Context: Activists ask Centre to withdraw genome-edited rice varieties, say it’s unsafe

Source: The Hindu

The Coalition for GM-free India, a civil society organization that is fighting a case against genetically modified crops in the Supreme Court, has demanded that the Centre with-draw the two genome-edited paddy varieties.

The organization said that the seeds have the potential to harm humans and cause irreversible damage to the environment. The seeds are being released based on unscientific rationale and under a smokescreen of higher yield/drought resistance etc without any safety testing at all.

The Centre had announced the development of two varieties of rice, Kamala (DRR Dhan 100), developed by the Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad and Pusa DST Rice 1, developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Delhi.

Model Question:

What are Genetically Modified (GM) crops? Discuss their advantages and concerns in the Indian context. Critically evaluate the regulatory and policy framework governing GM crops in India.

Model Answer:

Genetically Modified (GM) crops are those whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques to introduce desirable traits such as pest resistance, herbicide tolerance, or improved nutritional content.

In India, Bt cotton is the only GM crop commercially cultivated (approved in 2002), incorporating genes from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis for pest resistance.

Advantages of GM Crops:

1. Higher Yields: GM crops like Bt cotton have shown increased productivity and reduced crop loss due to pests.
2. Reduced Pesticide Use: Leads to lower environmental pollution and input costs.
3. Food Security: Could help meet the needs of a growing population.
4. Drought & Stress Tolerance: GM crops can be engineered to withstand climatic challenges.
5. Economic Gains: Beneficial for farmers through increased profits and lower chemical dependency.

Concerns and Challenges:

1. Environmental Risks: Possible effects on non-target species, biodiversity, and soil health.
2. Health Concerns: Long-term health impacts are still debated and need thorough testing.
3. Corporate Control: Dominance of seed patents by multinational corporations may hurt farmer autonomy.
4. Lack of Public Awareness: Poor understanding and mistrust among consumers and farmers.
5. Resistance Development: Overuse may lead to pest resistance and secondary pest outbreaks.

Regulatory and Policy Framework in India:

1. Governed by the Environment Protection Act, 1986, and the Rules for the Manufacture, Use, Import, Export and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms, 1989.
2. Key bodies:

• Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) – final approval authority.
• Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGM) – monitors research.

3. India follows a precautionary approach and moratoriums have been imposed, e.g., on Bt brinjal and GM mustard.

Critical Evaluation:

While India has a cautious approach, the regulatory system has been criticized for lack of transparency, delays, and weak enforcement. There is a need for:

• An independent biotechnology authority
• Robust biosafety protocols
• Public consultations
• Farmer education and consent mechanisms.

GM crops present both promise and peril. India must adopt a science-based but inclusive approach, ensuring environmental safety, public health, and farmer interests while promoting agri-innovation to secure food and nutritional needs.