GM Soyameal
- India will import genetically modified (GM) soyameal for the first time to be used as livestock feed.
- Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) cleared the proposal, on the grounds that material was non-living.
- Soyameal is a protein rich solid leftover raw material after extracting oil from soyabean seed. It is a major ingredient of poultry feed.
GM Rubber
• World’s first GM rubber plant was planted in Assam.
• GM rubber plant, which is the first of its kind developed specifically for the northeast and is expected to flourish in the region’s climatic conditions.
• With additional copies of the gene MnSOD(manganese- containing superoxide dismutase) inserted in it, GM rubber plant is expected to tide over the severe cold conditions during winter which is a major factor affecting the growth of young rubber plants.
- Natural rubber is a native of warm humid Amazon forests and is not naturally suited for the colder conditions.
GM Crops
Through biotechnological tools, scientists are able to produce a plant with new advantageous and desirable characteristics through inserting one or more gene into a plant. These crops are called GM crops.
GM Crop Status in India
Bt cotton is the first and only crop to be approved for commercial cultivation in India. The Bt cotton (Bollgard) was approved by the Government of India in 2002. The area has steadily increased over the last six year and occupies more than 75% of the cotton growing areas. India has become the largest cotton producer in the world.
Bt Brinjal – has faced a lot of controversy and is not allowed.
What is Bt?
“Bt” short for Bacillus thuringiensis, is a soil bacterium whose spores contain a crystalline (Cry) protein. In the insect gut, the protein breaks down to release a toxin, known as a delta-endotoxin. This toxin binds to and creates pores in the intestinal lining, resulting in ion imbalance, paralysis of the digestive system, and after a few days, insect death.
Bioprospecting
Bioprospecting is basically the search for the commercially valuable biochemical and genetic resources in the plants, animals and micro organism. In India, it can be done by bio-resource mapping and monitoring of bio-logical durability.
GM Regulation in India
The release of transgenic crops is governed by the Indian Environment Protection Act (EPA) – 1986 which came into force from May 1986. The act provides a framework for the protection and improvement of environment.
Later, the rules and regulations for the manufacture, use, import, export and storage of hazardous microorganisms, genetically engineered organisms or cells were notified under EPA 1986 on 5th December 1989. A mechanism based on interaction between committees and different departments of Government of India has been set up.
Such materials will have to meet with the approval of the following Committees:
- Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBSC),
Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGM) and
Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC).
Role of GEAC
The top biotech regulator in India is Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC).
The committee functions as a statutory body under the Environment Protection Act 1986 of the Ministry of Environment & Forests (MoEF). It was earlier known as Genetic Engineering Approval Committee.
Under the EPA 1986 “Rules for Manufacture, Use, Import, Export and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms/Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells 1989”, the GEAC examines from the viewpoint of environmental safety and issues clearance or the release of genetically engineered organisms/transgenic crops and products into the environment. The GEAC also grants permits to conduct experimental and large-scale field trials which are beyond the limit of 20 acres.
In case of transgenic crops, applicants are also required to seek clearance from the Ministry of Agriculture.
