nation.
- Farmer Suicides – Blamed for the large number of suicide by farmers in cotton producing areas. Seed monopolies , high costs , longer gestation period of bt cotton compared to indigenous.
Way Ahead-
- Amending the Seed Act 1966 so as to incorporate provisions that would deal with genetic purity of genetically modified seeds.
- 109 Nobel laureates recently signed a letter urging NGO, Greenpeace, to end its opposition to genetically modified organisms (GMOs) , It could address hunger issues and bring down prices of food and commodities
- Need to tread with caution as the threat to indigenous crops , bigger environmental impact take long time to be visible , protecting the rights of farmer to affordable seeds and not be exploited at hands of multinational companies.
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