The advent of Genetic Modification (GM) technology has revolutionized global agriculture by enhancing yield, resilience, and nutritional value. India, however, has adopted a cautious approach, with only Bt cotton being commercially cultivated, covering nearly 95% of cotton production in 2022-23. Despite its potential to address food security, GM crops in India face regulatory, environmental, and socio-economic challenges.

Opportunities of GM Crops

1. Agricultural Productivity
   1. Enhanced Yield: Bt cotton showed an increase of 3-4 quintals/acre in Andhra Pradesh (2023-24).
   2. Pest Resistance: In-built resistance reduces pesticide usage, e.g., Bt brinjal (trials) against fruit and shoot borer.
   3. Climate Resilience: Drought/heat-tolerant varieties can sustain production under climate stress.
2. Economic Benefits
   1. Cost Reduction: Lower pesticide use reduces cultivation costs.
   2. Income Enhancement: Higher yields and reduced inputs improve farmer incomes.
   3. Export Potential: GM crops compliant with international norms can expand India’s agri-export base.
3. Nutritional Security
   1. Biofortification: Crops like Golden Rice enriched with Vitamin A address micronutrient deficiencies.

Challenges and Concerns

1. Regulatory Framework
   1. Approval involves multiple agencies like Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) and Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGM), causing delays.
   2. Overlap of laws such as the Environment Protection Act, 1986 and Food Safety Standards Act, 2006 adds complexity.
2. Safety and Environmental Risks
   1. Potential biodiversity loss and ecological imbalance.
   2. Risk of new pest strains resistant to GM traits.
   3. Cross-pollination with non-GM crops may cause genetic contamination.
3. Socio-Economic Issues
   1. High seed cost creates dependency on multinational corporations.
   2. Marginal farmers struggle with affordability and access.
   3. Consumer resistance due to inadequate awareness of long-term health impacts.
   4. States’ reluctance to adopt (e.g., moratorium on Bt brinjal, 2010).

Way Forward

1. Strengthen R&D: Boost indigenous research and develop GM varieties suited to local agro-climatic conditions.
2. Robust Regulation: Establish a transparent, single-window regulatory framework with rigorous biosafety checks.
3. Public Awareness: Scientific outreach to counter misinformation and build trust.
4. Equitable Access: Ensure affordability and inclusion of small farmers in GM adoption.
5. Balanced Approach: Promote biotechnology alongside traditional, organic, and sustainable farming methods.

GM crops present an opportunity to enhance productivity, resilience, and nutritional security in India. However, adoption must balance scientific innovation with biosafety, farmer welfare, and consumer trust. Learning from the Bt cotton model, India should cautiously expand GM technology with a transparent framework, ensuring that agricultural modernization aligns with sustainability and equity.