Implementation of biosafety regulations and guidelines of genetically modified crops in India and future perspective Koundal KR* Former Professor, National Institute of Plant Biotechnology, New Delhi-110012 *Author for correspondence: Email: kirparamkourdal@gmail.com
Online Published on 20 January, 2024. Abstract Crop yields are reduced to considerable low levels because of biotic stresses of pathogens and insect-pests attack and post-harvest losses. Similarly, drought, salinity and temperature are the major abiotic stresses affecting crop productivity. There is a great potential of transgenic technology to combat biotic and abiotic stresses and to improve the nutritional quality of foods. Several genetically modified crops have been released for commercial cultivation in various countries. Some of the examples include; improved resistance to herbicide, improved resistance to insect-pests, improved postharvest characteristics, improved oil quality, improved seed storage proteins, improvement of iron and vitamin A content in rice. However, there are several constraints and apprehensions regarding genetically modified food crops. These include toxicity, allergenicity, carcinogenicity, use of antibiotic resistance genes and nutritional value. In addition, the possibilities of gene flow to close relatives creating super weeds or causing gene pollution among other crops. India has a detailed system for biosafety for evaluation and regulation of commercial release of GM crops. However, there is a need to streamline and harmonize the regulatory requirements for commercialization of genetically engineered crops for sustainable crop production. Top Keywords Biosafety, Recombinant DNA, Transgenic, Genetically modified crops, Risk assessment. Top |