In recent news, the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Telangana have rejected a proposal by the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) to test a new kind of transgenic cotton seed. It delve into the details of this news and explore the broader topic of genetically modified crops in India. We will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and the status of transgenic crops in the country.
The Proposed Transgenic Cotton Seed
The cotton seed in question has been developed by Bioseed Research India, based in Hyderabad. It is genetically modified with Cry2Ai, making it resistant to pink bollworm, a prevalent pest. Previous generations of transgenic cotton were designed to combat the American bollworm. The GEAC recommended testing the Cry2Ai seed in farmer’s fields in Telangana, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Haryana. However, only Haryana granted permission for the tests, while the other three states rejected the proposal.
Understanding Genetically Modified Crops
Genetic modification involves altering the genetic material of living organisms to introduce desired traits. In the context of crops, genetic modification entails manipulating DNA instead of relying on controlled pollination, the conventional method for crop improvement. Here are some key points about genetically modified crops:
Advantages:
- Control of diseases: Genetic modification can help control the occurrence of certain diseases in crops.
- Increased productivity: Genetically engineered crops often exhibit faster growth, leading to higher yields and increased food availability.
- Adaptability to unfavorable conditions: Some genetically modified crops can thrive in regions with unfavorable climatic conditions.
- Nutritional value: Genetically engineered food crops are reported to be rich in nutrients, minerals, and vitamins compared to traditionally grown varieties.
Disadvantages:
- Potential health risks: There are concerns that genetically engineered foods may have harmful effects on human health and could contribute to the development of diseases resistant to antibiotics.
- Environmental impact: Cross-pollination between genetically modified and non-modified crops can harm other organisms in the environment.
- Carcinogenic potential: Some critics argue that genetic modification could have carcinogenic properties, negatively impacting soil, microbes, pollinators, medicinal herbs, and crop diversity. There are also concerns about potential cancer risks for humans.
Status of Transgenic Crops in India
While several crops, including brinjal, tomato, maize, and chickpea, are undergoing trials involving transgenic technology, cotton remains the only commercially cultivated transgenic crop in India. Notably, the GEAC recently approved the environmental release of Mustard hybrid DMH-11 and its parental lines. However, the final decision on allowing transgenic food crops in farmer’s fields rests with the Supreme Court due to ongoing litigation filed by activist Aruna Rodrigues and Gene Campaign, an NGO. The petitioners sought a stay on the release of the crop, citing concerns about farmers using banned herbicides.
Regulating Transgenic Crops in India
The process of developing transgenic crops involves intricate steps. After inserting transgenic genes into plants, safety assessments are conducted by committees. Only after passing these assessments can a transgenic plant apply for commercial clearance. It must demonstrate superiority over non-genetically modified variants in specific parameters without posing ecological harm to other species cultivated nearby. Open field trials are carried out across different crop seasons and geographical conditions to evaluate suitability.
Important Points:
- Three states (Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana) rejected transgenic cotton seed testing 🚫🧪
- The cotton seed developed by Bioseed Research India is resistant to pink bollworm due to Cry2Ai 💪🐛
- Genetic modification involves altering the genetic material of living organisms, including crops 🧬🌱
- Advantages of genetically modified crops:
- Disease control 🩺💪
- Increased productivity and food availability 🌾📈🥦
- Adaptability to unfavorable conditions 🌍🌱
- Nutritional value 🥕🌽🥦
- Disadvantages of genetically modified crops:
- Potential health risks 🚫🤒
- Environmental impact 🌍🔺
- Carcinogenic potential 🚫🚧
- Cotton is the only commercially cultivated transgenic crop in India 🇮🇳🌱
- Mustard hybrid DMH-11 approved by GEAC, but Supreme Court litigation ongoing ⚖️🌼
- Regulation of transgenic crops involves safety assessments and open field trials 🌾🔬
- Complexities surrounding genetically modified crops in India 🤔🌱
Why In News
In a surprising turn of events, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Telangana, three prominent states in India, have unanimously rejected the proposal endorsed by the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) to conduct trials for a novel variety of transgenic cotton seeds. This decision highlights the growing concerns among these states regarding the potential environmental and socio-economic impact of genetically modified crops.
MCQs about Transgenic Cotton Seed Testing
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What was the recent news related to transgenic cotton seed testing in India?
A. Three states rejected the proposal for testing the new transgenic cotton seed.
B. The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee approved the testing of the new transgenic cotton seed.
C. The government decided to ban the use of transgenic cotton seed altogether.
D. Bioseed Research India developed a non-transgenic cotton seed resistant to pink bollworm.
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What is the advantage of genetically modified crops regarding disease control?
A. They grow faster than traditionally grown foods.
B. They can be grown in unfavorable climatic conditions.
C. They are high in nutrients and vitamins.
D. They help in controlling the occurrence of certain diseases.
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What are the concerns related to genetically modified crops?
A. Potential harm to the environment and other species.
B. Increased productivity and food availability.
C. Improved nutritional value compared to traditional crops.
D. Fast growth in various geographical conditions.
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