The Saga of Genetically-Modified (GM) and HerbicideTolerant (HT) Crops in India

Nanjapur Yaduraju

Keywords:

GM crops, Bt cotton, Bt brinjal, GM mustard, Herbicide tolerant crops, HTBt cotton

Abstract:

This essay is a personal opinion on India's struggles with the regulatory management of technologies involving genetically-modified organisms (GMOs). I intend to provide an analytical viewpoint relevant to India, based on my own experience, both as a weed scientist and a former Research Director. Approved in 2002, insect-resistant Bt cotton2 (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is the only genetically-modified (GM) crop that is currently being grown in India. Bt cotton technology is considered a success story, which catapulted India into the second-largest cotton producer globally with additional benefits of enhanced farmer's income and decreased pesticide use. The opponents of GM technology, however, have a different story to tell. Since then, there have been many attempts to introduce other GM crops, notably with insect-resistant and herbicide-tolerant (HT) traits. Despite years of successful regulatory trials and approval by the highest regulatory body, Bt brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) and HT mustard (Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.) technologies were put on hold by the Government, owing to the strong opposition by the anti-GM Lobby. The Government's inability to develop a sound national policy on GMOs and its weakness to deal firmly with activists opposing GM technology are sending the wrong signals. They scuttle innovation, introduce an element of doubting science, prevent access to advanced technologies and private investments. On a more practical note, the indifference and the inordinate delay in Government's action are resulting in large scale illegal cultivation of herbicide-tolerant Bt cotton (HTBt cotton) in several states for the last 4- 5 years. There have been widespread protests by farmers and farmer groups demanding access to GM technology. The Government is trying to regulate the use of herbicide glyphosate to stem the illegal cultivation of HTBt cotton. The move will have an adverse impact as it will deprive farmers of a herbicide, which is hugely popular and has the largest market share. It is to be seen what the Government will do with the illegal cultivation of HTBt cotton. Will it go the Bt cotton way? Unable to find a solution to the illicit trade of and unauthorized cultivation of GM cotton, the Government gave official approval for Bt cotton in 2002. Will history repeat itself is a million-dollar question.