Genetically Modified(GM) crops and its impact

Genetically modified(hereafter GM) crops are produced by DNA manipulation of crops.GM crops such as Bt cotton,GM soyabean,GM corns are in widespread use globally since the last decade.In India,Bt cotton was introduced officially in 2002.India had initiated plans to introduce Bt Brinjal on a mass scale,only to be banned(though temporarily)in 2010.Against this backdrop,it is pertinent to make a detailed study on the pros and cons of GM crops and its impact on achieving food security in longer run.

With the advent of genetic  engineering technology in late 20^th century,the GM crops were considered to be a revolutionary scientific achievement in attaining food security.The scientific community stated that the GM crops would prove to be pest-resistant and herbicide resistant.It would withstand the climate change as they  would resist drought as well as cold climatic conditions.Moreover,the genetically engineered crops could address the concerns of malnutrition through bio-fortification and other methods,which was seen as a remedy to the problem of under-nutrition in sub-Saharan African countries and other countries of the third-world.

The USA and European countries started massive field trials of GM crops introducing genetically engineered crops of Soyabean,corn and cotton.Even developing countries like India and China followed suit though on a limited scale.The higher yield of crops was considered as its primary advantage which would in turn address food security in the longer run.However,there are conflicting reports,which cannot be overlooked.Sceptics claim that the linear relationship between higher yield and genetic engineering is not always true as crop yields are a function of complex factors.

The Indian experience with GM crops reveal some fascinating facts.Undoubtedly,the production of cotton increased markedly during the last decade with the introduction of Bt cotton.Policy makers and certain schools of thought hurriedly claimed it as a product of genetic engineering.But the increase in production was not uniform across the states.That said,Bt cotton led to higher production in states like Maharastra but it produced mixed results in certain states of South India and Central India.Moreover,apprehensions were raised on its impact on environment security and human health.Further,questions arose on the underlying motive of select GM seed companies to capitalize on the market through monopolistic means.The Intellectual Property Rights(IPR) was an added concern as the global companies were feared to stake claim on their rights through extended patents.Its disastrous impact on biodiversity was fuelled by the fact that GM crops would lead to the extinction of local variety of crops in a bid to attain uniformity in the production of genetic varieties.The genetic engineering technology might spoil the synergy of plant molecules and secondary metabolites and therby spoil the functionality of staple food.

Against this backdrop,the Technical Expert Committee(TEC) recommended the Supreme Court to put a temporary moratorium on the field trials and production of GM crops until corroborated by detailed studies.The Parliamentary Standing committee comprising the Members of Parliament too advised the government to halt the field trials of GM crops.The World Health Organisation(WHO) too issue guidelines on GM crops and advised the nations to undertake detailed study on the impact of such crops with respect to allergenicity,gene transfer and its impact on health and environment.

While there are proven advantages of GM crops like resistance of Bt cotton against cotton bollworm and nutritious food products like vitamin-A  rich golden rice(having high content of beta-carotene),food security necessitates a holistic approach towards ensuring accessibility,availability and affordability of nutritious food.The drawbacks like high prices of GM seeds,environment pollution,affects on human health might outweigh its potential benefits.In that case genetic engineered products would turn out to be a bane rather than boon.

Therefore,instead of hastily exaggerating the advantages of GM crops,the government ought to promote systematic Research and Development(R&D) with respect to GM crops.The field trials are necessary,but it should be done on crop-specific basis through effective monitoring.An independent regulator on the lines of Biotechnology Regulatory Authority is the need of the hour which can carry out independent regulation without government interference.Merely granting approval to cultivation of GM crops without considering its latent drawbacks would lead to miscalculated consequences.