CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
Genetically Modified (GM) crops have significantly influenced modern agriculture by introducing traits such as resistance to pests and tolerance to herbicides. While they offer certain advantages, their overall impact on the environment, economy, and farming practices presents a mixed picture.
GM Crops Are Developed
GM crops are created by modifying plant DNA to include specific genes that provide desired traits. The process involves several advanced techniques:
Gene Gun Method: DNA-coated metal particles are physically shot into plant cells.
Agrobacterium-Mediated Transformation: A natural soil bacterium, Agrobacterium tumefaciens, is used to deliver new genes into plants.
Electroporation: Electric pulses temporarily open pores in cell membranes, allowing foreign DNA to enter.
Microinjection: A microscopic needle is used to directly inject DNA into plant cells.
These techniques enable precise gene insertion for developing crops with enhanced abilities.
GM Crops In Indian Context
In India, Bt cotton has been the only genetically modified crop approved for commercial use since 2002. It includes genes from Bacillus thuringiensis that help the plant produce insecticidal proteins to resist bollworm attacks.
Other crops like Bt brinjal, introduced in 2009, remain under a regulatory moratorium despite having the 'cry1Ac' gene to prevent insect damage. GM mustard (DMH-11), which uses hybridization techniques to overcome self-pollination, is still undergoing evaluation and has not been released for widespread cultivation.
The Jevons Paradox In GM Farming
Initially, GM crops like Bt cotton reduced the use of pesticides. However, over time, pests developed resistance, leading to a rebound in chemical use. This phenomenon is aligned with the Jevons Paradox — where efficiency gains paradoxically result in increased overall consumption. Studies suggest pesticide usage has, in some cases, surpassed pre-GM levels, especially in regions where pest resistance has intensified.
Economic Aspects Of GM Crop Usage
GM technology was introduced with the promise of cost-effective farming. By reducing the need for manual labour and lowering input costs, GM crops were supposed to be economically beneficial. However, increased dependency on herbicides, particularly glyphosate, has become a concern. For instance, in the U.S., glyphosate usage surged following the introduction of GM soybeans, leading to herbicide-resistant weeds and increased production costs for farmers.
Environmental And Ecological Impact
Contrary to early promises, GM crops have not significantly reduced chemical usage. Instead, they have contributed to environmental challenges. Monoculture farming, a common practice with GM crops, results in reduced biodiversity, deteriorating soil health, and long-term ecological damage. The overuse of agrochemicals exacerbates these issues.
Global Adoption Trends
Globally, GM crop adoption remains uneven. Countries such as the United States and Brazil have embraced GM technologies, expanding their GM crop acreage significantly. Meanwhile, public opposition and strict regulations have limited their spread in other regions. The key challenge lies in balancing agricultural innovation with ecological integrity and public health concerns.
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