Relevance: GS-3 (Biotechnology, Agriculture, Food Security) • Source: The Indian Express; DBT; ICAR; Environment (Protection) Act Rules, 1989
India’s Progress on GM vs Genome-Edited Crops
India’s progress on genetically modified (GM) crops has remained limited. Since the commercial release of Bt cotton in 2002, no other GM food crop has been approved for cultivation—GM mustard remains sub-judice. In contrast, genome-edited (GE) crops have advanced rapidly due to simplified regulations (2022), active ICAR research, and strong policy support.
In 2025, several GE lines in rice, mustard, maize, and chickpea showed promising results in yield, stress tolerance, nutrient efficiency, and disease resistance.
2. GM vs GE: Key Distinctions
| Point | GM Crops | Gene-Edited Crops |
|---|---|---|
| Where the DNA comes from | A gene from another species is added | The plant’s own genes are changed or adjusted |
| How it is made | Foreign gene is inserted into the plant | Tools like CRISPR are used to make small, targeted changes |
| Rules & Approval | Very strict approval process | Simpler rules for SDN-1 & SDN-2 techniques |
| Current Status in India | Only Bt cotton is fully approved | Many crops are in advanced testing stages |
| Public Acceptance | Lower acceptance | Higher acceptance (no foreign gene added) |
3. Traits Targeted for Genome Editing in Major Crops
| Crop | Examples of Target Traits |
|---|---|
| Rice | Higher yield, drought & salt tolerance, nitrogen-use efficiency |
| Wheat | Heat tolerance, disease resistance |
| Maize | Lodging resistance, improved kernel traits |
| Chickpea | Drought and wilt tolerance |
| Mustard | Low-erucic oil, pest resistance, improved flowering |
| Sugarcane | Red-rot resistance, drought tolerance |
ICAR currently works on 45 rice lines, 10 wheat lines, 16 maize lines, and multiple horticulture crops.
4. Why Genome Editing Is Advancing Faster
A. Regulatory Reform (2022)
- India exempted SDN-1 and SDN-2 techniques from GMO regulations under the Environment (Protection) Act Rules, 1989.
- This reduced approval timelines and made field trials easier.
B. Government Support
- ₹500 crore allocation (2023–24 budget) for genome-editing research.
- DBT’s Genome Editing Mission across crops, livestock, fisheries.
- ICAR’s multi-institution projects across cereals, pulses, oilseeds, horticulture.
C. Strong Scientific Capacity
- Indian institutes now develop in-house CRISPR systems, reducing dependency on foreign tech.
5. Challenges and Ethical Concerns
- Need for clear labelling and traceability norms.
- Risk of off-target edits → requires strict biosafety monitoring.
- CRISPR patent-related intellectual property issues.
- Low private-sector participation.
- Farmer training on adoption and seed practices.
6. Way Ahead
- Harmonised national guidelines for GE crop release.
- Strengthen ICAR–State Agriculture University collaboration.
- Promote GE crops for climate-resilient agriculture.
- Transparent public communication to build trust.
Genome editing offers India a scientifically robust and socially acceptable route to next-generation crop improvement.
Mains Question
“Discuss how genome editing differs from genetically modified crops. Evaluate India’s policy approach in promoting genome-edited crops.”
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