The Impact of Genetically Modified Crops

April 22, 2025

Genetically Modified (GM) crops have transformed agriculture since their introduction. They are engineered to enhance certain traits such as pest resistance and herbicide tolerance. However, their impact has been complex and often paradoxical.

Development of GM Crops

GM crops are developed through genetic engineering. This involves isolating a gene of interest from one organism and inserting it into a plant’s DNA. Various methods are employed for gene insertion. The Gene Gun Approach uses DNA-coated metal particles. The Agrobacterium Approach utilises the bacterium Agrobacterium tumefaciens to transfer genes. Electroporation creates pores in plant cells using electric pulses. Microinjection directly injects DNA into cells.

Key GM Crops in India

In India, Bt cotton is the only GM crop approved for commercial cultivation since 2002. It is designed to be resistant to the cotton bollworm. The insertion of genes from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis enables the plant to produce insecticidal proteins. Bt brinjal was approved in 2009 but faced a moratorium. It contains the ‘cry1Ac’ gene, making it resistant to insects. GM mustard (DMH-11) is under research but not yet commercially released. It involves cross-pollination techniques to overcome self-pollination barriers.

The Jevons Paradox in GM Agriculture

The introduction of GM crops was expected to reduce pesticide use. Initially, Bt cotton reduced insecticide applications. However, resistance among pests led to increased pesticide use over time. This phenomenon is explained by the Jevons Paradox, which states that increased efficiency can lead to higher overall consumption. The study reveals that farmers now use more insecticides than before the introduction of GM crops.

Economic Implications of GM Crops

GM crops were marketed as economically beneficial. They aimed to reduce input costs and labour. However, the reliance on herbicides like glyphosate has escalated. In the United States, glyphosate use in soybean farming increased dramatically post-GM crop adoption. This has led to resistance in weed species, further complicating agricultural practices.

Environmental Concerns

The environmental impact of GM crops is high. The initial promise of reduced chemical inputs has not materialised. Instead, the dependence on agrochemicals has intensified. This is due to the monoculture practices that GM crops encourage. Such practices can lead to biodiversity loss and increased soil degradation.

Global Trends in GM Crop Adoption

Globally, the adoption of GM crops is varied. Countries like the United States and Brazil have seen increases in GM crop acreage. However, public resistance and regulatory hurdles affect adoption in other regions. The balance between technological advancement and ecological sustainability remains important topic in global agriculture.

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