• The Centre has proposed amendments to rules to ensure greater transparency in the decision-making process of the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) responsible for approving and regulating genetically modified (GM) organisms, crops, and products in India.  

• The 1989 rules regulate the manufacture, use, import, export, and storage of hazardous microorganisms and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). These rules were introduced to safeguard the environment and human health.

• The Supreme Court had highlighted the need for stricter oversight in its split verdict delivered in July 2024 on petitions challenging the government’s approval of GM mustard. 

• According to a notification issued on December 31, members of the GEAC will now be required to disclose any personal or professional interests that may affect their judgment.  

• They will also be required to abstain from participating in discussions or decisions if they have a direct or indirect link to the matter being considered.  

• To implement these measures, experts will need to submit written declarations outlining any “conflict of interest” when they join the committee. 

What is the role of GEAC?

• The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) for appraisal of activities involving large scale use of hazardous microorganisms and recombinants in research and industrial production from the environmental angle.

• In accordance with the Rules for the Manufacture, Use Import, Export and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms/Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells notified in 1989 (Rules, 1989) under the

Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the GEAC is responsible for appraisal of activities involving large scale use of hazardous microorganisms and recombinants in research and industrial production from the environmental angle. 

• It is also responsible for appraisal of proposals relating to release of genetically engineered (GE) organisms and products into the environment including experimental field trials. 

• The Committee or any persons authorised by it has powers to take punitive action under the Environment Protection Act.

• Currently, it has 24 members and meets every month to review the applications in the areas indicated above.

What are GM crops?

• Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) can be defined as organisms in which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating and/or natural recombination. The technology is often called “modern biotechnology” or “gene technology”, sometimes also “recombinant DNA technology” or “genetic engineering”.

• It allows selected individual genes to be transferred from one organism into another, also between non-related species. Foods produced from or using GMOs are often referred to as GM foods.

• Resistance against insects is achieved by incorporating into the food plant the gene for toxin production from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). 

• Virus resistance is achieved through the introduction of a gene from certain viruses which cause disease in plants. Herbicide tolerance is achieved through the introduction of a gene from a bacterium conveying resistance to some herbicides. 

• GM crops can mitigate several current challenges in commercial agriculture. Current market trends project them as one of the fastest growing and innovative global industries, which not only benefit growers but also consumers and major country economies.

• However, some experts say that GM foods can have harmful effects on the human body. It is believed that consumption of these genetically engineered foods can cause the development of diseases which are immune to antibiotics.

Are GM crops allowed in India?

• Bt cotton was the only GM crop approved in 2002 by the GEAC for commercial cultivation in the country.

• Cultivation of other unapproved GM crops was banned in India. Few incidences of suspected open cultivation of Bt brinjal and herbicide-tolerant Bt cotton (HTBT) cotton were reported in Maharashtra, Haryana, Punjab, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh.

• The department of agriculture, cooperation and farmers welfare have issued advisories to states to take appropriate necessary action to curb and control the spread of Bt Brinjal and HTBT cotton. State governments have given directions to all district administrations to take necessary legal steps to curb the production and sale of illegal GM crops.

Arguments in support of GM crops

• In the wake of rising population, many scientists believe that GM crops can assist significantly in ensuring food security.

• GM food crops have been altered to have shorter growing cycles, stronger resistance to both insects and disease, and produce higher yields.

• In addition, some say these foods are also more nutritious and have a longer shelf life.

• Other benefits include reduced costs for food production, reduced need for pesticides and resistance to pests and disease. 

Arguments against GM crops

• Bt Cotton has failed in rain fed areas which represent two-thirds of cotton growing areas. It has succeeded only in irrigated areas.

• Concurrently with the consumption of GM food, there has been an increase in the incidence of gastrointestinal tract disorders and cases of allergy in the US. This, of course, does not establish a cause and effect relationship between consumption of GM food and health problems mentioned above, but it certainly makes it possible.

• The environmental safety aspects of GM crops vary considerably according to local conditions.

• The food may cause harm to other organisms.

• Genetically modified crops could inadvertently crossbreed with other crops.

• Insects might become resistant to the toxins produced by genetically modified crops.

• The food could make disease-causing bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics.

• We produce more food today without the use of GM technology than is required to feed the world population, and we do not need GM technology to take care of future food requirements.

• We have virtually no testing of GM crops for safety. In the US, they are approved on the basis of just “substantial equivalence” with the non-GM material.

• Tests carried out so far have not been done by an independent body. They have been done by the company intending to market the product.

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