Context:

Over 520 stakeholders, including farmers  , environmental groups, industry associations,  etc have urged the MoEFCC to start consultations for a national policy on genetically modified (GM) crops.

Supreme Court Directive:

• The appeal follows a Supreme Court directive   which called for the formulation of a national policy on GM crops in India.
• The Court case focused on the legality of GM mustard's commercial sale and ecological release (Dhara Mustard Hybrid - DMH-11).

• The court delivered a split verdict, halting the commercial sale of GM mustard until further orders.

The ruling highlighted the absence of an official policy on GM crops and mandated the government to develop one covering research, cultivation, trade, and commerce.Stakeholders' Recommendations:

• Inclusive Consultations: The stakeholders requested consultations be conducted across all states, involving diverse groups and state government representatives.
• Publicity: They recommended wide publicity in local languages through newspapers, visual media, and websites, with at least three weeks' notice for public participation.
• Transparency: The consultations should be video-recorded and archived in the public domain to ensure transparency.
• Involvement of All Stakeholders: The process should include farmers, consumer organizations, environmentalists, ecologists, scientific Experts, beekeepers, agricultural worker unions, organic farming practitioners, and traders.

Past Debates on GM Crops:

• In 2022, GEAC approved the environmental release of GM mustard (DMH-11), created by scientists at Delhi University, sparking debates over its potential impact on biodiversity, human health, and agricultural practices.
• Bacillus thuringiensis cotton (or Bt cotton) was introduced in 2002 and remains the only approved commercialised GM crop in India.
• Previous public consultations on Bt brinjal (2009-2010) were cited as an example of an inclusive and transparent process.

Current Concerns:

• Stakeholders are concerned about the long-term environmental and health impacts of GM crops.
• The Supreme Court's directive emphasized the need for indigenous research and assessments rather than relying solely on foreign studies.

GEAC (Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee) 

• GEAC is the statutory committee constituted under the “Rules for the Manufacture, Use/Import/Export and Storage of Hazardous Micro Organisms/Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells (Rules, 1989)” framed under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.  
• It's a crucial regulatory body in India that oversees activities involving genetically modified organisms (GMOs). 
• It functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).

Key Roles of GEAC:

• Approval of GM crops: GEAC is responsible for granting permission for the cultivation and commercialization of genetically modified crops in India.   
• Environmental safety: It ensures that the release of GMOs into the environment doesn't pose any significant risks to biodiversity or human health.   
• Risk assessment: GEAC conducts thorough evaluations of potential hazards associated with GMOs.
• Policy formulation: It plays a vital role in developing guidelines and regulations for the safe handling of GMOs.