Shetkari Sanghatana, a notable farmer union body based in Maharashtra, has been in the limelight recently for stirring controversy over their insistence on using unapproved genetically modified (GM) seeds for crops like cotton, rice, maize, mustard, soybean, and brinjal. The group staunchly champions the use of GM seeds, purporting that it provides farmers the freedom to access advanced technological tools and markets. This is not a new instance of defiance from Shetkari Sanghatana; the members had previously violated laws by planting Herbicide Tolerant Bt cotton seeds the past year and plan to repeat the act this year.
Digging Deeper: What are Genetically Modified Seeds?
Genetically Modified (GM) seeds differ from traditionally bred seeds in the sense that they involve crossing species within the same genus to achieve desired traits in the offspring. Genus refers to a class or group of items, such as plants or animals, sharing common features or qualities. GM seeks to surpass this genus barrier, introducing foreign genes (from a plant, animal, or even a soil bacterium) in the seeds to produce desired effects.
In India, Bt cotton is the only legal GM crop, having genes from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis that enables the crop to produce a protein toxic to the pink bollworm pest. Besides, another type of GM crop, referred to as Herbicide Tolerant Bt (Ht Bt) cotton, contains an extra gene from a different soil bacterium, making the plant resistant to the common herbicide glyphosate. Other examples of GM crops include Bt brinjal and DMH-11 mustard.
Legal Status of Genetically Modified Crops in India
The use and commercial release of GM crops in India are supervised by the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC). In 2002, the GEAC approved the commercial release of Bt cotton. More than 95% of the nation’s cotton area now grows Bt cotton. Violating these standards by using unauthorized GM variants can lead to a jail term of up to five years and attract a fine of Rs. 1 lakh under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
Why Farmers are Advocating for Genetically Modified Seeds
One of the primary reasons why farmers demand GM seeds is their cost-effectiveness and increased productivity. Ht Bt cotton, for instance, reduces the high expenditure of weeding, whereas Bt brinjal decreases the use of pesticides.
Issues Surrounding the Usage of GM Crops
Despite their benefits, GM crops present potential risks that may affect humans and the environment over time. A significant concern is the threat they pose to biodiversity. Cross-pollination in GM crops can lead to herbicide-resistant superweeds, which can interfere negatively with other crops’ sustenance.
GM crops could eliminate crucial pest species, upsetting biodiversity. These crops might also impact the food chain negatively. Furthermore, there are nutrition-related issues, as Bt brinjal’s resistance to antibiotics can render certain medicines ineffective and may cause new toxins and allergens.
Implications for consumers and farmers
Critics claim that patent laws can provide GM crop developers with a disproportionate level of control over the food supply, potentially leading to world food production domination by a handful of companies.
A Way Forward
Promoting organic farming and independent environmental impact assessments for GM crops can help safeguard against the long-term consequences on health and ecology. It is of paramount importance that unapproved GM seeds varieties should not be available in markets.
To curb illegal GM seed cultivation, the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) should collaborate with state governments, launch a nationwide investigation, take action on deliberate GM crop cultivation threats, and rigorously prosecute those involved in GM Seeds’ illegal supply.
Finally, the government should commercialize GM seeds only after thoroughly researching the long-term prospects and benefits of such a strategy in India.
