MoEFCC Order on Genome-edited Plants

April 4, 2022

The Indian government has issued an order for the first time exempting certain types of crops that are genome-edited from the stringent regulations that are applicable in the country on genetically modified or GM crops. This order will give a boost to their development and research.

Overview:

The SDN1 and SDN2 genome-edited plants have been exempted by the ministry of environment and forest from Rules 7-11 of the Environment Protect Act (EPA) for the purpose of manufacturing, importing, or usage or exporting and storage of microorganisms that are hazardous or organisms or cells that are genetically engineered rules-1989.
This order would help the government to notify and approve the guidelines related to genome-edited plants that are pending since 2020.
The order will also incentivize the researchers and breeders to utilize the power of genome editing so that the farming community is developed further.
In 2012, genome editing was discovered.

Approval of genome-edited plants by various countries

Many countries have developed or approved the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, cereals, and oilseeds that have been developed through genome editing like GABA tomato or Gamma-aminobutyric acid, soybean, high oleic canola, etc.

China has also approved guidelines related to genome editing so that research into crops can be done for the purpose of having high yields, climate change, and pest resistance.

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