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A new “gene revolution” is being heralded as a remedy to growing global hunger, aimed at supporting a growing population and combating climate-induced agricultural challenges by producing “transgenic or GM” crops designed through bio-engineering.
What is a GM crop?
- GM (Genetically Modified) The genes of a crop are artificially modified with the help of genetic engineering to include such qualities that are not naturally present in that crop.
- Such traits include increased yield, disease and weed tolerance, drought resistance, improved nutritional value.
GM Crops: A Solution
- Drought-tolerant ability: These crops are drought-resistant, so they can be produced even under adverse climatic conditions.
- Drought-tolerant transgenic maize can tolerate up to 95% dehydration by adding genes from a ‘resurrection plant’ called Xerophyta viscosa, according to research from the University of Cape Town.
- Less need for fertilizers: Some of these crops also require less use of fertilizers as compared to traditional crops.
- Higher production capacity: GM crops have higher production capacity than traditional crops, thus increasing production.
- Pest safety: Australian scientists are leading a project to produce cowpeas that have been a staple in the African diet for thousands of years by bio-engineering ‘built-in’ insect safety.
Concerns about GM crops
Ecological concerns
- Loss of biodiversity: GM crops are herbicide-tolerant, which encourages excessive use of herbicides to achieve higher yields. This can result in the development of herbicide-resistant weeds, which can disrupt local ecosystems and reduce biodiversity.
- Biosecurity concerns: These crops can reduce species diversity. For example, pest-resistant plants can harm insects that depend on a particular crop for their survival and result in the extinction of that particular species of pest.
- Cross-pollination and gene flow: GM crops, such as genetically modified canola, can crossbreed with their wild siblings, increasing the likelihood of modified genes spreading to non-GM populations and affecting natural plant diversity.
- Unintended consequences: The use of GM crops that are resistant to specific pests may inadvertently affect non-target species, leading to unforeseen ecological consequences.
Food Safety Concerns
- Allergy-related genes: Transfer of allergy-related genes into GM crops can potentially create new allergens or enhance existing allergic properties, posing risks to sensitive individuals.
- Health effects: The altered nutritional profile of GM crops may affect human health in unpredictable ways. The long-term effects of consuming genetically modified foods need to be thoroughly investigated.
- Resistance development: Overreliance on a few GM traits could lead to the evolution of resistant pests or diseases, requiring more intensive chemical treatments and posing a risk to the environment and human health.
GM Crops in India
- In India, Bt cotton is the only GM crop approved for commercial cultivation.
- As of 2022, the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) has approved environmental release for the mustard hybrid DMH-11, although its implementation is subject to a Supreme Court decision.
- Additionally, there is ongoing research and field trials for several other crops including chickpea, pigeon pea, maize, and sugarcane.
Acts and rules regulating GM crops
- Environment Protection Act, 1986
- Biological Diversity Act, 2002
- Food Safety and Standards Act,2006
- Drugs and Cosmetics Rules (8th Amendment), 1988
Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC)
- this environment, ForestAndIt works under the Ministry of Climate Change.
- It evaluates activities involving the use of microorganisms and recombinants in research and industrial production from an environmental perspective.
- GEAC approval is mandatory before commercial use of genetically modified organisms and products derived from them.
- It prohibits the use of hazardous microorganisms or genetically modified organisms in India., regulates manufacture, storage, import and export.
- This committee has the Environment (Protection) ActIt also has the power to take punitive action under the Act, 1986.
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The way forward
- Scientific evidence-based decisions: Governments should make decisions on GM technologies based on solid scientific evidence and thoroughly evaluate benefits and risks before implementation.
- Openness and transparency: Open communication of scientific findings and regulatory processes is vital to allay genuine concerns and build public trust.
- Involve stakeholders: The involvement of scientists, farmers, consumers and environmentalists in regulatory protocols increases the legitimacy of decisions and builds confidence in GM technology development.
- Ethical principle: Given uncertainties over GM safety, adoption of this principle suggests waiting for broad scientific consensus to minimise risks before widespread implementation.
- Policy framework for equitable benefits: Reform policies to address concerns such as pricing and input costs and ensure equitable benefits for all stakeholders involved in GM farming.
- Strong liability laws: Enacting strong laws to hold parties accountable for environmental hazards or unforeseen consequences resulting from GM technologies encourages responsible behaviour.