Why in the News?
The Supreme Court on July 23 pronounced a split verdict on the validity of the Centre’s 2022 decision granting conditional approval for environmental release of genetically modified (GM) mustard crops.
What’s in Today’s Article?
- About GM Crops (Meaning, Benefits, Concerns, etc.)
- Regulations in India (Laws/Bodies Related to GM Crops)
- News Summary
About Genetically Modified (GM) Crops:
- Genetically Modified (GM) crops are plants whose DNA has been altered through genetic engineering techniques to introduce desirable traits.
- These traits may include resistance to pests, diseases, or environmental conditions, improved nutritional content, or increased yield.
- Unlike traditional crossbreeding methods, genetic modification allows for the direct manipulation of a plant’s genetic material, often incorporating genes from different species to achieve specific results.
- Benefits of GM Crops:
- Increased Yield: GM crops can produce higher yields, contributing to food security.
- Pest and Disease Resistance: Crops can be engineered to be resistant to specific pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
- Herbicide Tolerance: Some GM crops are designed to withstand certain herbicides, making weed control more effective.
- Enhanced Nutritional Content: Crops can be modified to contain higher levels of essential nutrients, addressing malnutrition in developing countries.
- Environmental Benefits: Reduced need for chemical inputs can lower the environmental impact of agriculture.
- Concerns / Controversies w.r.t. GM Crops:
- Environmental Impact: There is ongoing debate about the potential for GM crops to affect non-target species and lead to a reduction in biodiversity.
- Health Concerns: While extensive research indicates that GM foods are safe to eat, public concern about potential long-term health effects persists.
- Economic Issues: GM seeds are often patented, leading to concerns about corporate control over the food supply and the economic impact on small-scale farmers.
- Ethical and Labeling Issues: There are ethical debates surrounding the manipulation of genetic material, and many advocate for clear labeling of GM products to inform consumer choice.
Regulations w.r.t. GM Crops in India:
- In India, the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change oversees all activities, operations, and products associated with genetically modified organisms.
- These are regulated under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
- The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), part of MoEFCC, has the authority to review, monitor, and approve all GMO-related activities, including import, export, transportation, manufacture, use, and sale.
- GEAC is a statutory body established under the Environment Act.
- Additionally, GM foods must comply with the regulations set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
- Currently, cotton is the only GM crop approved for commercial cultivation in India.
About GM Mustard:
- In 2023, the GEAC had recently given the green light for the commercial cultivation of genetically modified mustard.
- Dhara Mustard Hybrid (DMH-11), created by scientists at Delhi University, employs genes from soil bacteria to make mustard, typically a self-pollinating plant, more suitable for hybridization than traditional methods.
- The GEAC approved "the environmental release of mustard hybrid DMH-11 for seed production and testing in accordance with existing ICAR guidelines and other applicable regulations prior to its commercial release."
Supreme Court’s Split Verdict on Permission for GM Mustard:
- The SC delivered a split verdict on the Centre's 2022 decisions regarding the environmental release of the genetically modified mustard hybrid DMH-11 for seed production and testing.
- Petitions:
- The court was responding to pleas by activist Aruna Rodrigues and the NGO 'Gene Campaign.
- The petition called for a moratorium on the release of any GMOs into the environment until a comprehensive, transparent, and rigorous biosafety protocol is publicly available and conducted by independent experts.
- Divergent Opinions:
- Justice Nagarathna: She deemed the October 2022 decisions of the GEAC invalid due to the absence of a health department member and the absence of eight members from the meeting.
- Justice Karol: He found no manifest arbitrariness in the GEAC decisions and stated that field trials should proceed with strict safeguards.
- Next Steps:
- The bench referred the matter to Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud for further adjudication by the appropriate bench.
- National Policy on GM Crops:
- Both justices agreed on the need for a national policy on Genetically Modified (GM) crops.
- They directed the Centre to consult all stakeholders and experts within four months to formulate this policy.