Syllabus
Science and Technology- Developments and their Applications and Effects in Everyday Life, Biotechnology (GS3)
Source
The Hindu,16/09/2023
Content
Genetically Modified Organisms
- Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) can be defined as organisms (i.e. plants, animals or microorganisms) in which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating and/or natural recombination.
- The technology is also called “recombinant DNA technology” or “genetic engineering”.
- It allows selected individual genes to be transferred from one organism into another, also between non related species.
- Foods produced from or using GM organisms are often referred to as GM foods.
Pros of GM Crops
- Increased crop productivity: GM crops can help raise agricultural productivity.
- Bring down the use of pesticides: These crops can reduce the need for environmentally harmful pesticides.
- Superior traits: Traits like herbicide resistance and pest resistance can be improved in crops.
- Higher crop yields: More effective pest control often results in higher crop yields.
- Environmental benefits : Reduced spraying of chemicals helps control farm runoff that otherwise pollutes water systems.Also, Reduced mechanical weeding helps prevent the loss of topsoil.
- Health benefits: Reduced pesticide exposure for farmers and rural labourers and low pesticide residues for consumers are some health benefits.
- Economic Security: Produces higher incomes for small-farm households compared with conventional crops.
- Nutritional Security: GM crops can be engineered to be more nutritious. Eg: Vitamin D-enriched tomatoes.
- Disease Resistance: GM crops can be engineered to be resistant to certain diseases, which can improve their yield and reliability.Eg: Bt Cotton provides effective control of three types of bollworms.
Cons of GM crops
- Threat to Biodiversity: One of the concerns raised by the opponents of GM crops is that introducing genetically modified versions of crops could be a major threat to the vast number of domestic and wild varieties of these crops.
- Development of Superbugs: There is a possibility that the insect could have become resistant to the Bt gene.
- Economic and Social Concerns: There are arguments that the multinational agribusiness companies are taking over farming from the hands of small farmers.
- Absence of Yield Advantage: Some experts argue that the claim that GM mustard increases productivity by 20-25 per cent is simply absurd.
- Risk to Organic Farming: The introduction of GM crops could pose a risk to organic farming practices, which are gaining popularity in India.
- Long-term implications: Critics argue that there is a lack of long-term studies on the impact of GM crops on human health and the environment.
GM crops in India
- Bt cotton is the only genetically modified (GM) crop that has been approved for commercial cultivation in 2002 by the Government of India.
- Recently,the Government has approved the environmental release of Genetically Modified (GM) Mustard hybrid DMH-11 and its parental lines.
GEAC
- The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) functions in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
- GEAC is responsible for appraisal of activities involving large scale use of hazardous microorganisms and recombinants in research and industrial production from the environmental angle.
- The committee is also responsible for appraisal of proposals relating to release of genetically engineered (GE) organisms and products into the environment including experimental field trials.
Challenges to introduce more GM crops in India
- Public Perception: There is a major debate between proponents and opponents of GM technology, creating obstacles in harnessing the benefits of the technology.
- Regulatory Hurdles: The Parliamentary Standing Committee recommended that GM crops should be introduced in the country only after critical scientific evaluation of its benefit and safety.
- Health Concerns: Genetically engineered foods often present unintended side effects since long-term results are unclear.
- Economic Concerns: Introduction of a GM crop to market is a lengthy and costly process. It may not result in high yields as promised.
- Ethical Concerns: Opponents of GM technology argue that it is the violation of natural organisms’ intrinsic values by mixing among species.
How genetically modified (GM) crops can ensure food security in India?
- Enhanced Production: GM crops have the potential to enhance production and increase food security.
- Resistance to Pests: GM crops like Bt cotton, which is pest-resistant, have been successfully cultivated in India.This can lead to higher yields and lower losses
- Climate Resilience: GM crops can be engineered for climate resilience, which is crucial given the increasing impact of climate change on agriculture.(solution to climate crisis )
- Nutritional Quality Improvement: Genetic modification allows for the improvement of nutritional quality in crops.(solution to malnutrition)
- Reduced Use of Natural Resources: Superior crop varieties and hybrids that require fewer inputs of natural resources can be developed through genetic modification.(solution to groundwater depletion)
- Economic Advantage: The cultivation of GM crops like Bt cotton has provided an economic advantage to farmers and the nation.
Way Forward
- Strict Regulations: There need to be strict regulations in place to control threats to animal health, human safety, and biodiversity during the processes of development, cultivation, and transboundary movement of GM crops.
- Research and Development: Continued research and development in this area can lead to the introduction of more GM crops in the future.
- Farmer Education: All precautionary measures must be taken before allowing cultivation of genetically modified crops. Therefore, educating farmers about the benefits and potential risks of GM crops is crucial.
- Infrastructure Development: Infrastructure for testing and monitoring GM crops needs to be developed further. This includes laboratories for testing GM crops and systems for monitoring their cultivation and effects on the environment.
Reference
- https://www.fda.gov/food/agricultural-biotechnology/how-gmo-crops-impact-our-world
- https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/the-gm-mustard-debate-8309871/
- https://m.timesofindia.com/india/PM-brings-hope-for-scientists-over-introducing-GM-food-crops-in-India-after-safety-trials/articleshow/29812575.cms
- https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1654492
- http://geacindia.gov.in/about-geac-india.aspx
Practice Question
Critically analyze the potential benefits and drawbacks of GM crops. Discuss the ethical implications and regulatory challenges associated with their use in India. Support your arguments with relevant examples.