Understanding Genetically Modified Crops in India

Genetically Modified (GM) crops are plants whose DNA has been modified, usually through genetic engineering techniques. This is typically done to introduce new traits to the plant which do not occur naturally in the species, such as resistance to certain pests, diseases, or environmental conditions, or to enhance nutritional value.

Status of GM Crops Approval in India

In India, the approval process for GM crops is overseen by regulatory bodies like the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC). The process is stringent and involves multiple levels of testing and safety assessments before a crop is allowed for environmental release or commercial cultivation.

Identifying the Only Approved GM Crop for Commercial Cultivation

Let's examine the options provided in the question:

• Bt Brinjal: Bt Brinjal was developed to resist the fruit and shoot borer pest. While it received regulatory approval for commercial release in 2009, a moratorium was placed on its cultivation in 2010, and it has not been commercially cultivated since.
• Mustard (specifically DMH-11): A genetically modified mustard variety, DMH-11, was approved for environmental release and seed production by the GEAC. However, it has not yet received final clearance for full commercial cultivation for food purposes.
• Bt Cotton: Bt Cotton contains genes from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), which makes the plant produce proteins toxic to bollworms, a major pest of cotton. Bt Cotton was approved for commercial cultivation in India in 2002. Since then, it is the only GM crop that has been widely grown commercially in the country.
• Tomato: Genetically modified tomatoes exist globally, often modified for traits like delayed ripening. However, no GM tomato variety is approved for commercial cultivation in India.

Based on the current status of approvals by regulatory authorities in India, Bt Cotton remains the only genetically modified crop that has received approval for commercial cultivation.

Conclusion: The Approved GM Crop

The question asks for the only genetically modified crop approved for commercial cultivation in India. Reviewing the options and their regulatory status confirms that Bt Cotton is the correct answer.

Therefore, the only genetically modified crop approved for commercial cultivation in India is Bt Cotton.

Revision Table: Key Facts on GM Crops in India

Additional Information: Understanding Agricultural Biotechnology

Agricultural biotechnology encompasses various techniques used to improve plants, animals, and microorganisms for agricultural purposes. Genetic modification is one such technique.

The development and regulation of GM crops are subjects of ongoing debate, involving considerations of:

• Environmental impact
• Food safety
• Socio-economic implications for farmers
• Seed monopolies and control

India has a cautious approach to approving GM crops, focusing on thorough scientific evaluation before permitting cultivation. Bt Cotton was approved based on extensive field trials demonstrating its efficacy against bollworms and its safety profile.