Genetic Engineering in Agriculture: Navigating Challenges and Achieving Food Security : Daily News Analysis

Date : 16/09/2023

Relevance – GS Paper 3 – Science and Technology

Keywords – GMO, DNA, Food Security, Gene Technology

Context

In an era marked by complex global challenges such as climate change and food security, the adoption of science-based technologies for crop improvement, particularly genetic engineering, has become an absolute necessity. This article explores the critical role of genetically modified (GM) crops as a supplement to conventional breeding methods in addressing the pressing issue of achieving global food and nutritional security.

What Are GMOs?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO):

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are living entities, such as plants, animals, or microorganisms, whose genetic material (DNA) has been intentionally altered in a manner that does not occur naturally through conventional mating or natural genetic recombination.
This technology is commonly known as "modern biotechnology" or "gene technology." It is also sometimes referred to as "recombinant DNA technology" or "genetic engineering."
Genetic engineering enables the transfer of specific individual genes from one organism to another, even if they are unrelated species. Foods or crops generated from, or involving, these genetically modified organisms are often called GM foods or GM crops.
In contrast to traditional plant breeding methods, which involve combining genes from closely related species, GM technology allows for trait selection without these genetic constraints. It permits the incorporation of genes from various living organisms, including both plants and animals, to achieve desired traits.

GM Crops as a Solution to Global Food Security

The quest for food security has been a longstanding global concern, with the 'Zero Hunger' target for 2030 remaining elusive. To meet this challenge, there is a growing emphasis on accelerating the pace of crop improvement through genetic modification. The aim is to develop superior crop varieties and hybrids that can deliver enhanced yields, adaptability across diverse environments, and reduced reliance on natural resources. While the Green Revolution of the 1960s-70s significantly boosted food production, the changing climate necessitates the development of new biotech/GM crops with improved traits to mitigate its impact and provide nutrient-dense food.

Global Adoption of GM Crops

The adoption of genetic modification in crop improvement has witnessed a global phenomenon. According to the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA) report of 2020, 72 countries have embraced GM crops for various purposes, including human consumption, animal feed, and commercial cultivation. Notably, developing countries account for 56% of the global GM crop area, emphasizing the importance of these technologies in improving agriculture in resource-constrained regions. Countries like Argentina, Brazil, Canada, India, and the United States have seen substantial benefits in terms of economic advantages for both farmers and nations.

A Focus on Mustard to Address Edible Oil Deficit

India faces a significant deficit in edible oil production, with imports covering 60% of the demand. Mustard, a crucial oilseed crop in India, has struggled with low per-hectare yields compared to global averages. Consequently, increasing mustard productivity becomes vital for both the economic well-being of farmers and the country's self-sufficiency in edible oil production.
The Center for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants (CGMCP) at the University of Delhi South Campus has undertaken extensive research to create a GM mustard hybrid known as DMH-11. This hybrid, based on the barnase/barstar system, exhibits higher vigor and yield. It holds the potential to significantly boost domestic edible oil production and enhance farm incomes. The inclusion of a herbicide tolerance gene aids in the selection of genetically transformed lines and hybrid seed production.

Understanding DMH-11, a Transgenic Mustard

DMH-11 stands as an indigenous creation, representing a genetically modified version of Herbicide Tolerant (HT) mustard.
This innovative mustard variety emerged from the crossbreeding of two distinct sources: the Indian mustard type 'Varuna' and the 'Early Heera-2' mustard originating from Eastern Europe.
What sets DMH-11 apart is its incorporation of two foreign genes, namely 'barnase' and 'barstar,' derived from the soil-dwelling bacterium Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. These genes play a pivotal role in fostering the development of high-yield commercial mustard hybrids.
In 'Varuna,' the presence of barnase introduces temporary sterility, preventing natural self-pollination. In contrast, 'Early Heera-2' contributes barstar, which counteracts the effects of barnase, allowing the production of seeds.
The practical impact of DMH-11 is evident in its impressive performance, demonstrating approximately 28% higher yields compared to the national standard and a remarkable 37% increase when compared to regional benchmarks. Its usage has received approval from the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC).
Notably, the inclusion of the "Bar gene" in DMH-11 serves to maintain the genetic purity of hybrid seed, further enhancing its agricultural potential and sustainability.

A Landmark Decision: Approval for Cultivation

In a landmark decision on October 25, 2022, the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, approved the release of DMH-11 and its parental line for cultivation. This decision heralds a new era in genetic engineering research in India, paving the way for the development of mustard hybrids with improved traits, including disease resistance and oil quality enhancement.

Benefits for Farmers and Self-Reliance

The release of DMH-11 and its adoption for cultivation has the potential to increase mustard yields per hectare, thereby boosting farmer incomes. This development holds the promise of reducing India's heavy reliance on edible oil imports, which accounted for approximately 13 million tonnes, valuing ₹1.17 lakh crore in 2020-21. Cultivating these GM mustard hybrids could significantly enhance self-reliance in edible oil production and promote sustainability in agriculture.

Challenges of GMO Crops

Uncertain Impacts on Health and Environment: The consequences of cultivating genetically modified organisms (GMOs) like GM mustard on public health, the environment (including soil quality), the food chain, and groundwater remain largely uncharted territory.
Risks of Unintended Effects and Irreversible Genetic Changes: Genetic modifications in GMOs entail the risk of unforeseen consequences and irreversible alterations at the genetic level, potentially leading to unintended issues and toxicity.
Weed Competition and Nutrient Depletion: Weeds, those wild plants notorious for siphoning nutrients from the soil, can hinder crops from absorbing vital nutrients, posing a challenge in GMO farming.
Allergy Hazards: GMOs introduce the risk of allergies due to the blending of proteins not originally found in the organism, potentially triggering allergic reactions in humans.
Biodiversity Threat: GMOs may jeopardize biodiversity by altering the genetic makeup of wild crop varieties, compromising their gene pools.
Financial Burden on Producers: GMO adoption often entails recurring costs as producers must purchase new seeds from GM crop companies for each planting, placing a financial burden on them.
Ethical Concerns and Tampering with Nature: The development of GMOs raises ethical concerns, including questions about the violation of intrinsic values of natural organisms and the act of tampering with nature through cross-species gene mixing.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the integration of genetic engineering into crop enhancement is not merely a requirement but a pivotal strategy in the quest for global food security. GM crops have already showcased their potential to positively impact billions of individuals. The recent endorsement of DMH-11 in India stands as a significant milestone toward achieving self-sufficiency in edible oil production.

Moving forward, it becomes increasingly evident that the continued development of enhanced GM food crops is imperative to uplift the economic prospects of Indian farmers and ensure a sustainable future for agriculture. However, it is equally important to acknowledge and effectively address the associated concerns and issues as we wholeheartedly embrace science-based solutions to tackle the ever-evolving challenges in food production and global nutrition.

Probable Questions for UPSC Mains Exam –

What are the potential benefits and challenges of adopting genetically modified crops in agriculture to enhance food security? How can countries like India navigate the associated concerns while promoting the use of GM crops? (10 marks, 150 words)
Discuss the features and advantages of DMH-11, a genetically modified mustard hybrid, in the context of India's efforts to achieve self-reliance in edible oil production. How can the adoption of GM crops impact farmers' incomes and the agricultural sector? What strategies should be employed to address ethical and environmental concerns related to GM crop cultivation? (15 marks, 250 words)

Source – The Hindu