Contested Harvest: The Debate on Genetically Modified Food Crops in India
Genetically modified (GM) crops may not be flawless, but their utility is undeniable. Last week, India’s complex journey with GM food crops reached another crucial point. A two-judge Bench of the Supreme Court of India, consisting of Justices B.V. Nagarathna and Sanjay Karol, delivered a split verdict on whether GM mustard should be allowed in the country’s agricultural fields. Currently, the only GM seed permitted in India is cotton, which has experienced a yield boost.
The Case of GM Mustard: DMH-11
The debate centers around Dhara Mustard Hybrid-11 (DMH-11), a GM crop developed at Delhi University’s biotechnology department under a publicly funded project. The genetic modifications in DMH-11 make it an attractive option for private seed companies to create new hybrid varieties. To gain approval in India’s agricultural framework, a crop must demonstrate superior performance over three seasons across different agro-climatic zones. After conducting trials, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research concluded that DMH-11 met these criteria. Consequently, the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) granted conditional approval in October 2022.
Environmental Concerns and Legal Challenges
However, environmental groups argue that DMH-11 is a “herbicide-tolerant” crop, which could compel farmers to use specific pesticides, potentially causing environmental damage. They claim that the developers did not fully disclose this information. Aruna Rodrigues and the organization Gene Campaign have legally challenged the GEAC’s approval of DMH-11.
Divergent Judicial Opinions and Future Directions
The judges offered differing opinions on the matter. Justice Nagarathna argued that the GEAC violated the ‘precautionary principle,’ which requires caution with new organisms or technologies unless thoroughly considered. On the other hand, Justice Karol found the approval process satisfactory. Therefore, the case will now move to a larger Bench led by the Chief Justice of India.
The Broader Implications
The controversy over GM crops in India extends beyond agricultural efficiency and touches on deep ideological divides. India’s past experiences with hybrid seeds and synthetic fertilizers, while beneficial in terms of yield, have had environmental downsides. As the Court and the government navigate this issue, they must weigh the benefits against potential risks. Ultimately, they should ensure that the pursuit of perfection does not hinder viable solutions.
Meaning of the word:
Word | Meaning | Synonyms | Antonyms |
Undeniable | “Undeniable” means something that is unquestionably true or certain and cannot be disputed or rejected. It refers to a fact or truth that is clear and obvious to everyone. | Clear True Certain Obvious | Doubtful Controversial Debatable Disputable |
Consequently | “Consequently” is an adverb used to indicate that something happens as a result of a previously mentioned action or situation. It connects a cause with its effect or outcome. | Therefore As a result Accordingly Hence | Nonetheless However Regardless But |
Synthetic | “Synthetic” means something that is artificially made, rather than occurring naturally. It often refers to products, materials, or substances that have been created by combining different elements or compounds through a human-made process. | Artificial Man-made Manufactured Processed | Natural Organic Genuine Original |
Hinder | “Hinder” is a verb that means to make it difficult for someone to do something or for something to happen. It involves creating obstacles or delays that prevent progress or achievement. | Obstruct Block Prevent Delay | Assist Help Support Enable |