Beyond Bt Cotton: What's Holding Back India's GM Crop Revolution?

 "India ranks 4th in the world for GM crop cultivation, yet only grows one. The question is: what’s holding us back?” This is one of the biggest paradoxes in modern Indian agriculture.

An informational graphic about genetically modified (GM) crops in India. The image states, "India's Rank: 4th in GM Cultivation," but highlights, "Yet One Crop!" A circular inset shows a field of cotton. The central text asks, "What's holding us back?" The background features a plant stalk with a large, glowing DNA double helix superimposed on it. The Agritej logo is in the top right corner, and a website address is at the bottom.
Beyond Bt Cotton: What's Holding Back India's GM Crop Revolution?

     It has been nearly three decades since the first major genetically modified (GM) crops were commercially cultivated worldwide. Yet, as of today, only one GM crop is approved for commercial cultivation in India: Bt Cotton.

The Case of GM Mustard (DMH-11): So Close, Yet So Far

The most prominent example of this stagnation is GM Mustard (DMH-11). Despite being approved for environmental release by the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) back in October 2022, it is still not being commercially cultivated.

Developed by the University of Delhi’s Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants (CGMCP), DMH-11 contains genes from a soil bacterium that enable more efficient hybridization, boosting potential yields. It stands as India’s first GM food crop to get GEAC clearance, yet it remains stuck in regulatory limbo.

What’s Holding India Back?

The delay isn't due to a single issue but a complex web of challenges:

  • Regulatory Uncertainty: The approval from GEAC is often not the final step, leading to long, unpredictable delays.

  • Activism & Public Perception: Strong opposition from some groups and public fear of 'foreign genes' in food crops create significant pressure.

  • Lack of Farmer Awareness: Misunderstandings and misinformation about GM technology at the grassroots level hinder acceptance.

  • State-Level Resistance: Even with central approval, some state governments have blocked field trials, preventing data collection.

  • Legal & Ethical Delays: Ongoing litigation and policy hesitation have slowed the entire process to a crawl.

The Path Forward

To unlock the potential of biotechnology in agriculture, a multi-pronged approach is needed:

  • Streamline Approvals: Create a clear, time-bound path from GEAC approval to commercial practice.

  • Scientific Outreach: Launch programs to educate farmers and the public about the science and safety of GM technology.

  • Transparency: Encourage open field trials and publish all data for public scrutiny to build trust.

  • Build Consensus: Foster a national dialogue between farmer organizations, scientists, civil society, and policymakers.

An Entomologist's Perspective

From my perspective as an agricultural entomologist and in my role as Co-founder & Scientific Advisor at Agri Tej Media, GM traits for insect resistance (like Bt) are powerful tools within an Integrated Pest Management framework. They can drastically reduce the need for broad-spectrum chemical sprays. While these GM methods have been foundational, the next generation of tools like those seen in CRISPR Gene Editing offer even greater precision. However, no technology, no matter how advanced, can succeed without a supportive policy environment and public trust. The current hurdles are less about science and more about communication and policy.

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About the Author

Anka Pujitha Suddapalli is the Co-founder & Scientific Advisor of Agri Tej Media. As a passionate Agricultural Entomologist, her vision is to empower farmers and agricultural communities to adopt sustainable agriculture practices and integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. She is committed to advancing the science of biological control, leveraging nature's solutions to manage insect pests and promote eco-friendly agricultural practices.

Website: https://sites.google.com/view/ankapujithaentomology

My Blog: EntoSphere by Pujitha

Publications: https://sites.google.com/view/ankapujithaentomology/publications

Agri Tej Media: https://www.devaharsha.in/agritej-media

What do you believe is the single biggest barrier to the adoption of new GM crops in India? Share your perspective in the comments.

#Pujitha #PujithaEntomology #AnkaPujithaSuddapalli #AgriTej #AgriTejMedia #GMCrops #BtCotton #GMMustard #BtBrinjal #GEAC #BiotechInAgriculture #AgriInnovation #SustainableFarming #FoodSecurity #AgriPolicy #IndiaAgriculture #BiotechRevolution

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