Genetically Modified Organisms

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are organisms whose genetic materials have been altered using genetic engineering techniques to provide the organisms with certain special characteristics. GMOs can include plants, animals and even microorganisms.

 We have learnt that genetic modification can lead to various benefits. GMO research in animals is at the nascent stage. However, it has attained some success in plants. Many genetically modified plant varieties have been developed.

Some of the popular genetically modified crops are mentioned below:

1. Golden rice: We have already discussed this earlier. At present, research about golden rice is going on. It is not yet commercially cultivated.

2. Bt cotton: We have already discussed that Bt cotton is a transgenic crop in which ‘Cry1 AC’ gene of Bacillus thuringiensis is introduced to make the crop pest-resistant. After the introduction of this gene, the cotton crop starts producing its own pesticide. The Bt trait is believed to save the cotton plant from the pest popularly known as ball worm.

3. Bt brinjal and Bt mustard: Bt brinjal and Bt mustard have been developed on the lines of Bt cotton. These crops are also transgenic in nature in which ‘Cry1 AC’ gene of Bacillus thuringiensis is introduced to make the crop pest-resistant.

Position of Genetically Modified Crops in India

At present, commercial cultivation of edible, genetically modified (GM) crops such as Bt brinjal and Bt mustard is not allowed because of the following reasons:

1. Presently, research is not enough to understand the impact of Bt food crops on human health. The regular consumption of such varieties may have long-term repercussions on health.

2. Bt trait food crop may cross-pollinate with local wild weeds to make them super weeds which would then require large amount of pesticides for elimination.

3. Moreover, there is a strong opposition from some groups for the cultivation of GM crops. Farmer groups oppose the cultivation of GM crops, because promotion of sale of GM crops would hamper the sale of non-GM crops. NGOs such as Greenpeace stringently oppose the cultivation of GM crops.

On the other hand, commercial cultivation of non-edible Bt crop is allowed. For instance, Bt cotton crop is cultivated at many places in India.

Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee

The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) was formed under Environment Protection Act, 1986 and functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). It gives approval for the cultivation of GM crops.

The functioning of GEAC has the following loopholes:

1. The GEAC is not an autonomous body as it functions under MoEFCC. Thus, while granting approval for genetically modified crops, the GEAC may come under pressure from MoEFCC.

2. Moreover, the GEAC does not possess independent research capabilities. It gives approval based on the research report furnished by the MNCs that seek approval for the cultivation of genetically modified crops.

There is a need to set-up Biotechnology Regulatory Authority of India (BRAI) which would be an autonomous body. Moreover, the BRAI shall possess independent research facilities to verify the claim made by the MNCs for a particular GM crop. These research facilities shall also be able to assess longterm impact of GM crop on health and environment.