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GS Paper 3
Topics Covered: Bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.
Context:
The Union government has decided to allow the import of crushed genetically modified (GM) soybean, which is a major ingredient of poultry feed.
What necessitated this move?
The poultry industry has been crushed by multiple disasters over the last year and a half.
- In January 2020, a false rumour that COVID-19 could be spread by eating chicken meat led to a crash in demand.
- A year later, avian flu cases led to another crash, followed by a crippling rise in the prices of poultry feed.
- Besides, over the last three to four years, soy meal has been available at an average cost of ₹34 to 36/kg. This month, it shot up to ₹96/kg (Soy meal is the main protein ingredient in the feed).
Concerns/criticisms:
- Environmental activists have raised concerns about the permission given for something derived from a genetically modified plant to enter the human food chain, given that India’s regulatory system has yet to approve GM foods.
- Besides, the 1989 rules of the Environment Protection Act applied not just to GM organisms, but also products and substances thereof.
What are Genetically Modified crops?
- A GM or transgenic crop is a plant that has a novel combination of genetic material obtained through the use of modern biotechnology.
- GM crop can contain a gene(s) that has been artificially inserted instead of the plant acquiring it through pollination.
Approval Process for GM crops in India:
Status of GM Soybean and soyabean seeds in India:
India allows the import of GM soybean and canola oil. Import of GM soya bean seeds was so far not approved in India.
Insta Curious:
Did you know about the Poultry Venture Capital Fund (PVCF)? Reference:
Sources: the Hindu.
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