The sustainable pathway for GM (genetically modified) crop utilization involves finding a balance between the benefits and potential risks of these crops. GM crops are engineered to have desirable traits, such as resistance to pests and improved nutritional content. While they can significantly boost agricultural productivity and food security, there are concerns about their environmental impact and long-term health effects. A sustainable approach means carefully regulating and monitoring the use of GM crops to ensure they are safe and beneficial for both people and the planet. This involves rigorous testing, transparent policies, and ongoing research to address any emerging issues, ultimately aiming for a future where GM crops can help meet global food demands responsibly.
Tags:GS-3,Economy-Growth& Development- Genetically modified (GM) Crop, Government Policies & Interventions
Context:
- Recently, the Supreme Court has temporarily halted GM mustard cultivation due to differing opinions on its release.
- This policy should ensure the safe and responsible use of GM technology in agriculture while managing potential risks.
- The lack of clear regulations has stalled agricultural progress and food security, and created uncertainties about GM content in imported foods.
- India needs a science-based approach with strict safety protocols and monitoring systems for GM crops and food products.
What are the Benefits of Genetically Modified Crops?
- About: Genetically modified (GM) crops have altered DNA through genetic engineering to express specific traits by adding or modifying genes.
- Global Adoption and Use:
- Introduction: The first GM crop, Flavr Savr tomato, was introduced in the USA in 1994, designed to delay ripening.
- Current Status: As of 2019, over 18 million farmers in 29 countries planted more than 190 million hectares of GM crops.
- GM Crops in India:
- Approved Crop: Bt cotton, grown on about 11 million hectares.
- Research and Trials: Other crops like mustard, chickpea, pigeonpea, and sugarcane are under various stages of research and trials.
- Regulatory Framework: Governed by the Rules for the Manufacture, Use, Import, Export, and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms, Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells (1989) under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Benefits of Genetically Modified Crops:
- Battling Pests and Diseases: GM crops like Bt cotton resist pests, reducing pesticide use and increasing yields.
- Weather-Proof Farming: GM crops such as drought-tolerant maize maintain yields under water stress, aiding food security in climate-affected regions.
- Nutritional Powerhouses: Biofortified GM crops, like Golden Rice, address micronutrient deficiencies, combating malnutrition.
- Green Revolution 2.0: GM crops with enhanced yields and resource efficiency, like C4 rice, support growing food demands while conserving land.
- Eco-Friendly Farming: Herbicide-tolerant crops enable no-till farming, reducing soil erosion and emissions; insect-resistant crops minimise pesticide use.
- Shelf-Life Superstars: GM technology extends shelf life of produce, reducing food waste and transportation emissions.
- Crops as Medicine Factories: Biopharming plants could produce vaccines and pharmaceuticals, potentially lowering medicine costs.
- Phytoremediation Champions: Some GM plants can absorb pollutants from the soil, aiding in environmental cleanup.
Major Challenges Related to Genetically Modified Crops:
- Environmental Concerns:
- Gene Flow: Risk of genes transferring to wild relatives, creating herbicide-resistant “superweeds.”
- Non-Target Impact: Potential effects on beneficial insects despite reduced pesticide use.
- Biodiversity Loss: GM crops may promote monoculture farming, affecting biodiversity.
- Health and Safety Uncertainties:
- Long-Term Effects: Concerns about potential health impacts not covered by current assessments.
- Allergens and Nutritional Changes: Risks of new allergens or altered nutritional content, exemplified by the StarLink corn controversy.
- Socio-Economic Impacts:
- Market Concentration: Dependence on seed companies and high costs can disadvantage small-scale farmers.
- Intellectual Property Issues: Disputes over GM crop patents, as seen in Monsanto’s legal battles, impact farmers’ rights.
- Regulatory Challenges:
- Inconsistent Regulations: Varying approval processes and labelling requirements create trade issues.
- Resource Constraints: Developing countries often struggle with comprehensive biosafety regulations.
- Ethical and Cultural Considerations:
- Human Intervention: Concerns about moral implications and “playing God” with genetic modifications.
