Hindu Editorial Analysis : 19-July-2023
Genetically Modified (GM) crops have been a topic of intense debate in India over the past two decades. Environmentalists, scientists, farmers, and the higher judiciary have all raised questions about the safety, efficacy, and necessity of GM food. Recently, activists even approached the Supreme Court with the aim of banning the cultivation of Genetically-Modified (GM) food crops, particularly the Dhara Mustard Hybrid-11 (DMH-11) variety, citing various concerns.
Understanding GM Mustard: DMH-11
DMH-11 is a genetically altered mustard variety created by the Delhi University Center for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants. In the process of developing a GM crop, biotechnologists insert select genes at random locations in the DNA of a plant. The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) approved the commercial production of Mustard DMH-11. The GEAC is responsible for evaluating requests to release genetically engineered organisms and products into the environment, including conducting experimental field tests. Mustard is a crucial crop in India for producing edible oil.
Issues Regarding GM Mustard
The primary concern raised by farmers and activists is that GM mustard is a herbicide-tolerant crop, and spraying hazardous chemicals on the plant might negatively affect the health of consumers. They argue that this crop is not suitable for Indian agricultural conditions and is environmentally unsustainable. Additionally, critics from various domains have questioned the necessity, safety, and effectiveness of GM food, highlighting weaknesses in the regulatory system and safety assessment of GM crops. The government’s reluctance to make the full biosafety dossier of GM mustard public and its claim that it should not be considered a Herbicide Tolerant (HT) crop further fuel the debate.
Understanding GM Crops
Genetically modified crops are plants that have undergone genetic engineering processes to alter their DNA, giving them new characteristics that do not naturally occur in the species. These modifications can include improvements to the crop’s nutrient profile and resistance to pests, diseases, or environmental factors.
Advantages of GM Crops
There are some potential advantages associated with GM crops, including:
- Increased Output and Farmer Income: GM crops can boost agricultural output, leading to higher income for farmers.
- Reduced Use of Pesticides: Certain GM crops require less pesticide and insecticide use, which may improve food availability.
- Meeting the Growing Population’s Needs: GM crops can help meet the food demands of a rapidly increasing population due to their higher yields.
- Enhanced Yields in Smaller Land Areas: GM crops can yield more produce in smaller plots of land, making agriculture more efficient.
Disadvantages of GM Crops
On the other hand, GM crops also pose certain challenges:
- Ecosystem Disruption and Biodiversity: The introduction of genetically engineered genes may favor one organism, leading to disruptions in ecosystems and biodiversity.
- Increased Farming Costs: The production of GM crops can be costly, making farming more susceptible to marketization and unethical profit-seeking.
- Environmental and Trade Threats: Transgenic crops may pose risks to the environment and trade.
- Incomplete Safety Evaluation: Many negative consequences of GM crops are not adequately assessed in the current safety evaluations, and the Indian regulatory framework lacks a comprehensive evaluation of the risks of GM crops under Indian conditions.
Legal Position of GM Crops in India
In India, the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is the apex body responsible for allowing the commercial release of GM crops. While the government has exempted certain genome-edited crops from stringent regulations applicable to GM crops, the unapproved use of GM variants can result in severe penalties under the Environmental Protection Act of 1989. Additionally, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has set a permissible limit of 1% for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in imported food crops.
Why In News
Over the last two decades, India has been at the forefront of a robust and ongoing debate surrounding GM crops, with environmentalists, scientists, farmers, and the higher judiciary raising pertinent inquiries about the safety, effectiveness, and indeed, the necessity of genetically modified food.In a recent development, driven by concerns over Genetically-Modified (GM) food crops, particularly Dhara Mustard Hybrid-11 (DMH-11), a group of activists has approached the Supreme Court seeking a ban on its cultivation. This move adds further complexity to the already heated discussions on the future of GM technology in India.
MCQs about Debating GM Crops in India
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What is the primary concern raised by farmers and activists regarding GM Mustard (DMH-11)?
A. Lack of effectiveness in increasing crop yield.
B. High cost of production for GM crops.
C. Adverse health effects from chemical spraying on herbicide-tolerant crops.
D. Unavailability of GM seeds in the market.
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What is the role of the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) in India?
A. Approving the commercial release of GM crops.
B. Setting limits for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in imported food crops.
C. Evaluating the environmental impact of herbicide-tolerant crops.
D. Conducting experimental field tests for conventional crops.
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Which of the following is an advantage associated with GM crops?
A. Decreased output and lower farmer income.
B. Reduced pesticide use leading to environmental benefits.
C. Ecosystem disruption and threats to biodiversity.
D. Incomplete safety evaluations for GM crops.
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