Genetic modified food crop issue in India :

India’s engagement with genetically modified (GM) food crops involves regulatory processes, public debate, and cautious progress .

• Regulatory Landscape: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued draft guidelines in November 2022 to regulate GM foods, addressing potential benefits and risks . These guidelines are important given the ongoing discussions about GM foods in India’s agriculture and food sectors .
• Current Status: As of now, Bt cotton is the only GM crop allowed for cultivation in India . While the Environment Ministry approved GM mustard in 2022, its commercial cultivation is pending due to legal challenges in the Supreme Court .
• Supreme Court Hearings: The Supreme Court is actively hearing petitions against the Environment Ministry’s approval of GM mustard, with hearings scheduled from April 15, 2025 . The court is urging all involved parties to submit written arguments, highlighting the necessity for a clear national policy on GM crops .
• Government Support and Research: The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) is actively involved in funding research and development of GM crops . The BioE3 policy emphasizes using biotechnology, including genetic engineering, to improve food crops .
• Bio-economy Contributions: Bio-agriculture, including GM crops like Bt cotton, contributes 8.1% to India’s bio-economy, which is valued at $13.5 billion. This segment aims to enhance agricultural productivity and resilience through GM crops and precision agriculture .
• Concerns and Opposition: Despite potential benefits like increased crop yields and reduced pesticide use, GM crops face opposition due to environmental, safety, and socio-economic concerns .
• Regulatory Bodies: The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is the main regulatory body for GM crops in India. It is responsible for approving experimental trials and the commercial release of biotech crops .
• Global Context: The global discussion on GM foods is very active, and India is a major participant in this discourse . Other countries, like Mexico, South Korea, Indonesia, the USA, and the UK, are also actively issuing and updating regulations on GM foods .

Benefit of GMFC:

GM crops, particularly Bt cotton, have provided several benefits to Indian agriculture :

• Increased Yield and Profit: Bt cotton has significantly increased cotton yield and farmer profits . Studies have shown yield increases of 126 kg/acre and profit increases of Rs. 1877 per acre compared to conventional cotton .
• Reduced Pesticide Use: The adoption of Bt cotton has led to a substantial decrease in pesticide usage . Specifically, insecticide use has more than halved, from 46% to 21%, benefiting the environment and reducing input costs for farmers .
• Economic Growth: Bt cotton has contributed to the growth of India’s agri-biotech industry, with a 22-fold increase in the sector due to a 212-fold rise in plantings from 2002 to 2011 . This has positioned India as a leading cotton grower and exporter .
• Improved Farmer Livelihoods: Increased profits from Bt cotton have improved the living standards of farmers . Studies indicate an 18% increase in annual consumption expenditures for Bt cotton adopters compared to non-adopters .
• Contribution to Bio-economy: Bio-agriculture, including GM crops like Bt cotton, contributes significantly to India’s bio-economy . This sector is valued at $13.5 billion and focuses on enhancing agricultural productivity and resilience through GM crops and precision agriculture .
• Transgenic advancements: Transgenic crops have the potential to increase yields, enhance nutrition, and improve resistance to pests and diseases .

Specific crop allowed in India :

Currently, Bt cotton is the only genetically modified (GM) crop that is commercially cultivated in India . However, GM mustard has received conditional approval for commercial release, but its cultivation is pending due to ongoing legal challenges .

Challenged faced by it :

GM crops in India face several significant challenges :

• Regulatory Hurdles: India’s regulatory system for GM crops lacks coordination among ministries and departments, causing delays and uncertainty in approvals . The Supreme Court’s frequent interventions also highlight the need for a more streamlined and transparent regulatory framework .
• Environmental Concerns: Critics worry that herbicide-tolerant crops like GM mustard could lead to increased use of herbicides like glyphosate, potentially harming soil health and biodiversity . There are also concerns about cross-pollination with non-GM varieties, which could threaten crop diversity .
• Public Opposition: A significant portion of the Indian population is vegetarian, leading to skepticism about genetically engineered food products . Concerns about food safety and long-term health effects are widespread, contributing to public resistance .
• Economic Implications: Small-scale farmers fear dependence on multinational seed companies for patented GM seeds, which could increase costs and reduce their autonomy . The cost of inputs like herbicides may negate potential economic benefits for marginal farmers .
• Monoculture Farming: Critics worry that the widespread adoption of generic GM varieties may lead to monoculture farming, making crops more vulnerable to pests and diseases .
• Biosafety Concerns: Ensuring biosafety while innovating in agricultural biotechnology requires a well-structured regulatory system and continuous monitoring .
• Socio-Economic Issues: Concerns exist regarding corporate control over seeds and the perceived inefficiency of regulatory processes, causing uncertainty and delays .

GM crop legislation in India :

Yes, there have been several recent developments regarding GM crop legislation in India :

• Supreme Court Hearings on GM Mustard: The Supreme Court is scheduled to resume hearings on April 15, 2025, to address petitions challenging the Environment Ministry’s 2022 approval for the commercial cultivation of GM mustard . These hearings are crucial for determining the future of GM crops in India .
• Government’s Push for GM Crops: The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has stated that there is “progress” in the area of GM food crops . The DBT has been actively funding research and development in transgenic crops .
• Formulation of National Policy: The Supreme Court has directed the central government to formulate a “national policy” on GM crops . The DBT has provided technical inputs to the Union Environment Ministry, which is the nodal coordinator for this policy .
• Regulatory Efforts and Transparency: The government is considering stricter rules to increase transparency in the decision-making processes of the panels that assess genetically modified organisms, crops, and related products .