Which organization in India is responsible for approving the commercial release of genetically modified crops?
AFSSAI
BGEAC
CEnvironment Protection Agency.
DMinistry of Agriculture.
Answer:
B. GEAC
Read Explanation:
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
- GMOs refer to living organisms whose genetic material has been artificially altered or modified in a way that does not occur naturally through mating or natural recombination.
- This manipulation is typically carried out in a laboratory through techniques such as genetic engineering, where specific genes are inserted, deleted, or modified to give the organism new characteristics or traits.
- GMOs can include a wide range of organisms such as plants, animals, and microorganisms.
- The purpose of genetic modification is often to introduce desirable traits, such as resistance to pests, tolerance to herbicides, increased nutritional value, or improved growth characteristics.
- GMO crops have been vastly used for increasing agricultural productivity, reducing the reliance on chemical pesticides, and addressing specific challenges in farming, like drought or poor soil conditions.
- Some common examples of genetically modified crops include : Bt cotton, Bt brinjal etc
GEAC
- The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) functions in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
- As per Rules, 1989, it is responsible for appraisal of activities involving large scale use of hazardous microorganisms and recombinants in research and industrial production from the environmental angle.
- The committee is also responsible for appraisal of proposals relating to release of genetically engineered (GE) organisms and products into the enviornment including experimental field trials.
- GEAC is chaired by the Special Secretary/Additional Secretary of MoEF&CC and co-chaired by a representative from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).
- Presently, it has 24 members and meets every month to review the applications in the areas indicated above.