Date : 20/07/2023

Relevance – GS Paper 3 – Science and Technology – Bio-technology

Keywords – GM Crops, DMH-11, GEAC, Bio-diversity

Context

Over the past two decades, India has witnessed a vigorous and ongoing debate surrounding genetically modified (GM) crops. This contentious issue has engaged environmentalists, scientists, farmers, and the higher judiciary, who have raised significant inquiries about the safety, effectiveness, and the very need for GM food.

Notably, in recent times, a group of activists has taken their concerns to the Supreme Court, seeking a ban on the cultivation of Genetically-Modified (GM) food crops, specifically targeting the Dhara Mustard Hybrid-11 (DMH-11) variety. Their reasons for advocating the ban encompass a range of factors related to safety, environmental impact, and socio-economic implications associated with the use of GM crops.

GM Mustard

Over the last two decades, India has witnessed a robust and ongoing debate concerning genetically modified (GM) crops, particularly regarding the DMH-11 variety of genetically altered mustard created by the Delhi University Center for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants.

The process of developing GM crops involves biotechnologists inserting specific genes into the plant's DNA at random locations. This genetic manipulation is aimed at enhancing certain traits or characteristics of the crop.

In the case of DMH-11 mustard, the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), responsible for evaluating requests related to the release of genetically engineered organisms and products into the environment, approved the commercial production of this genetically modified variety.

The GEAC, authorized by the Environment Protection Act, possesses the power to grant sanctions for the release of GM organisms or products.

Notably, mustard holds significant importance in India, as it is the country's leading crop for producing edible oil. This further adds to the significance and implications of introducing GM mustard, considering its potential impact on agriculture, the environment, and the economy.

What are the Issues Regarding GM Mustard?

GM mustard being a herbicide-tolerant crop has sparked concerns among farmers and campaigners who argue that the use of hazardous chemicals on the plant could negatively impact the health of consumers. There are apprehensions that such cultivation practices might not be well-suited for India's diverse agricultural circumstances and may not be environmentally sustainable.

A wide range of stakeholders, including environmentalists, scientists, lawmakers, farmers, consumers, and members of the higher court, have all raised questions about the necessity of genetically modified (GM) food, as well as its safety and effectiveness.

Committees associated with GM mustard have highlighted significant weaknesses in the regulatory system and stressed the need for extreme caution. Members of these committees have also pointed out deficiencies in the safety assessment of GM crops.

Adding to the controversy, the full biosafety dossier of GM mustard has not been made publicly available by the government. Furthermore, the government has disputed the classification of GM mustard as a Herbicide Tolerant (HT) crop, further complicating the matter.

What are GM crops?

• Genetically modified crops, also known as GMOs, are plants that have undergone genetic engineering to introduce specific changes to their DNA.
• The purpose of genetic modification is to impart new traits to the plant that are not naturally occurring in the species.
• These modifications aim to enhance the crop's nutrient profile and its ability to resist specific pests, diseases, or environmental challenges, thereby improving the quality and yield of food crops.

Advantages of GM Crops:

1. Enhanced Productivity and Increased Farmer Income: GM crops contribute to higher agricultural output, leading to increased incomes for farmers.
2. Reduced Pesticide and Insecticide Usage: By incorporating natural pest resistance traits, GM crops can decrease the need for chemical pesticides and insecticides, benefiting both the environment and human health.
3. Addressing Food Availability: GM crops' higher yields are beneficial in feeding rapidly growing populations, ensuring better food availability.
4. Improved Land Utilization: GM crops' increased productivity allows smaller plots of land to produce higher yields, making more efficient use of agricultural resources.

Disadvantages of GM Crops:

1. Ecological Disruption and Biodiversity Concerns: The genetic modifications in GM crops can lead to the dominance of certain traits, favoring specific organisms and potentially disrupting ecosystems and biodiversity.
2. Increased Farming Expenses and Marketization: The adoption of GM crops may raise farming costs and expose agriculture to market forces focused on maximizing profits, potentially leading to unethical practices.
3. Threats to Farmers, Environment, and Trade: The introduction of transgenic crops poses risks to farmers, the environment, and international trade dynamics.
4. Limitations in Safety Evaluations: Many of the negative consequences associated with GM crops are not adequately addressed in current safety evaluations.
5. Incomplete Risk Assessment in Regulatory Framework: The regulatory framework for GM crops in India has not undergone a comprehensive evaluation of the potential risks specific to Indian conditions. This raises concerns about the adequacy of the current regulatory approach.

Legal position of genetically modified crops in India

• In India, the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) serves as the highest authority responsible for authorizing the commercial release of genetically modified (GM) crops. In 2002, the GEAC granted approval for the commercial cultivation of Bt cotton.
• Using unauthorized GM variants can lead to severe penalties under the Environmental Protection Act, 1989, including a potential prison sentence of 5 years and a fine of Rs 1 lakh.
• Recently, the Central government made a notable decision by exempting specific genome-edited crops from the stringent regulations applied to genetically modified crops. This exemption is expected to facilitate further research and development in this area.
• To address GMO concerns in imported food crops, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued an order on February 8, 2021, establishing a permissible limit of 1% for genetically modified organisms in such products.

Way Forward

Governments should prioritize safety testing, robust legislation, and clear food labeling for GM crops. A well-defined industrial strategy must support responsible biotechnology research, while public engagement fosters informed discussions. Balancing innovation and risk mitigation will ensure the responsible and sustainable deployment of GM crops to address food security challenges.

Source – The Hindu