GENETICALLY MODIFIED RUBBER: ENVIRONMENT
NEWS: GM rubber cultivation depends on States’ permission to conduct field trials: Minister
WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?
Rubber farmers in India, under the NCRFRPS, have urged the government to allow the cultivation of GM rubber plants, developed to withstand cold temperatures in the Northeast. The government has stated that approval for confined field trials can only proceed after state consent, with GM rubber plants tested in Assam and Tripura.
Genetically Modified (GM) Crops
• What are GM Crops?
• Genetically Modified (GM) crops are plants whose DNA is altered through genetic engineering.
• This process involves inserting new DNA into the genome of a plant to introduce or enhance specific traits.
• Inherited Traits: The seeds produced by these crops will inherit the modified DNA, which is passed down through generations.
• Example:
• BT Cotton: A genetically modified variety of cotton containing genes from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis. This modification makes the plant resistant to specific pests, particularly the cotton bollworm.
Benefits of GM Crops:
• Increased Yield:
• GM crops are designed to increase crop yield by improving resistance to various stresses and enhancing growth.
• Increased Nutritional Content:
• Genetic modification can be used to boost the nutritional value of crops, such as increased vitamins or minerals in staple crops like rice or wheat.
• Resistance to Abiotic Stresses:
• Abiotic stresses include temperature extremes and salinity. GM crops can be modified to resist these environmental factors, ensuring better growth in challenging conditions.
• Resistance to Biotic Stresses:
• Insect resistance is one of the major benefits of GM crops. By adding genes that repel pests, crops such as insect-resistant cotton are produced, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
• Herbicide Resistance:
• Some GM crops are engineered to tolerate certain herbicides, allowing farmers to use herbicides without harming the crops.
Regulations Related to GM Crops:
• Rules for GMOs:
• The Rules for the Manufacture, Use, Import, Export, and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms/Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells (1989) regulate the use and commercialization of GMOs.
• These rules are implemented under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, which ensures the biosafety and environmental protection during the development and use of GM crops.
• Clearance for Field Trials:
• Before field trials or commercial release of GM crops, clearance from the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is required.
• The GEAC is a regulatory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, responsible for approving or rejecting the trials of GM crops.
• After receiving GEAC approval, state governments have the authority to approve or reject the trials of GM crops within their jurisdictions.
Status of GM Crops in India:
• BT Cotton:
• BT Cotton is the only GM crop commercially allowed for cultivation in India since 2002. This variety has helped increase cotton production by offering resistance to pests.
• GM Mustard (DMH-11):
• Field trials for GM Mustard (DMH-11) were approved by GEAC in 2022, but its commercial release is still pending. This GM mustard is designed to enhance yield and resistance to diseases.
Genetically Modified (GM) Rubber:
• GM Rubber Plant:
• The world's first GM rubber plant was planted in Assam in 2021, developed by the Rubber Research Institute of India in Kerala.
• GM rubber is modified by inserting additional copies of the MnSOD gene (manganese-containing superoxide dismutase), derived from the rubber plant itself.
• Purpose and Features:
• MnSOD Gene: The MnSOD gene helps the GM rubber plants to survive harsh conditions, particularly the cold weather during winter months in the northeastern regions of India.
• This modification makes the GM rubber plant more resilient to low temperatures, an issue in the Northeast, where natural rubber trees are not suited for the cooler climate.
• Environmental Safety:
• There is no risk of gene flow from the GM rubber plants into any native species, ensuring environmental safety.
• Field Trials:
• After state government approval, confined field trials of GM rubber were initiated in Assam in 2021 and Tripura in 2024. These trials are aimed at assessing the plant’s performance in cold climates and its resilience to harsh weather conditions.
Challenges and Considerations:
• Approval Process:
• The Central government has stated that the introduction of GM rubber plants can only proceed once the state governments approve confined field trials. This reflects the cautious approach towards GM crop regulation in India.
• GM Rubber Advocacy:
• Rubber farmers, under the National Consortium of Regional Federations of Rubber Producers Societies (NCRFRPS), are advocating for the cultivation of GM rubber plants in India. They seek approval from the government to address the challenges posed by the changing climate in rubber farming, particularly in the Northeast region.
Conclusion:
• The GM rubber plants offer a promising solution to the challenges faced by rubber farmers in India, especially in the Northeastern states where cold weather affects natural rubber cultivation.
• While BT cotton is the only GM crop allowed for commercial cultivation in India, the approval of GM mustard and the advocacy for GM rubber show the growing interest in biotech solutions to enhance agricultural productivity and resilience to climate change.
• The cautious approach toward GM crop cultivation, along with state-level permissions and field trials, is a key part of India's biosafety and environmental protection strategy.
Source: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/gm-rubber-cultivation-depends-on-states-permission-to-conduct-field-trials-minister/article69344405.ece