Why Genetically modified crops are banned in India?

Arguments against GM crops: They lose their sovereign right over seeds as they are forced to buy GM seeds and technologies from multinational corporations. The increasing incidence of suicide by farmers cultivating Bt cotton is cited as an example of the perils of GM crops in a country such as India.

Is genetically modified food allowed in India?

The importation of GM seeds/grains into India has been banned for years. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) released an advisory order on 21 August 2020. The list of products is extensive, including fruits, grains, vegetables and oilseeds.

What is the status of GMO in India?

Globally, area under GM crops has increased manifold from 17 lakh hectares in 1996 to 1917 lakh hectares in 2018. Meanwhile, in India, the area under Bt. Cotton has increased from 0.29 lakh hectares in 2002-03 to 117.47 lakh hectares in 2019-20, according to Directorate of Economics and Statistics.

Why Should genetically modified food be banned?

Although some people support genetically modified food, the truth is that GMF should be banned because it can cause human diseases, it can damage the environment and it has already been banned in other countries. However, the truth is that genetically modified food can damage human body with many different diseases.

Which genetically modified crops are allowed in India?

Bt cotton remains the only GM crop approved for cultivation in India, even though neighbouring Bangladesh has reaped much success with Bt brinjal. The BKS has lauded the government’s latest decision, noting that GM crops threaten biodiversity.

How are GMOs regulated in India?

GM Crops: Rules & Regulations in India GM crops in India are regulated under the rules for the manufacture, use, import, export and storage of hazardous microorganisms, genetically engineered organisms or cells, 1989, mentioned in the Environmental Protection Act, 1986.

Are genetically modified foods allowed in India?

Just last year the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) had told the Supreme Court that “ GM (genetically modified) foods are not allowed in the country” and yet no action has been taken against the GM foods flooding Indian markets.

Why are genetically modified foods still banned in the US?

While the former covers environmental impacts of the food products, the latter assesses the food’s impact on human health. Since no regulation has been finalised for GM products, it is still banned in the country. Genetically modified crops are cultivated from seeds that are genetically engineered to increase yields or tolerance to pests.

Is FSSAI prescribing guidelines for approval of GMOs in India?

In response to this story, the FSSAI, in one of its tweets, said it is now in process of prescribing guidelines for approval of such products. GEAC (Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee) is the controlling body for certification of GMOs in India, under Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

Are GM foods available in India?

To understand whether GM foods are available in the Indian market, the Pollution Monitoring Laboratory (PML) at the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) tested 65 imported and domestically produced processedfood samples.