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 14-Jul-2025

Genetically Modified (GM) Crops

Environment & Ecology

Why in News?

During ongoing trade negotiations, the US is pressuring India to open its agricultural market to genetically modified (GM) crops. However, India has strongly asserted that agriculture and dairy are non-negotiable red lines, cautioning that the import of GM crops could endanger farmers' livelihoods and compromise food safety.

About Genetically Modified (GM) Crops

  • Definition: GM crops are plants whose DNA has been altered through genetic engineering to introduce or modify traits like pest resistance or delayed ripening. 
  • How It Works: Genes are either added or modified in the plant’s genetic material to achieve specific benefits. 
  • First GM Crop: Introduced in the USA in 1994 - the Flavr Savr tomato, engineered to slow down ripening and prevent rotting. 

Advantages of GM Crops 

GM Crops in India 

  • Approved Crop: Bt cotton is the only genetically modified crop approved for cultivation in India. 
  • Regulation: Controlled under the Rules, 1989, framed under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. 
  • Competent Authorities: Regulatory powers are assigned to specific authorities notified under the 1989 Rules to oversee manufacturing, use, import, export and storage of GM organisms. 

Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC)

  • Nature: It is a statutory committee constituted under the “Rules for the Manufacture, Use/Import/Export and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms/Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells (Rules, 1989)”.
  • Legal Framework: These Rules were notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
  • Main Function: Responsible for granting approval for the large-scale use and environmental release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and products.
  • Administrative Authority: Functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India.
  • Importance in GM Crops: GEAC assesses biosafety and environmental risks before approving GM crops for commercial release. 

Preparing Through MCQ

Q. Which of the following is the first genetically modified crop introduced in the USA?

(1) Bt cotton 
(2) Golden Rice 
(3) Flavr Savr tomato 
(4) Hybrid maize 

Answer: (3) Flavr Savr tomato