Genetically Modified Crops

Definition

Crops whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering to introduce a desired trait, such as pest resistance, herbicide tolerance, or improved nutrition.

Key points

• A specific gene from another organism is inserted into the crop's DNA to give a new trait; this differs from traditional breeding, which relies on natural cross-pollination.
• Bt cotton, which carries a gene from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis to resist bollworm pests, is the main genetically modified crop approved for commercial cultivation in India.
• Golden Rice is engineered to produce vitamin A precursor (beta-carotene) to fight vitamin A deficiency; many other genetically modified crops exist worldwide.
• In India, the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) under the environment ministry approves genetically modified crops; Bt brinjal was approved by GEAC but placed under a moratorium, and GM mustard (DMH-11) approval has been contested in court (verify the latest status).
• Debates cover food safety, effects on biodiversity and farmers, corporate control of seeds, and the need for proper labelling and regulation.

Why it matters for CAPF

Genetically modified crops, Bt cotton, the role of the GEAC, and the regulatory and safety debate are recurring biotechnology, agriculture, and environment items with policy and food-security relevance.

Common confusion

Genetic modification inserts a gene from another organism, unlike conventional selective breeding or hybridisation. Bt cotton is the only genetically modified crop in commercial cultivation in India; Bt brinjal and GM mustard remain restricted or contested, so do not assume all are approved.

Related concepts

concept crispr, concept dna and rna, concept minimum support price

Parent note

biotechnology and genetics