IASNOVA
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.
The dominant technology applied so far is herbicide tolerance in the soybeans, which account for 70% of the world wide soybean production GM maize having herbicide tolerance (HT) an insect resistance covers 30% of the global maize area and 24% of the production.
GM CROP STATUS 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?:
(asked in previous prelims)
“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.
Bio prospecting:
(UPSC is fond of words starting with Bio)
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.
