Genetically Modified (GM) crops, also referred to as genetically engineered (GE) crops or biotech crops, are plants that have undergone deliberate genetic alterations that do not occur naturally through conventional mating or recombination processes. These genetic modifications are typically carried out to impart particular traits or characteristics to the crop, including resistance to pests, tolerance to herbicides, enhanced nutritional content, or extended shelf life.
A common viewpoint is that food produced from GM crops available in the market doesn't present a higher risk to human health compared to traditional food. Nevertheless, critics have raised various objections to GM crops, citing environmental issues, the safety of GM food, the commercial interests associated with GM crops, intellectual property regulations, and more.
Advocates argue that GM technologies have been in existence for approximately 15 years and have been utilized worldwide, including countries like Brazil and China.
Norman Borlaug, often referred to as the father of the Green Revolution, expressed support for producing genetically modified (GM) food during a visit to India in March 2005. The Nobel laureate, who passed away in 2009, stated that "it is preferable to consume GM food rather than succumb to hunger."
The primary regulatory authority for biotechnology in India is the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC). This committee operates as a legal body under the Environment Protection Act of 1986 and falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Environment & Forests (MoEF).
Note that there was a proposal for a Biotechnology Regulatory Authority, but the bill became defunct following the dissolution of the 15th Loksabha.
1. What are genetically modified crops? |
2. What are the concerns regarding genetically modified crops? |
3. What are the regulatory mechanisms in India for genetically modified crops? |
4. How are genetically modified crops beneficial? |
5. How is public opinion towards genetically modified crops divided? |
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