Supreme Court delivers split verdict on nod for GM mustard UPSC

SC VERDICT ON GM MUSTARD

Source: HINDU

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Context

The Supreme Court's split verdict on the approval for GM mustard reflects ongoing debates and concerns about GM crops in India.

Details

Verdict Summary:
- The Supreme Court delivered a split verdict on the Centre's 2022 decision to approve the environmental release of GM mustard.
- Justices have directed the Centre to formulate a national policy concerning GM crops.
Court Directions:
- The national policy should cover research, cultivation, trade, and commerce related to GM crops.
- The policy should be developed in consultation with experts, state governments, and farmers' representatives.
- A national consultation should be conducted, ideally within the next four months.
Background:
- On October 18, 2022, the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) recommended the release of GM mustard.
- The environmental release of the GM mustard hybrid DMH-11 was approved on October 25, 2022.
Next Steps:
- The case will be referred to a three-judge Bench to be constituted by the Chief Justice of India for further consideration.

Genetically Modified Crops In India

Must read articles:

GM Crops

GM Mustard

Golden Rice

Bt Cotton

*Aspect*	*Details*
Introduction	Introduced in India in 2002, Bt cotton was developed to combat the bollworm pest. It incorporates a gene from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) which produces a toxin lethal to certain insects.
Impact	Since its introduction, Bt cotton has significantly reduced the need for insecticides and increased cotton yields. India became the largest producer of cotton globally within a decade. However, issues such as resistance in pests and the high cost of seeds have posed challenges.
Challenges	The pink bollworm has developed resistance to the first generation of Bt cotton, leading to reduced efficacy. The cost of Bt seeds is higher, affecting profit margins for farmers despite savings on insecticides.
Economic and Environmental Benefits	Reduced use of insecticides has benefitted the environment and farmer health. Economically, Bt cotton has been credited with doubling yields and making India a major cotton exporter. However, there are mixed reports on whether profits for farmers have increased.
Current Status	Bt cotton remains widely cultivated in India, with ongoing research to address resistance issues and develop new varieties.

Bt Brinjal

*Aspect*	*Details*
Introduction	Bt brinjal is genetically modified to resist the fruit and shoot borer, a common pest. Developed in India, it incorporates a gene from Bacillus thuringiensis.
Regulatory Approval	In 2009, the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) recommended its approval. However, a moratorium was placed on its release in 2010 due to public and scientific concerns.
Controversies	Environmental and health safety concerns led to protests and demands for more comprehensive testing. The moratorium on Bt brinjal remains, and it is not commercially cultivated in India.
Research and Trials	Limited field trials have been conducted under strict regulations, but commercial cultivation is not permitted.
Current Status	Bt brinjal cultivation is banned in India, though it has been approved in Bangladesh where it is grown commercially.

Dhara Mustard Hybrid-11 (DMH-11)

*Aspect*	*Details*
Introduction	DMH-11 is a genetically modified mustard developed to increase yields and make the crop herbicide-tolerant. It was created by the University of Delhi's Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants (CGMCP).
Regulatory Approval	The GEAC approved it in 2017, but it has not yet received final clearance from the government for commercial cultivation.
Controversies	There are concerns about its potential impact on biodiversity, honey production, and the livelihoods of farmers. Environmental activists and some farmer groups oppose its introduction.
Research and Trials	Extensive trials have been conducted to assess yield, safety, and environmental impact.
Current Status	DMH-11 has not yet been commercially released pending further government approval and resolution of ongoing debates.

