• UGI USER
  • Aug 02, 2024
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CONTESTED HARVEST: THE DEBATE ON GM CROPS IN INDIA

Why in the news?

  • The Supreme Court of India delivered a split verdict on allowing genetically modified (GM) mustard in farmer fields. Currently, the only GM seed permissible in India is cotton.
  • The two-judge Bench’s differing opinions mean the case now goes to a larger Bench led by the Chief Justice of India, with a directive to the Centre to develop a policy on GM crops.
source:Springerlink

Background and Development

  • The GM mustard, DMH-11, was developed under a publicly funded project at Delhi University.
  • The Indian Council of Agricultural Research conducted trials over three years, leading to the GEAC’s approval in October 2022.
  • Environmentalist groups have raised concerns about DMH-11 being herbicide-tolerant, which may force farmers to use certain pesticides, potentially causing environmental harm.

Judicial Disagreement and Ideological Divide

  • Justice Nagarathna argued that the GEAC violated the ‘precautionary principle‘ by not thoroughly deliberating the consequences of GM crops.
  • Justice Karol believed the process was satisfactory, highlighting the ideological divide over GM crops, balancing agricultural yield and environmental impact.
About Dhara Mustard Hybrid

(DMH-11)

Development and Collaboration

  • Created by Delhi University’s Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants (CGMCP) with help from NDDB and the Department of Biotechnology.
  • The transgenic hybrid is a result of hybridizing the Indian mustard variety Varuna with East European ‘EH-2’.

Genetic Technique and Benefits

  • Developed using the genetic male sterility (GMS) technique, specifically the ‘barstar-barnase’ system, to ensure herbicide resistance.
  • The new method ensures almost 99% pure seed production, enabling broader farmer access.

Mechanism and Yield

  • DMH-11 is based on the Barnase-Barstar system:
    • Barnase gene inhibits pollen production, making the plant male-sterile.
    • Barstar gene in the male-fertile plant blocks Barnase gene action.
    • The F1 progeny is high-yielding and capable of producing seeds.
  • Bio-safety research field trials reported a 30% yield advantage over the Varuna variety (2010-11 to 2014-15).

Associated Article:

https://universalinstitutions.com/genetically-modified-mustard/