Explained: Why India Plans To Increase Its Genetically Modified (GM) Crops?

India plans to increase its Genetically Modified (GM) crops and its institutions are ‘‘deeply engaged’’ ‘in the development of genetically modified seeds for 13 crops’ Reuters reported.?

The First GM plant in India

‘Bt cotton is the only GM crop which has been approved for commercial cultivation in India’ the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate change mentions in its press release.
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton was introduced in India in 2002 and the environment ministry’s press release states ‘that the average seed cotton yield increased after the adoption of Bt Cotton.’?

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GM Mustard seeds

The success of Bt Cotton has prompted New Delhi to carry out research and development in other crops as well.?

The government had given the approval for the genetically modified mustard seeds in October this year.?

The development of the seeds

The Genetically modified mustard seeds had been in development for more than a decade. And the person responsible for their development is Deepak Pental who is a scientist and also the former vice-chancellor of Delhi University.?

‘I can call it a landmark development’ mint quoted Pental.

Reuters/Representational Image

GM important for the country’s growing needs

India depends heavily on the import of edible oil. The imports meet 60% of the demand.

‘Strengthening of plant breeding programmes including the use of new genetic technologies such as GE technology is important for meeting emerging challenges in Indian agriculture and ensuring food security while reducing foreign dependency.’ Reuters quoted Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate, Ashwini Kumar Choubey.

BCCL/Representational Image

The necessity of GM seeds

The fiscal year of 2021-2022 cost India US $19 billion and the Russia-Ukraine war added to the increased costs of imports.?

The ever-increasing population and the tag of the most overpopulation country in the world are staring India in the face. Natural techniques cannot keep up with the demands of the population and other methods have to be looked into.?

Genetically Modified crops are currently the only alternative method of mass production of crops.??

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