Golden Rice

*Aspect*	*Details*
Introduction	Golden Rice is genetically modified to produce beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A. It aims to address vitamin A deficiency (VAD) which causes blindness and other health issues.
Development	Developed by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and other partners, it has undergone several iterations to increase beta-carotene content.
Health Benefits	Golden Rice is designed to provide a dietary source of vitamin A, particularly for populations where rice is a staple food and VAD is prevalent.
Regulatory Status	As of now, Golden Rice has not been approved for commercial cultivation in India. Regulatory and bio-safety assessments are ongoing.
Challenges	There are concerns about its acceptance by farmers and consumers, its impact on traditional rice varieties, and long-term health and environmental effects.
Current Status	Research and trials continue, with a focus on bio-safety and nutritional benefits. Approval processes are still underway.

Timeline On The Development And Regulation Of Genetically Modified (GM) Crops In India

*Year*	*Event*
2002	Introduction of Bt cotton in India, the first and only GM crop approved for commercial cultivation.
2006	Activists file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) against GM crops in the Supreme Court.
2007	Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) recommends the commercial release of Bt brinjal, developed by Mahyco.
2010	Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh imposes an indefinite moratorium on Bt brinjal due to lack of consensus and opposition from various states and stakeholders. No objection certificates from states become mandatory for field trials of GM crops.
2012	Parliamentary Standing Committee on Agriculture recommends ending all GM field trials.
2013	Supreme Court-appointed expert panel suggests a 10-year moratorium on GM crop trials until regulatory systems are strengthened. Environment Minister Jayanthi Natarajan halts all trials.
2014	Environment Minister Veerappa Moily resumes field trials. GEAC approves field trials for 21 new GM crops including maize, rice, sorghum, and wheat.
2016	GEAC approves field trials for GM mustard (Dhara Mustard Hybrid-11), developed by Delhi University, but the Supreme Court stays the order and seeks public opinion.
2017	Reports of illegal Bt brinjal cultivation surface in Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Punjab.
2020	Environment Ministry approves GM mustard for environmental release; however, commercialization is pending due to ongoing legal and public debates.
2022	Continued debates and research on GM crops like GM mustard and Bt brinjal, with ongoing trials and regulatory reviews.

Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC)

*Aspect*	*Details*
Formation	The GEAC was constituted under the "Rules for the Manufacture, Use/Import/Export and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms/Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells, 1989" notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. It was originally named the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee and was renamed to the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee in 2010.
Function	GEAC is responsible for the appraisal of activities involving large-scale use of hazardous microorganisms and recombinants in research and industrial production from an environmental perspective. It assesses proposals for the release of genetically engineered organisms and products into the environment, including field trials. The committee also looks into the import/manufacture of recombinant pharma products and ensures biosafety.
Composition	The GEAC is chaired by the Special Secretary/Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). The co-chairman is a representative from the Department of Biotechnology. Members include representatives from the Ministry of Industrial Development, Department of Biotechnology, and Department of Atomic Energy. Expert members include the Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
Approval Process	GEAC approval is mandatory for the environmental release of genetically modified (GM) crops. Applications are reviewed as per the provisions of the 1989 Rules and subsequent amendments. The State/UT Biotechnology Coordination Committees and District Level Committees are responsible for monitoring illegal cultivation of GM crops. A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the State/UT government is required for confined field trials of GM crops.
Significant Approvals	The first GM crop approved by GEAC for commercial cultivation was Bt Cotton. More recently, in 2022, GEAC approved the environmental release of GM Mustard hybrid DMH-11 and its parental lines for seed production and testing. These approvals are subject to extensive biosafety research and compliance with ICAR guidelines and other regulations.
Roles and Responsibilities	Approving or refusing activities involving large-scale field testing, deregulation, and commercialization of GM organisms. Regulating the import, export, transport, manufacture, processing, and sale of GM organisms, cells, and foodstuffs containing GM products. Overseeing the release of GM organisms into the environment from labs and similar facilities. Evaluating the risks associated with GM products and their impact on human health and the environment.

Sources:

HINDU

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q: Examine the role of genetically modified (GM) crops in enhancing agricultural productivity and addressing food security in India. Discuss the key challenges and regulatory issues associated with the adoption of GM crops in the country. (250 Words)