Transgenic Crops

TRANSGENIC CROPS

• Transgenic crops are plants that have undergone genetic modification. These crops have had specific genes put into their DNA to give them new qualities or traits that do not occur naturally in the species through traditional breeding procedures.

GMO vs Transgenic Organisms

• The terms Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) and Transgenic Organism are often used interchangeably.

• However, there is a subtle distinction between GMOs and transgenic organisms.

• Although both have altered genomes, a transgenic organism is a genetically modified organism that has a DNA sequence or gene from another species. A GMO is an animal, plant, or microorganism whose DNA has been modified by genetic engineering procedures.

• Thus, while transgenic organisms are GMOs, not all GMOs are transgenic.

Status in India

• In India, only cotton is now commercially grown as a GM crop. Other crops such as brinjal, tomato, maize, and chickpea are currently undergoing transgenic

technology trials.

• The GEAC approved the environmental release of GM mustard hybrid DMH-11, bringing it closer to full commercialization.

• However, there is an ongoing legal action in the Supreme Court challenging the authority for transgenic food crops. They are requesting a hold on GM mustard, citing worries about farmers using illegal herbicides.

• Previous examples include the GEAC's acceptance of GM mustard in 2017 after additional testing, and the government's indefinite prohibition on GM brinjal in 2010.

In India, GM crops are regulated by the-

• Environment Protection Act (1986),

• Biological Diversity Act (2002),

• Plant Quarantine Order (2003),

• Foreign Trade Policy,

• Food Safety and Standards Act (2006), and

• Drugs and Cosmetics Rule (8th Amendment) of 1988.

Regulating Transgenic Crops in India

• Developing transgenic crops entails introducing genes into plants to provide a long-lasting defensive response.

• The technique combines science and chance.

• Committees undertake safety assessments prior to open field testing.

• Open field experiments are conducted in agricultural universities or ICAR-controlled sites.

• To be cleared for commercial use, transgenic plants must outperform non-GM varieties while remaining ecologically safe.

• Open field trials evaluate suitability for many seasons and locations.

Significance of Genetic Modification (GM) Technique

• GM has changed the pharmaceutical industry by allowing for the manufacture of safer and more inexpensive vaccines and treatments. It has eased the bulk manufacture of medications such as human insulin, vaccinations, and growth hormones, making life-saving pharmaceuticals more widely available.

• Control Weeds: Genetically modified technology has also played an important role in the development of herbicide-tolerant crops. Crops such as soybean, maize, cotton, and canola have been genetically modified to resist specific broad-spectrum herbicides, allowing farmers to successfully manage weeds while conserving the crop.

• Ensuring Food Security: Genetically modified crops are being created to respond to changing environmental circumstances. Researchers are developing strains of rice, maize, and wheat that can withstand longer droughts and wetter monsoon seasons, ensuring food security in harsh regions.

Challenges related to Transgenic Crops

• Lack of Nutritional Value: Despite enhanced output and pest resistance, GM crops can occasionally be nutritionally deficient. This is because the emphasis is frequently placed on improving certain characteristics rather than nutritional substance.

• Risks to Ecosystems: Genetically modified (GM) production can also harm ecosystems and biodiversity. It may alter gene flow and impair indigenous types, resulting in a loss of biodiversity in the long run.

•
Genetically engineered foods have the potential to cause allergy reactions because they are physiologically altered. Individuals who are used to standard variety may find this difficult.

• Endangered Animals: Genetically modified crops endanger wildlife as well. For example, genetically modified plants used to make plastic or pharmaceuticals can imperil wildlife such as mice and deer who eat crop

debris left in fields after harvesting.

Eamples

• Examples of Transgenic Organisms (Gene from another species)

• Bt Cotton (India): Contains cry gene from Bacillus thuringiensis to resist bollworm.

• GM Mustard (DMH-11): Uses barnase–barstar genes from soil bacterium Bacillus amyloliquefaciens to enable hybridisation.

• Golden Rice (Global, Philippines approved): Contains genes from maize and bacteria to produce beta-carotene (Vitamin-A).

• Examples of GMOs that are NOT Transgenic

• CRISPR-edited rice and wheat (India, research stage): Gene editing modifies existing genes without introducing foreign DNA.

• High-oleic soybean (USA): Developed using gene editing; classified as GMO but not transgenic.

Major agricultural biotechnology research

• Drought-resistant rice varieties (Arun): Help farmers to effectively counter variable climatic conditions have been developed due to rising temperature and climate change.

• Climate-resilient chickpea cultivars: Two drought- tolerant chickpea varieties ADVIKA and SAATVIK developed by BRIC-NIPGR. These are the effective measures for country like India where more than 60% of its area is drought prone area.

• Transgene-free CRISPR-edited mustard lines by BRIC- NIPGR: which have anti-cancer and chemopreventive properties helpful for North Indian population which mostly consumed this.

Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC)

• It was established as an autonomous body in 2023 by integrating 13 autonomous institute comes under Department of Science and Technology.

• The objective is to provide integrated platform for multi-disciplinary biotech research, education, modern technology and innovation to enhance the biotech sector.

BioE3 Policy: India’s first Biotech policy

Focus on high performance Biomanufacturing medical devices, promoting research, innovation and development in Biotech sector and utilize Bio technology to support E3 i.e. economy, environment, and employment.

• Target to expand the size of India’s bioeconomy id $300 billion by 2030.

• It is the vital pillar of India’s vision of green growth launched in 2023.

• Establishing Mulankur BioEnablers–Biofoundries and Biomanufacturing Hubs” which supports Bio-AI by the BIRAC to promote research and development for bio-based products. It will promote the academic and industry collaboration.

• Six thematic sectors are identified for the development and innovation of the manufacturing of the bio devices and instruments. This will developed high value and precise products related to medical sector. It will help to reduce the dependency in import of foreign manufactured bio devices. The sectors for the implementation under BioE3 policies-

Bio-based chemicals and enzymes

Functional foods and Smart proteins

Precision biotherapeutics,

Climate resilient agriculture,

Carbon capture and its utilization

Futuristic marine and space research

India Bioeconomy Report 2025

• Bioeconomy size of India is recorded with high growth with 16 time more than the level of 2014 to $165.7 billion in 2024.

• CAGR of Biotech sector is reported 17.9% during the last four years.

• The share of biotechnology is 4.25% in total GDP of India.

Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD) of India is ₹1,27,381 crore in 2024.

BioSaarthi Mentorship Initiative a program to guide, assistance and direct to harness startups in biotech sector

Way Forward

• In light of current developments, the regulatory regime must be enhanced for the benefit of both domestic and export consumers.

• Technology approvals must be simplified, and science- based judgments should be executed.

• Rigorous monitoring is required to ensure that safety measures are carefully followed, and enforcement must be taken seriously to prevent the spread of unlawful

GMO crops.