Genetically modified crops (GM crops)

 

About

·       GM is a technology that involves inserting DNA into the genome of an organism. To produce a GM plant, new DNA is transferred into plant cells.

·       Genetically modified crops (GM crops) are plants used in agriculture, the DNA of which has been modified using genetic engineering methods.  

·       Genetically modified (GM) foods were first approved for human consumption in the United States in 1994.

·       In most cases, the aim is to introduce a new trait to the plant which does not occur naturally in the species. Examples in food crops include resistance to certain pests, diseases, environmental conditions, reduction of spoilage, resistance to chemical treatments or improving the nutrient profile of the crop.


Advantages of GM crops

·       Genetic engineering can improve crop protection. Crops with better resistance to pest and diseases can be created. The use of herbicides and pesticides can be reduced or even eliminated.

·       GM crops improve yield, thus increasing farmer’s income.

·       Nutritional content can be improved.

·       Shelf life of foods can be extended.

·       Food with better taste and texture can be achieved.

·       Crops can be engineered to withstand extreme weather

Major GM Crops

·       Bt Cotton - Bt cotton is insect-resistant cotton variety. In 2002, a joint venture between Monsanto and Mahyco introduced Bt cotton to India. By planting Bt cotton there is an increase in yield of cotton due to effective control of three types of bollworms.

·       Bt Brinjal - The Bt brinjal has been developed to give resistance to the Brinjal Fruit and Shoot Borer (FSB). The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) cleared Bt brinjal for commercialization in 2009. Following concerns raised by some scientists and anti-GMO activists, the Government of India has imposed a moratorium on its commercial use (not a permanent ban).

·       Golden rice - Golden rice is a variety of rice produced to biosynthesize beta-carotene, a precursor of Vitamin A, in the edible parts of rice.

·       GM-mustard - Dhara Mustard Hybrid-11 or DMH-11 is a genetically modified variety of mustard developed by the Delhi University’s Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants. It is Herbicide Tolerant (HT) crop. If approved by the Centre, this will be the 2nd GM crop, after Bt Cotton, and the first transgenic food crop to be allowed for cultivation in the country.

What is the legal position of GM crops in India?

·       In India, the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is the apex body that allows for commercial release of GM crops.

·       In 2002, the GEAC had allowed the commercial release of Bt cotton.

·       More than 95% of the country’s cotton area has since then come under Bt cotton.

·       Use of the unapproved GM variant can attract a jail term of 5 years and fine of Rs 1 lakh under the Environmental Protection Act, 1989.

Concerns

·       Genetically engineered foods often present unintended side effects. Genetic engineering is a new field, and long-term results are unclear. Very little testing has been done on GM food.

·       Some crops have been engineered to create their own toxins against pests. This may harm non-targets such as farm animals that ingest them. The toxins can also cause allergy and affect digestion in humans.

·       GM crops are modified to include antibiotics to kill germs and pests and when we eat them, these antibiotic markers will persist in our body and will render actual antibiotic medications less effective over a period of time, leading to superbug threats. This means illnesses will become more difficult to cure.

·       Besides health and environmental concerns, activists point to social and economic issues. They have voiced serious concern about multinational agribusiness companies taking over farming from the hands of small farmers. Dependence on GM seed companies could prove to be a financial burden for farmers.

·       Farmers are reluctant because they will have limited rights to retain and reuse seeds.

·       Their concern also includes finding a market that would accept GM food.

·       People in general are wary of GM crops as they are engineered in a lab and do not occur in Nature

Potential GM crops future

·       Nutritional enhancement: Higher vitamin content; more healthful fatty acid profiles.

·       Stress tolerance: Tolerance to high and low temperatures, salinity, and drought.

·       Disease resistance:  Plant with disease resistance can survive longer and give high yield.

·       Biofuels: Plants with altered cell wall composition for more efficient conversion to ethanol.

·       Phytoremediation: Plants that extract and concentrate contaminants like heavy metals from polluted sites.


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