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UPSC MainsGeneral Studies Paper IScience and TechnologyPractice question

Genetically Modified Food and Regulation

Write a short note on Genetically Modified (GM) food.

Write a short note~250 words2 min readmedium
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How to approach

Begin by defining Genetically Modified (GM) foods and mentioning modern biotechnological tools used to produce them. Highlight key agricultural and nutritional traits with relevant examples like Golden Rice and DMH-11. Discuss associated biosafety, ecological, and health concerns, outline the regulatory framework in India, and conclude with a balanced perspective on food security and ecological safety.

Model answer

362 words

Introduction

Genetically Modified (GM) foods are derived from organisms whose genetic material (DNA) has been artificially altered using modern biotechnology, such as recombinant DNA technology or CRISPR-Cas9. These modifications introduce novel, desirable traits—such as enhanced nutritional value, pest resistance, or abiotic stress tolerance—that do not occur naturally through traditional breeding.

Key Traits and Examples

  • Nutritional Enhancement (Biofortification): Golden Rice is engineered with daffodil and bacterial genes to biosynthesize Beta-carotene (pro-Vitamin A), addressing dietary deficiencies and child blindness.
  • Shelf-life Extension: Flavr Savr Tomato, the first commercially approved GM food, utilized antisense RNA technology to inhibit the polygalacturonase enzyme, delaying fruit softening and ripening.
  • Yield Improvement and Hybridization: DMH-11 (Dhara Mustard Hybrid-11), developed indigenously by Delhi University using the barnase-barstar genetic system, facilitates outcrossing to produce high-yielding mustard hybrids, targeting a reduction in India's edible oil import bill.
  • Pest and Disease Resistance: Transgenic crops such as Bt Brinjal express cry proteins derived from Bacillus thuringiensis, providing targeted resistance against the fruit and shoot borer.

Biosafety and Ecological Concerns

  • Ecological Risks: Gene flow through cross-pollination to wild and weedy relatives poses risks of biological pollution, the emergence of herbicide-tolerant 'superweeds', and adverse impacts on non-target pollinators such as honeybees.
  • Health and Consumer Issues: Potential induction of unpredicted allergenic reactions, metabolic disruptions, and public apprehension regarding transgenic food consumption.

Regulatory Framework in India

  • Apex Regulatory Oversight: The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), functioning under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), is the statutory body responsible for approving open field trials and environmental release of GM organisms.
  • Food Safety Oversight: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulates the import, manufacturing, packaging, and commercial sale of GM-derived food products.
  • Judicial Status: Following legal challenges to GM mustard, the Supreme Court of India in July 2024 delivered a split verdict regarding the environmental release of DMH-11, underscoring the necessity of formulating a comprehensive, science-based National GM Policy.

Conclusion

Genetically modified crops hold significant promise for addressing global food security, climate change adaptation, and malnutrition under Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger). However, commercialisation requires rigorous, independent multi-generational biosafety assessments, post-release monitoring, and transparent public policymaking to safeguard ecological biodiversity and consumer trust.

Key facts to remember

definition
Genetically Modified Food

Food produced from plants, animals, or microorganisms whose genetic material has been altered through modern biotechnology and recombinant DNA methods to exhibit traits like pest resistance, yield enhancement, or improved nutrient profiles.

example
DMH-11 (Dhara Mustard Hybrid-11)

An indigenously bred transgenic Indian mustard hybrid developed by Delhi University's Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants using the barnase-barstar system to facilitate cross-pollination and enhance domestic mustard yields.

scheme
Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC)

The statutory body constituted under the Rules for the Manufacture, Use/Import/Export and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms/Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells, 1989 (under the Environment Protection Act, 1986), tasked with approving proposals regarding the environmental release of genetically engineered organisms.

Frequently asked questions

What was the outcome of the Supreme Court's July 2024 verdict on DMH-11?

A two-judge bench of the Supreme Court delivered a split verdict regarding the environmental release of DMH-11, prompting the matter to be referred to a larger bench while highlighting the need for a national policy on GM crops.

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