Genetically Modified (GM) crops are plants altered through genetic engineering to develop new traits like pest resistance, enhanced nutritional value, or increased yield. These modifications aim to improve crop performance and meet specific agricultural needs.
The Indian government is working on a new policy to address long-standing issues and regulatory gaps concerning GM crops. This initiative includes ensuring the safety of GM crops for human consumption, assessing their environmental impact, and learning from international experiences by consulting global experts.
The Ministry of Agriculture has established an expert committee comprising agricultural and climate scientists and international experts. This committee will collaborate with the Ministries of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and Health to assess existing research and create comprehensive policy guidelines.
GM crops are controversial due to safety concerns for human and animal health, environmental impact, and the risk of contaminating non-GM crops. Issues like allergenicity, antibiotic resistance, and ecological effects often lead to regulatory caution.
Currently, Bt cotton is the only GM crop approved for commercial cultivation in India. Other crops, such as GM mustard and GM brinjal, have undergone trials but face regulatory challenges and public opposition, delaying their approval.
The European Union permits GM crop imports only after a rigorous safety evaluation by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Although some GM crops like soy and maize are approved, stringent regulations limit their general acceptance and cultivation.
GM crops offer numerous advantages, including higher yields, pest and disease resistance, reduced pesticide usage, and potential nutritional improvements. For instance, GM mustard trials indicate a 28% yield increase over traditional varieties, suggesting a significant boost to agricultural productivity.
Barriers to GM crop adoption include regulatory challenges, public skepticism, and environmental concerns. Many advocate for long-term independent studies to fully assess GM crop safety, while emphasizing the need for enhanced biosafety regulations to build public trust.
A national policy is crucial to provide clear guidelines for GM crop research, cultivation, and use in India. This framework would help address the current fragmented approach, ensure biosafety, and responsibly evaluate new GM crop varieties to meet agricultural demands.
The expert committee will assess ongoing research and global practices, providing their findings to shape future policy. The goal is to balance technological innovation with safety and public acceptance, paving the way for the responsible advancement of GM crops in India.
Synopsis: India is striving to develop a comprehensive GM crops policy with input from national and international experts. This policy aims to address health, environmental, and biosafety concerns while promoting agricultural technology advancements. Clear regulations and public awareness are essential for guiding the responsible use of GM crops in India.
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