Experts call for overhaul of GM, GE crops regulatory framework in India
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · IR
Why in news
A high-level roundtable of agricultural scientists, policymakers, and industry representatives has recommended a comprehensive overhaul of India's regulatory framework for genetically modified (GM) and genome-edited (GE) crops. The call comes amid rapid advances in genome-editing technologies and changing global regulatory practices, with emphasis on faster, science-based approvals to enhance climate resilience, food security, and farm productivity.
Background
India currently has a multi-tiered regulatory framework for transgenic crops under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. However, participants noted that this system needs modernization to keep pace with technological advances and global regulatory trends.
Key facts
The roundtable was organized by the Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences (TAAS) in collaboration with ICAR and the Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII).
Over 80 experts participated in the discussions.
ICAR Director General and DARE Secretary ML Jat presided over the meeting.
Participants argued that faster, science-based approvals are essential for improving climate resilience, food security, and farm productivity.
The roundtable recommended simplifying existing testing guidelines while maintaining high biosafety standards.
Recommendations will be consolidated into a policy document for submission to relevant ministries and regulatory authorities.
Timely adoption of safe GM and GE crops could boost agricultural productivity, nutritional security, farmer incomes, and India's global competitiveness.
Prelims pointers
- GM: Genetically Modified
- GE: Genome-Edited
- Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
- ICAR: Indian Council of Agricultural Research
- DARE: Department of Agricultural Research and Education
- TAAS: Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences
- FSII: Federation of Seed Industry of India
Mains angles
- Discuss the need for reforming India's regulatory framework for GM and GE crops in the context of food security and climate change.
- Critically examine the balance between promoting agricultural biotechnology and ensuring biosafety and environmental protection.
- Evaluate the role of public-private partnerships in advancing agricultural research and policy reforms.