[PDF] Genetically Modified Crops [UPSC Notes for GS III]

117051_3G_M_Crops_UPSC_Notes_GS3.pdf Genetically Modified Crops [UPSC Notes for GS III]

Genetically Modified Crops

Context:

Bt brinjal being illegally grown in Haryana.

What are GM Crops?

GM is a technology that entails inserting DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) into the genome of an organism.

New DNA is transferred into plant cells to produce a GM plant. Usually, the cells are then grown in tissue

culture where they develop into plants. The seeds of these plants will inherit the new DNA. Genetic

different characteristics. This could include changing the way the crop grows, or making it resistant to a

crops will contain.

Concept of BT crops

Bt Crops are named for Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) which is a bacteria that naturally produces a crystal

protein that is toxic to many pest insects. Bt crops are crops that are genetically engineered to produce the

same toxin as Bt in every cell of the plant, with the goal of protecting the crop from pests.

Advantages of BT Crops

They help in controlling the soil pollution as the use of synthetic pesticides are reduced when the

plants begin to produce the toxins by themselves in own tissues. BT Crops help in protecting the beneficial insects. Reduced manpower and labor charges. The pests hidden inside the parts of the plant are controlled effectively. It is cost-effective as multiple sprays are not needed.

Biosafety concerns

The major biosafety concerns fall into these categories:

1. Bio-safety of human and animal health

There is always the risk of toxicity, due to the nature of the product or the changes in the metabolism

and the composition of the organisms resulting from gene transfer. When newer proteins in transgenic crops from the organisms are consumed which have not been consumed as foods, there is always the risk of these proteins becoming allergens. Genes used for antibiotic resistance as selectable markers have also raised concerns regarding the

transfer of such genes to microorganisms and thereby aggravate the health problems due to antibiotic

resistance in disease-causing organisms.

2. Ecological concerns

Gene flow due to cross-pollination for the traits involving resistance can result in the development of

tolerant or resistant weeds that are difficult to eradicate. GM crops could lead to erosion of biodiversity and pollute the gene pools of endangered plant species.

Farmers have replaced the use of traditional varieties with monocultures which has resulted in

genetic erosion.

3. Environmental concerns

Escape of the gene into the environment- accidental cross-breeding GMO plants and traditional varieties through pollen transfer can contaminate the traditional local varieties with GMO genes resulting in the loss of traditional varieties of the farmers.

Public attitude

Consumer demand for GM crops depends on perceptions about risks and benefits of genetically modified

foods. The media, individuals, scientists and administrators, politicians and NGO have the responsibility to

educate the people about the benefits of GM foods.

Socio-economic and ethical consideration

There are potential benefits to consumers and farmers but due to the increasing seed market, the developing

countries may get dependent on a few suppliers.

Regulatory Mechanisms in India

Biosafety regulations cover the evaluation of risks and the policies and procedures adopted to ensure

environmentally safe applications of biotechnology. following are the rules and guidelines for the regulation

of transgenic crops in India: a) Rules and policies Rules, 1989 under Environment Protection Act (1986) Seed Policy, 2002 b) Guidelines Recombinant DNA guidelines, 1990 Guidelines for research in transgenic crops, 1998

GM Crops in India

The topic on GM crops is a complicated one. Currently, ெ

FURSDFUHDJHVXUSDVVLQJ&KLQD