Transgenic crops have recently made their way to the limelight due to a conflict between states and the Centre’s Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC). Gujarat, Maharashtra and Telangana have declined a proposal which was approved by the GEAC. This defiance was related to testing a new type of Transgenic Cotton Seed called Cry2Ai, believed to instil resistance against pink bollworm in cotton. This dispute underscores the fact that acceptance for genetically modified crops remains problematic.
Agriculture being a state subject necessitates that for carrying out tests, companies require permissions from respective states. Haryana is the only state that has granted permission for such tests until now. Telangana sought an extension to consider the proposal but later declared that trials would not be allowed in the current cropping season. Gujarat outrightly rejected the proposal without giving any reasons.
Defining Transgenic Crops
Transgenic crops are plants that have been genetically modified to incorporate specific genes that endow them with new characteristics not naturally present. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) and transgenic organisms might seem similar, but they are slightly different. A transgenic organism, a type of GMO, contains a DNA sequence or a gene from a different species. So, all transgenic organisms are GMOs, but not all GMOs are transgenic.
The Scenario of Transgenic Crops in India
In India, only GM cotton is commercially grown at present. Various trials are being conducted on other crops like brinjal, tomato, maize, and chickpea using transgenic technology. Barring GM mustard hybrid DMH-11, which is closer to full commercial cultivation after approval by GEAC, legal issues concerning permission for transgenic food crops persist.
Regulation of Genetic Modified Crops in India
Regulation of all GMO-related activities, including import, export, transport, production, use or sale is under the purview of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) as per the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), a part of MoEFCC, is authorised to review, monitor and approve all these activities.
Process of Regulating Transgenic Crops in India
Involving science and chance, the process of developing transgenic crops entails inserting transgenic genes into the plants for a sustained, protective response. Safety assessments take place before open field tests which happens at agricultural universities or plots controlled by the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR). The transgenic plants must be superior to non-GM variants and environmentally safe for commercial clearance.
The Significance of Genetic Modification (GM) Technique
The GM technique has revolutionised the pharmaceutical sector by allowing the production of safer, more affordable vaccines and therapeutics. It also aids in controlling weeds by developing herbicide-tolerant crops. Additionally, research on strains of rice, maize, and wheat that can tolerate longer droughts and wetter monsoon seasons is being done using GM technology.
Concerns related to Transgenic Crops
Despite the advancements, concerns surrounding transgenic crops exist. GM foods sometimes lack nutritional value due to the focus on enhancing specific traits over nutritional content. GM production risks ecological disruption and loss of biodiversity in the long run. Genetically modified foods also have the potential to cause allergic reactions.
The Way Forward
The regulatory system needs strengthening in light of recent developments. Approvals for technologies must be streamlined and made science-based. Rigorous monitoring and strict enforcement are needed to prevent the spread of illegal GM crops.
