India has come a long way since the first genetically modified cotton seeds were approved for cultivation in 2002. Thanks to Bt, India is now poised to displace the US in cotton production and there’s a bunch of applications with the regulators for hybrids of other seeds as well; indeed, the first edible GM crop, Bt brinjal, is on the anvil. Both industry and activists agree on the need to streamline its regulatory process — not just for cutting down on time taken for clearance but assuring consumers of due diligence in the area of environmental and health safety. SONU JAIN sifts the grain from the chaff

How many genetically modified crops have been cleared for commercial use in India?

Since the first GM seed, Mahyco-Monsanto’s Bollgard Cotton, the Government has approved 59 GM hybrids (all cotton) for commercial release. Of these, 52 are based on the Bollgard gene technology of Monsanto, while the others are different gene constructs developed by JK Agri-Genetics Ltd or Nath Seeds.

What is the regulatory structure for GM crops in India today?

India currently has a three-tier regulatory system for GM crops: each research organisation must have an Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBSA), which assesses research proposals; a national Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGM) assesses field trials for environmental safety and allergic responses; and the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) — part of the environment ministry — carries out environmental impact assessment, and approves multi-location field trials and commercial cultivation.

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