Unregulated Use Of Genetically Modified (GM) Cotton

Source: Indian Express
GS III: Agriculture, Science and Technology, Biotechnology, Environmental Protection, Agricultural Policy.

Why in the News?

A recent study commissioned by the seed industry has highlighted the widespread cultivation of unapproved genetically modified (GM) cotton hybrids in India, raising concerns about biosafety regulations, farmers’ interests and agricultural governance.

News in Brief

• Unapproved herbicide-tolerant (HT) and next-generation Bt traits have reportedly spread through unauthorised cotton seeds.
• Farmers are adopting these hybrids to address rising labour costs, weed management challenges and pink bollworm attacks.
• Unregulated cultivation bypasses the government’s biosafety approval system and may expose farmers to risks associated with unauthorised seeds.
• Restrictions on the commercialisation and field trials of GM crops have reignited debate over India’s regulatory approach to agricultural biotechnology.

Growing adoption of unapproved GM cotton

• The study found that more than half of the seed, leaf and other samples collected from farmers’ fields across 16 districts in Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan contained unapproved herbicide-tolerant and next-generation Bt traits.
• It estimates that a quarter or more of India’s cotton-growing area may be under GM hybrids incorporating these traits.
• Farmers are obtaining such seeds through unauthorized channels, including traders and breeders who introduce new traits into existing cotton varieties without regulatory approval.

Why are farmers adopting these hybrids?

• Labour shortage: Manual weeding has become increasingly expensive and difficult.
• Lower weed-control costs: Manual weeding costs ₹12,000–15,000 per acre, compared with ₹750–850 for two to three rounds of glyphosate application.
• Pest resistance: Existing approved Bt cotton varieties do not adequately control pink bollworm, which has become a major challenge for cotton farmers.
• Economic considerations: Farmers are attracted to technologies that promise lower cultivation costs and better pest management.

The GM traits

• Herbicide-tolerant (HT) cotton: Enables cotton plants to tolerate specific herbicides, allowing farmers to control weeds without damaging the crop.
• Bt cotton: Incorporates genes derived from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis to protect plants against particular insect pests.
• Vip3A Bt trait: A next-generation Bt trait with a different mode of action from the Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab proteins used in approved Bt cotton hybrids. It offers activity against pests, including pink bollworm, that are not adequately controlled by existing varieties.

However, the glyphosate tolerance and the Vip3A Bt trait have not been officially authorized for commercial cultivation in Indian cotton.

Impact on the seed industry and farmers

• Sales of authorized Bt cotton hybrid seeds reportedly declined from 59.6million packets in 2022-23 to 46.3 million packets in 2025-26.
• Meanwhile, the unauthorized herbicide-tolerant and Bt cotton seed market is estimated to have reached 8.2-8.8 million packets.
• Farmers may lose access to the benefits of advanced GM technology developed by established, research-backed seed companies.
• Unauthorized seed markets also create challenges for quality control, accountability and the enforcement of biosafety standards.

Concerns over India’s GM crop policy

• The restrictions on the commercialization and field trials of GM crops have contributed to the spread of unauthorized cultivation.
• The concerns raised gives greater weight to ideological concerns than to scientific evidence.
• Experts also links policy restrictions to India’s changing position in the cotton market, arguing that India has moved from being a major producer and exporter  towards becoming a net importer.
• The relationship between regulatory restrictions and India’s cotton trade position requires broader economic assessment.

About the Genetically Modified Crops In India

What are GM crops?

• Genetically Modified crops are developed by introducing, modifying or altering genetic material to obtain desirable characteristics, such as pest resistance, herbicide tolerance or improved nutritional quality.

Bt Cotton in India

• Bt cotton incorporates genes from Bacillus thuringiensis, enabling the plant to produce proteins toxic to certain insect pests.
• It was introduced commercially in India in 2002.
• It is India’s principal commercially cultivated GM crop.

Regulation of GM crops in India

• The regulation of genetically engineered organisms is governed primarily by the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and the Rules, 1989.
• Important regulatory bodies include;
  • Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC): Functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and evaluates proposals involving the environmental release of genetically engineered organisms, including commercial cultivation.
  • Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBSC): Oversees biosafety at the institutional level.
  • Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGM): Functions under the Department of Biotechnology and oversees research-stage activities involving genetic engineering.
• The regulatory framework seeks to ensure that GM organisms are assessed for potential risks to human health and the environment before their release.

Issues and Challenges

• Biosafety concerns: Unauthorised cultivation bypasses established risk-assessment procedures.
• Resistance development: Repeated exposure to insecticidal traits may encourage pests to develop resistance, reducing the long-term effectiveness of the technology.
• Environmental risks: Herbicide-tolerant crops may encourage excessive or inappropriate herbicide use, affecting biodiversity and weed management.
• Regulatory gaps: Limited access to approved technologies may encourage informal seed markets.
• Farmers’ interests: Farmers need affordable, effective and scientifically evaluated technologies to reduce cultivation costs and manage pests.
• Policy uncertainty: Delays or restrictions in the approval process can create tensions between agricultural innovation, environmental protection and farmers’ demands.

Way Forward and Conclusion

India needs a science-based, transparent and predictable regulatory framework for GM crops, supported by rigorous biosafety assessments, effective monitoring of unauthorised seeds and stronger agricultural research. Timely access to approved technologies, farmer awareness and integrated pest management can help reduce cultivation costs while limiting environmental risks.

The spread of unapproved GM Cotton highlights the need to bridge the gap between farmers’ needs and regulatory policy. India must balance agricultural innovation, farmers’ welfare and environmental safety to ensure that biotechnology contributes to sustainable and productive agriculture.

UPSC Prelims and Mains Practice Question

Consider the following statements regarding genetically modified crops in India:

1. Bt cotton uses genes derived from Bacillus thuringiensis to provide protection against certain insect pests.
2. The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
3. All genetically modified crops can be commercially cultivated in India without prior regulatory approval.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

Mains Practice Question

Q) The unauthorized cultivation of genetically modified crops highlights the challenges of balancing agricultural innovation, farmers’ interests and biosafety regulations in India. Discuss (250 words)

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