Time to reconsider GM seed as a tool

Policymakers face a delicate task of ensuring food security and farmer welfare while maintaining public trust and ecological integrity

- AMIT KAPOOR PRADEEP PURI

THIS YEAR'S NOBEL laureates in Economics affirm that the future of growth models will be driven by innovation. This is both a challenge and an opportunity, and resonates deeply with India’s agricultural ambitions.

As India seeks to boost agricultural productivity, few innovations have sparked much debate and promise as genetically modified (GM) crops. In many ways, the story of GM crops in India mirrors the invention of the light bulb as a paradigm-shifting innovation. GM crops arrived with the promise of solving persistent agricultural challenges, such as pest infestations, low yields, and climate stress. But its journey from lab to land has been uneven.

Just as consumers were once reluctant to switch from incandescent bulbs to LEDs due to cost and unfamiliarity, GM crops face scepticism related to ethical concerns, regulatory hurdles, and public mistrust. Yet, the parallels continue. Like LEDs use less energy and last longer, GM crops use less pesticides and water, and produce more food per acre. While LEDs cost more upfront but save money over time, GM crops also require investment in research and regulation but promise long-term gains in food security and sustainability. Customisation is another shared trait. Akin to LEDs that can be tuned for brightness and colour, GM crops can be designed for drought tolerance, enhanced nutrition, and a longer shelf life. Like LEDs, GM crops have the potential to reduce environmental impact in terms of chemical runoff, greenhouse gas emissions, and resource utilisation, making them a compelling tool to combat climate change.