embrace-genetic-technologies-to-benefit-farmers

The public discourse in India on genetically modified technologies is often clouded by politics, delusional activism and fear-mongering. The matters that must be decided by evidence-based science are often hijacked by alarmist ideologies that manufacture fear to block introduction of new technologies.

 

Such misplaced campaigns end up depriving farmers of the benefits of modern scientific research.

 

The recent release of two genome-edited (GE) rice varieties, developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), will hopefully remove apprehensions over the use of genetic technologies to improve agricultural practices and help in promoting their rapid adoption. The two rice varieties, developed after ‘editing’ the genes leading to changes in their DNA sequence, will have superior yields, drought and salinity tolerance, and high nitrogen-use efficiency traits.

 

This is a big leap in agricultural research with massive benefits for farmers. It is particularly significant because several research studies indicate that climate change could reduce rice yields in India by 3-5% under a “medium emissions” scenario, and up to 31.3% by 2030 under “high emissions”.

 

Genome Editing is different from Genetic Modification (GM). While GM involves introduction of genes from unrelated species into host plants, the GE envisages editing of genes naturally present in the host plant, leading to mutation in their DNA sequence. The editing, using ‘molecular scissors’, will result in desirable alterations in that gene’s expression and function.

 

Farmers deserve the best

 

India needs to focus on crops that can withstand climate disruptions and give high yield. This is necessary to ensure food security and to improve farmers’ income. Experience has shown that reluctance to embrace new technologies is a major hurdle in the way of improving food productivity. 

 

The global landscape around GM crops is rapidly evolving, with many countries embracing biotechnology to tackle food security issues. India can learn from global experiences of regulating GM crops and establishing guidelines that mutually benefit local ecosystems while adhering to international standards. It is time science is given its fair due in policy making because the country cannot afford to miss technological revolutions because of irrational fears.

 

The farmers deserve the benefits of modern biotechnologies to improve yields and nutritional value of food crops. The sceptics often question the safety of GM crops but it should be noted that over two decades of consumption of foods derived from transgenic seeds across the world has not led to a single case of illness.

 

The fears that transgenic plants could contaminate natural habitats are found to be irrational and overblown.

 

Need for a national policy

 

At present, Bt cotton is the only genetically modified crop approved for commercial cultivation in India. Following the massive jump in cotton yield, there is a growing demand for developing GM seeds in food crops such as rice, wheat, tomato, brinjal and mustard. While trials are on in some cases, there is still no clear cut policy on approving them for commercial use.

 

In July last year, the Supreme Court had directed the Centre to formulate a national policy on GM crops. However, it is still a work in progress. Ideally, it must strike a fine balance between addressing the genuine concerns about environmental and health impacts and promoting scientific advancements in agriculture.

 

Such a policy, finalised after consultations with farmers’ bodies, agricultural experts, state governments and civil society organisations, will help create a balanced approach where all voices are heard and all concerns are addressed. Transparency and extensive consultations form the cornerstone of any collaborative model.

 

As India confronts the dual challenges of a growing population and climate change, the need for a comprehensive national policy on GM crops has never been more pressing.

 

Also read: Punjab-Haryana water dispute mainly about political posturing

 

It is crucial to ensure that deliberations are inclusive, transparent, and scientifically grounded. In doing so, India can navigate the complexities surrounding GM crops with clarity and purpose, ensuring the most sustainable path forward. Besides, the regulatory framework must be robust enough to address issues like environmental safety, health impact assessments, and ethical considerations regarding biotechnological interventions.

 

Boost for ‘Aatmanirbhar’ drive

 

The GM technologies have the potential to transform the country’s agricultural landscape. For instance, the indigenously developed GM mustard can be a game-changer in terms of boosting production and productivity of the oil seed and reducing dependence on import of edible oil.

 

Since India is looking to increase oilseeds output under its ‘Aatmanirbhar’ drive, promoting GM mustard will go a long way in furthering this cause. Despite producing 116.5 lakh tonnes of edible oils in 2021-22, India imported 141.93 lakh tonnes, highlighting a significant gap and there is a projected demand of 34 million tonnes by 2025-26.

 

Mustard plays a pivotal role, constituting 40% of India's total edible oil production. GM Mustard demonstrates a yield increase of approximately 28% over normal varieties. The introduction of GM crops can enhance yields and mitigate the effects of climate change, such as droughts and pests. GM crops are plants whose genes are artificially modified, usually by inserting genetic material from another organism, in order to give it new properties, such as increased yield, resistance to disease or drought, or improved nutritional value.

 

The NDA Government needs to take a bold decision to allow cultivation of transgenic food crops in the interests of the farmers. The challenge before the government is to take the opponents—representing the Right and Left ends of the political spectrum—on board and convince them that the GM foods are safe as they pass through a stringent regulatory process that is transparent and science-based.