GM Crops Adaption and Innovation

Why in the news?

Recently US negotiators are turning up the heat, urging India to open its agriculture market to genetically modified (GM) crops.

What are GM crops?

• GM crops – It means Genetically Modified (GM) crops are plants whose DNA has been altered using genetic engineering techniques for desired traits such as pest resistance or higher yield.
• GM crops very different from traditional crops showcasing significant traits tolerating environment stress.
• Traits – GM crops are engineered to withstand harsh environmental conditions such as drought, salinity, and extreme temperatures, enabling them to thrive where traditional crops may fail.
  • Water Efficiency – Traits like drought tolerance allow GM crops to use less water, making them ideal for cultivation in water– scarce regions and promoting sustainable agriculture.
  • Pest Resistance – GM crops possess built– in resistance to pests, reducing the need for chemical pesticides and minimizing crop losses due to pest attacks.
  • Herbicide Tolerance – These crops are designed for herbicide tolerance, enabling farmers to control weeds more effectively and improve overall crop productivity.
• Need – Food security is the major concern to be addressed for the sustainability of the growing population in coming future.
• According to the United Nations, the world population is expected to reach the 9th billion mark by 2050.
• Global usage – Introduction of GM crops in 1995 also known as the “Gene Revolution” for the improvement of agricultural productivity to effectively address food security issues.
• Globally, GM crops are widely cultivated, with the area planted increasing to a record 209.8 million hectares in 2024.
• The most widely planted GM crops are soybean, maize, and cotton, with herbicide tolerance and insect resistance being the primary traits.
• The USA, Brazil, Argentina, Canada, and India account for the majority of global soybean, maize, and cotton GM crop cultivation.

What is the status of GM crops in India?

• GM Cotton – The only GM crop officially approved for commercial cultivation since 2002; widely adopted across India.
  • Trade – India’s cotton exports increased fivefold, reaching 15.3 lakh tons by 2007 and peaking at 23.7 lakh tons in 2013, making India the world’s largest cotton exporter at the time.
  • For the 2024–25 season, exports are estimated at 15–17 lakh bales, a significant decline from 28.36 lakh bales the previous year.

• • Cotton production – It surged from 13.6 million bales in 2002–03 to 39.8 million bales in 2013–14 — a phenomenal 193 per cent growth.
  • Productivity improvement – Bt cotton in India have reduced chemical insecticide use by 37%, increased crop yields by 22%, and increased farmer profits by 68%.
  • More than 90 per cent of India’s cotton area is under Bt cotton, and its seed is fed to cattle.

GEAC is a statutory body under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, constituted by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.

It is the apex regulator for approving the use, release, import, and export of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and products, including GM crops, in India.

• GM Mustard – Approved for "environmental release" by GEAC in 2022 but awaits final clearance for commercial cultivation; faces legal and public resistance.
• GM Brinjal – Cleared by GEAC in 2009 but commercial rollout was blocked due to public and scientific concerns; cultivation is on hold.
• Key challenges – this include Regulatory delays, India faces lengthy and complex approval processes for GM crops with no new GM cotton hybrids commercialized since 2006.
• Reliance on outdated technology – Multi– stage trials, state– level permissions, and frequent court interventions have created a regulatory deadlock, stalled scientific progress and kept farmers reliant on outdated technology.
• Biosafety concerns – Persistent environmental and health risk worries often amplified by activist groups have led to moratoriums (e.g., on Bt brinjal) and stricter scrutiny of field trials.
  • These concerns, sometimes lacking scientific consensus, slow the adoption of new GM varieties.
• Awareness gap – There is a lack of public understanding and trust in GM technology.
  • Misinformation and insufficient outreach have fueled skepticism among consumers and policymakers, undermining science-based decision making and stalling innovation.
• Farmer opposition – Some farmers’ groups and affiliated organizations oppose GM crops due to fears of seed dependency, market control by multinationals, and uncertain economic returns.
  • Their lobbying has influenced policy, contributing to delays and resistance at both state and national levels.

How GM Cotton fared in India?

• Initial success – Bt cotton was introduced in 2002 to combat bollworm infestations and quickly gained popularity among Indian farmers due to its pest– resistant properties.
• Positive impact – The adoption led to higher yields, reduced pesticide use, and increased farmer incomes.
  • Cotton production rose from 13.6 million bales in 2002–03 to 39 million bales in 2013–14, and yields nearly doubled during this period.
• Negative effects – Over time, pest resistance developed, with secondary pests emerging and some target pests adapting.
  • Farmers also faced rising seed costs, ecological concerns, and fluctuating profitability.
• Regulatory hurdles – Recent years have seen disputes over seed licensing, price controls, and the spread of unapproved HT Bt cotton varieties.
  • These regulatory and legal challenges have slowed innovation and complicated the cotton sector’s progress.

How India can reap benefits of GM crops?

• Robust regulation – Strengthen biosafety evaluation and monitoring to ensure only safe GM crops are approved.
• Awareness campaigns – Promote scientific awareness and education to counter misinformation among farmers and the public.
• R&D investment – Increase funding for public– sector research to develop GM crops suited to Indian needs.
• Transparency measures – Ensure open data access and involve stakeholders in decisions to build public trust.
• Controlled rollout – Implement phased introduction and monitoring with contingency plans to minimize potential risks.

What lies ahead?

• The need of the hour is a strong, science– led political leadership and the future of agriculture belongs to technology adopters and innovators.
• Real progress needs commercial deployment of advanced biotech i.e. Ht Bt cotton, Bt brinjal, GM mustard, and even GM soy and corn.

Reference

The Indian Express| Innovation and Adoption in Genetic Tech