As of 2023, the landscape of genetically modified (GM) food crops in India is primarily dominated by Bt cotton, which remains the only GM crop approved for cultivation. The ongoing discussions and legal disputes regarding the approval of GM mustard indicate a complex relationship between agricultural innovation and public sentiment.
GM mustard is a genetically modified variant of mustard, an essential oilseed crop in India. Funded by public resources, it represents the first transgenic food crop approved for cultivation by the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), a scientific authority responsible for assessing such crops.
Although GEAC granted approval for GM mustard, its commercial cultivation has not commenced due to various safety concerns raised by activist groups. The Environment Ministry's conditional approval in 2022 faced challenges in the Supreme Court, leading to a standstill in its implementation.
The primary issues surrounding GM mustard focus on potential environmental and health risks. Activist groups have continuously voiced safety objections, which have resulted in legal battles and delays in its commercial use.
The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), under the Ministry of Science and Technology, plays a pivotal role in funding research and development related to transgenic and GM food crops. The DBT also provides essential technical inputs to the Union Environment Ministry to help formulate a comprehensive national policy on GM crops.
The Supreme Court is set to hear petitions challenging the Environment Ministry's approval for GM mustard cultivation starting April 15. All involved parties have been directed to submit their written statements, marking a significant moment in the ongoing debate over GM crops in India.
In a notable previous hearing in July 2024, a two-judge bench of the Supreme Court issued a split verdict regarding the Centre's 2022 conditional approval for GM mustard's environmental release, reflecting the contentious nature of this issue.
The government's BioE3 policy emphasizes leveraging biotechnology to enhance food crops, which includes GM varieties like GM mustard. This policy aims to foster the development of new enzymes, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural products through genetic engineering.
Bio-agriculture currently contributes 8.1% to India's $165.7 billion bio-economy, which translates to a valuation of $13.5 billion. This segment encompasses GM crops such as Bt cotton and various precision agriculture technologies.
GM crops, particularly Bt cotton, are recognized for their potential to enhance agricultural productivity and resilience, contributing positively to India's bio-economy.
The forthcoming Supreme Court hearings are significant as they will influence the future of GM mustard cultivation in India and may set a precedent for other GM food crops, shaping agricultural policy for years to come.
The government, through the DBT, expresses ongoing interest in and commitment to the advancement of GM food crops, recognizing them as integral to India's bio-economy and agricultural progress.
Key challenges in the implementation of GM crop technology in India include addressing safety concerns, navigating legal complexities, and formulating a comprehensive national policy that balances technological growth with environmental and health considerations.
Q1. What are the main GM crops currently approved in India?
Answer: Currently, Bt cotton is the only genetically modified crop permitted for cultivation in India, with GM mustard awaiting commercial approval amidst legal challenges.
Q2. What is the significance of GM mustard in agriculture?
Answer: GM mustard is significant as it represents India's first transgenic food crop approved for cultivation, aiming to enhance oilseed production and agricultural sustainability.
Q3. Why is the cultivation of GM mustard delayed?
Answer: The cultivation of GM mustard is delayed due to safety objections from activist groups and ongoing legal disputes regarding its approval by the Environment Ministry.
Q4. How does the DBT contribute to GM crop research?
Answer: The DBT funds research and development in GM crops and provides technical support for creating national policies regarding biotechnology in agriculture.
Q5. What are the main benefits of cultivating GM crops?
Answer: GM crops can increase agricultural productivity and resilience while potentially contributing to India's overall bio-economy and food security.
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