What are Transgenic Crops? UPSC CSE
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Transgenic refers to an organism or cell who have had their genetic material modified through the introduction of foreign DNA, often from a different species, using artificial methods. In crops, transgenic varieties are developed to resist weeds and pests such as Bt cotton which is the only genetically modified crop approved for commercial cultivation in India. However, the process poses some concerns regarding disrupted gene flow, harm to indigenous varieties and other socio-economic concerns. It is necessary to regulate the use and research on transgenic crops. In India, it is the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) whose approval is needed to conduct tests. Open field tests are typically conducted at agricultural universities or plots controlled by the Indian Council for Agricultural Research(ICAR). For ensuring that imported transgenic crops meet the standards, the Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulates crop import.
The chronology for states with area under cultivation for Bt cotton(the only commercially grown GM crop) is as follows-
Maharashtra > Gujarat > Telangana > Andhra Pradesh > Haryana
Genetic Modification is the process of altering the genetic structure of an organism by introducing a foreign desired gene, such a recombinant organism is considered to be transgenic whereas Genome Editing alters an organism's endogenous genomes free of any foreign outside genes using molecular tools such as CRISPR- Cas9. Example- GTR edited low seed high-leaf glucosinolate rape seed mustard.
Genetic Engineering, also known as recombinant DNA technology, involves incorporating a desired gene or specific DNA segment into the DNA of other organisms using a transferring agent or vector. This process gives rise to transgenic living beings, commonly referred to as genetically modified organisms (GMOs), carrying the introduced foreign gene. While intended for the betterment of living beings, there is a significant concern about the accidental or intentional misuse of these organisms highlighting the ethical and safety considerations in the process. The governments of Telangana, Gujarat, and Maharashtra have recently declined to participate in trials for new pink bollworm- resistant Bt cotton.
Process of transgenic modification of organisms is commonly used in genetic engineering for various purposes, such as creating organisms with specific traits or functions for example- transgenic goats may carry a human gene responsible for a particular protein which is then released in its milk making it amenable for human consumption.
| Features | Normal breeding | Transgenic crops |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | In Normal breeding technique, parents with desirable traits are chosen and they are cross bred to produce offsprings with mixture of those traits. | Transgenic crops are developed through introducing genes with desirable traits into the plant genome. |
| Procedure | The procedure of normal breeding includes Selection, Cross breeding, Selection and testing of the progeny and Field trials. | The procedure of developing transgenic crops includes Gene identification, Gene insertion, Selection and testing and Regulatory approval. |
| Precision | It is less precised as many other traits are often get introduced in the progeny other than the desirable trait. | It is highly précised as specific genes with known functions are inserted, leading to précised results. |
| New traits | This is limited to the traits already present in the gene pool of that species. | New traits can be introduced by inserting the specific gene from other species. |
| Impact to Biodiversity | It does not risk biodiversity as it uses natural genetic variations. | It disturbs the natural biodiversity and hence can be a risk to the natural flora of the region. |
| Example | Hybrid maize | Bt Cotton |
India ranks 5th globally in the cultivation of GM Crops. This stature has come with extensive research and investment in the development of GM Crops while also evolving progressive safety standards. Evaluation of each GM crop is done on a case-to-case basis to assess its impact on humans, environment and overall food safety. Various guidelines, manuals, SOPs and norms are prescribed from time to time under the Rules for the Manufacture, Use/Import/Export and Storage of Hazardous Micro Organisms/Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells, 1989.
Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC)
The Indian government, keeping up with the various evolutions and innovations in transgenic crop science has issued safety guidelines from time to time. This cautious nature and hands on approach has ensured that while innovation is facilitated, growth is not prohibited.
Traditionally, transgenic crops were created using Genetic Modification i.e. with the process of altering the genetic structure of an organism by introducing a foreign desired gene. However, with innovation and scientific breakthroughs, now Genome Editing alters an organism's DNA through molecular scissors like CRISPR- Cas9. With this technology, the Indian Varuna HYV mustard seed was edited to make it desirable for both animal and human consumption. This is actually a transgene-free mechanism and hence the new seed is not a GM crop.
| Genome Editing (GE) | Genetically Modified (GM) / Transgenic Plants | |
|---|---|---|
| Description |
|
|
| Challenges | GE is a newer technology than genetic modification, and there is still some uncertainty about its long-term safety. More research is needed to fully understand the potential risks and benefits of genome editing. | GM plants can have random changes and unintended consequences as the new genetic material introduced in an organism can potentially disrupt the organism's natural genome |
| Example | GTR-edited-low-seed high-leaf glucosinolate rape seed mustard | GM hybrid mustard (DMH-11) |
In 2017, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment and Forests in its report titled ‘Genetically modified crops and its impact on environment’ stated that there needs to be through scientific evaluation and unbiased assessment of GM crops before they are introduced for use by common people in interest of safety of all. It also recommended restructuring the regulatory framework so that no vested interests can skew the development of GM crops for purely commercial interests.
There is a long way to go for India to exploit its full potential in GM crop cultivation. Not only will GM crops help India be atma nirbhar in food production, but also facilitate import substitution in oil seeds. We can also earn foreign exchange if we can develop these GM crops as per global standards. This has been a tough task as European Union has previously banned India’s exports of Basmati rice due to allegations of transgenic contamination. To mitigate this India has completely banned use of GM variety rice seeds during production.
Hence, the production and promotion of GM crops comes with dynamic challenges both scientific and geopolitical.
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