GM Crops: The Great Debate

Why India approved only Bt cotton for commercial cultivation for years, the controversy over GM mustard, and the economic arguments on both sides.

Genetically modified (GM) crops have genes altered to add traits like pest resistance.

India’s approvals

Bt cotton was approved in 2002.
Bt brinjal was approved by regulators but put under a moratorium in 2010 after protests.
GM mustard (DMH-11), developed by Delhi University scientists, got environmental release approval in 2022, but the matter went to the Supreme Court, which delivered a split verdict in 2024.

Arguments for GM

Higher yields.
Less pesticide use.
Drought or pest resistance.
Reducing imports, like edible oils.

Arguments against

Biosafety and environmental concerns.
Corporate control of seeds.
Resistance developing in pests, as with pink bollworm.
Trade worries about exports to countries rejecting GM.

Gene editing

In 2025, India released two genome-edited rice varieties, developed without foreign DNA, which face lighter regulation than GM crops.

Economic view

Technology adoption depends on benefits, risks and regulation. Clear, science-based rules help both farmers and investors.

The mustard question

India imports a large share of its edible oils. Supporters of GM mustard argue higher yields could cut imports; opponents worry about biosafety and herbicide use.

Thinking India has approved many GM food crops

Only Bt cotton has been widely grown commercially.

Key takeaways

Bt cotton was approved in 2002.
Bt brinjal is under moratorium; GM mustard faces legal debate.
Supporters cite yields and imports; critics cite biosafety and control.
Genome-edited rice varieties were released in 2025.