# Summary of the Article on GM Crops in India
## Introduction
The article discusses the increasing need for genetically modified (GM) crops to meet global food and nutritional security, particularly in the face of climate change. It provides a detailed analysis of the role of GM crops in augmenting agricultural productivity and the recent decision by the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) to approve GM mustard in India.
## The Necessity of GM Crops
- **Global Food Security and Zero Hunger**: With the climate undergoing rapid changes, achieving global food and nutritional security has become a significant challenge. The 2019 Food Security and Nutrition Report suggests that achieving 'Zero Hunger' by 2030 is doubtful.
- *Example*: The Green Revolution increased food production from 50 million tonnes in 1950-51 to over 300 million tonnes in 2020-21. But climate change now requires further innovation like GM crops.
## Increasing Adoption of GM Crops
- **Statistics and Benefits**: According to ISAAA 2020, 72 countries have adopted GM crops, benefiting over 1.95 billion people globally. Economic gains amount to $224.9 billion from 1996-2018.
- *Example*: Bt cotton was the first GM crop in India and has provided economic advantages to farmers and the country at large.
## Focus on Mustard in India
- **Edible Oil Deficit**: India imports 60% of its edible oil requirements, making mustard a critical crop. Research at the University of Delhi has led to the creation of a GM mustard hybrid, DMH-11, aiming to increase yield and oil production.
- *Example*: DMH-11 is based on the barnase/barstar system, which works by removing male fertility in one parent and restoring it in the offspring, thereby increasing yield.
## Landmark Decision by GEAC
- **Approval for Cultivation**: On October 25, 2022, GEAC approved the release of DMH-11 for cultivation. This is expected to widen the narrow genetic base of mustard varieties in India and help in achieving self-reliance in edible oil production.
- *Example*: The decision could potentially reduce India's edible oil import burden, which was around ₹1.17 lakh crore.
## Implications for Self-reliance
- **Economic and Environmental Benefits**: This approval will boost genetic engineering research in India, enable the generation of new crop varieties, and increase farmers' incomes.
- *Example*: Domestic consumption of edible oils in India is about 25 million tonnes, whereas the domestic production was approximately 8.5 million tonnes in 2020-21. The approval of DMH-11 could help bridge this gap.
## Conclusion
The article highlights the critical role that GM crops, particularly GM mustard, could play in enhancing India’s agricultural productivity and achieving food security. The recent approval by GEAC marks a new era in self-reliance and sustainability in agriculture.
