Genetically Modified Crops

First-generation GM crops have herbicide- and pesticide-resistant traits (Cotton and corn). Second-generation GM crops have higher nutrient content. “Golden Rice” is biofortified to combat vitamin A deficiency. Biofortified plants include corn, sorghum, cassava, and bananas. Plants can be modified to resist viruses and fungi. GM crops reduce production costs by reducing machinery, fuel, and chemical pesticides. Reduced spraying of chemical insecticides and herbicides reduces farm runoff, which pollutes water systems.

Concerns Regarding the Crops That Have Been Genetically Modified

There is a widespread perception that there is no additional danger to human health associated with consuming conventional foods or foods that have been produced using genetically modified organisms (GM). On the other hand, critics have raised objections to genetically modified crops on a variety of grounds, including environmental concerns, questions regarding the safety of foods produced using GM technology, the commercial interests driving the development of GM crops, intellectual property laws, and so on.

Proponents of genetically modified crops argue that GM technologies have been around for approximately 15 years and that they have been used all over the world, including in countries such as China and Brazil. This is one of the arguments in favour of GM crops. While on a trip to India in March 2005, Norman Borlaug, who is widely regarded as the father of the Green Revolution, voiced his support for the production of genetically modified (GM) food with the goal of eradicating world hunger. The Nobel laureate, who had passed away by the time the quote was published in 2009, was quoted as saying that “it is better to die eating GM food rather than dying of hunger.”

Arguments Brought Forward in Opposition to Genetically Modified Crops Include The 

following: Groups such as Greenpeace contend that GM crops do not produce better results, but rather drive farmers deeper into debt. They are coerced into purchasing genetically modified (GM) seeds and technologies from multinational corporations, which results in the loss of their sovereign right over seeds. An example of the dangers that come with growing genetically modified crops in a country like India is the rising number of farmer suicides that occur as a result of growing Bt cotton. In addition to the questionable benefits of genetically modified crops, critics assert that the damage caused by releasing these organisms into the environment cannot be undone.

Regulatory Procedures and Processes in India

The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee is the most important biotechnology regulator in India (GEAC). In accordance with the provisions of the Environment Protection Act of 1986, which was enacted by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, the committee is a statutory body (MoEF). The previous name for this committee was the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee. According to the EPA’s “Rules for Manufacture, Use, Import, Export and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms/Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells 1989,” the GEAC is responsible for granting permits to conduct experimental and large-scale open field trials, as well as granting approval for the commercial release of biotech crops. These responsibilities fall under the GEEK’s purview.

The Institutional Biosafety Committees (IBSC), the Review Committee of Genetic 

Manipulation (RCGM), the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC), the State Biotechnology Coordination Committee (SBCC), and the District Level Committee (DLC) are the five competent authorities that are defined by the Rules of 1989. These authorities are responsible for handling different aspects of the rules.

GM-Mustard

The Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants at Delhi University is responsible for the development of a genetically modified variety of mustard known as Dhara Mustard Hybrid-11 (also abbreviated as DMH-11). Using the genetic modification technology known as “barnase / barstar,” researchers from Delhi University have developed a hybrid mustard variety known as DMH-11. It is an HT crop, which stands for herbicide tolerant. If the Center decides to give its blessing, this will be the second genetically modified crop, following Bt Cotton, and the first transgenic food crop that will be permitted for cultivation in the country.

Conclusion

The Bt Brinjal was developed by Mahyco (Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Company) in collaboration with the Dharwad University of Agricultural Sciences and the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University in 2007. In 2007, the GEAC made the recommendation that Bt Brinjal be made available for commercial sale. However, the initiative failed to move forward in 2010.