- Food Sovereignty: Debates about community control over food systems.
- Coexistence and Contamination Issues:
- Cross-Pollination: GM and non-GM crop contamination risks, as demonstrated by unauthorised GM wheat in Oregon.
- Segregation Challenges: Costly and complex measures to maintain GM and non-GM crop separation.
- Resistance Development:
- Pest and Weed Resistance: Evolution of resistance to GM traits, such as Bt cotton and glyphosate-resistant weeds, requiring ongoing technological adaptations.
Measures to Promote Balanced Use of GM Crops in India:
- Transparent Trials:
- Public Access: Implement real-time, publicly accessible field trial data.
- Independent Review: Encourage external verification by scientists and stakeholders.
- Biotech Bridges:
- Public-Private Partnerships: Foster collaboration between public institutions and private companies, ensuring local relevance and benefit-sharing.
- Green Gene Bank:
- Preservation: Establish a national gene bank to protect indigenous crop varieties and safeguard biodiversity.
- Farmer-First Policies:
- Support for Small Farmers: Prioritise small-scale farmers with training, insurance, and participation in decision-making.
- Eco-Impact Assessments:
- Environmental Studies: Mandate long-term impact studies and ecological monitoring for GM crops.
- Nutritional Navigation:
- Biofortification: Focus GM research on addressing regional nutritional deficiencies and pilot biofortified crops.
- Regulatory Reboot:
- Clear Framework: Create a science-based, transparent approval process with an independent regulatory authority.
- Label Logic:
- Labelling System: Develop comprehensive labelling guidelines and public awareness campaigns to inform consumers.
- Coexistence Corridors:
- Guidelines: Implement buffer zones and isolation distances to manage GM and non-GM crop coexistence.
- Harmonising Standards:
- Global Engagement: Participate in international forums to develop and adopt harmonised GM crop regulations and standards.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q1. Other than resistance to pests, what are the prospects for which genetically engineered plants have been created? (2012)
- To enable them to withstand drought
- To increase the nutritive value of the produce
- To enable them to grow and do photosynthesis in spaceships and space stations
- To increase their shelf life
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
- 1 and 2 only
- 3 and 4 only
- 1, 2 and 4 only
- 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: (c)
Q2. Bollgard I and Bollgard II technologies are mentioned in the context of (2021)
- clonal propagation of crop plants
- developing genetically modified crop plants
- production of plant growth substances
- production of biofertilizers
Ans: (b)
Mains
Q:1 How can biotechnology help to improve the living standards of farmers? (2019)
Source: IE
FAQs
Q: What are GM crops?
- Answer: GM crops, or genetically modified crops, are plants that have had their DNA altered through genetic engineering. This is done to give them certain desirable traits, such as resistance to pests, improved nutritional content, or tolerance to harsh environmental conditions.
Q: Why is there a need for a sustainable pathway for GM crop utilisation?
- Answer: A sustainable pathway ensures that the use of GM crops is safe for the environment and human health, while also being economically viable. It aims to balance the benefits of GM crops, like higher yields and reduced pesticide use, with potential risks, such as ecological impacts and ethical concerns.
Q: What are the benefits of GM crops?
- Answer: GM crops can offer several benefits, including increased agricultural productivity, reduced reliance on chemical pesticides, enhanced nutritional content, and better resilience to climate change. These benefits can help in addressing food security and supporting sustainable agriculture.
Q: What are the concerns related to GM crops?
- Answer: Concerns about GM crops include potential environmental risks, such as harm to non-target species and loss of biodiversity, as well as health concerns related to the consumption of GM foods. Additionally, there are economic and ethical issues, like patenting of seeds and the control of agricultural biotechnology by a few large companies.
Q: How can GM crop utilisation be made more sustainable?
- Answer: To make GM crop utilisation more sustainable, it’s important to conduct thorough scientific assessments of their impacts, implement strict regulatory frameworks, promote transparency and public engagement, and encourage practices that protect biodiversity. Additionally, fostering collaboration between governments, scientists, and farmers can help ensure that GM crops are used responsibly and effectively.
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