With reference to genetically modified (GM) crops in India, consider the following statements: 1. Bt brinjal and GM mustard are not involved in Indian biosafety debates. 2. The ESTIC conclave was held at the Bharat Mandapam venue. 3. Bt cotton faced pest resistance in the years 2008 and 2012. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Richard J. Roberts dismisses foreign dependency fears, claims India can own local research

GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Cropping patterns & irrigation· Prelims + Mains· 27 October 2026

Biotechnology and food security: a GS3 case study on GM crop ownership and biosafety.

Why in news

Richard J. Roberts addressed the second Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) at Bharat Mandapam, arguing that India can achieve local ownership of research in biotechnologically modified crops.

Background

Richard J. Roberts spoke at the second ESTIC at Bharat Mandapam on October 27, 2026. He cited the success of Bt cotton despite pest resistance in 2008 and 2012 as a precedent for local research ownership.

Facts for Prelims

S&TBt cotton: A genetically modified crop used in India that faced pest resistance in 2008 and 2012.
S&TBt brinjal and GM mustard: Specific genetically modified crops currently involved in Indian biosafety debates.
PlaceBharat Mandapam: The venue for the second Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC).

Prelims practice question

With reference to genetically modified (GM) crops in India, consider the following statements:

Bt brinjal and GM mustard are not involved in Indian biosafety debates.
The ESTIC conclave was held at the Bharat Mandapam venue.
Bt cotton faced pest resistance in the years 2008 and 2012.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a)2 only
(b)1 and 3 only
(c)2 and 3 only
(d)1, 2 and 3

Show answer

Answer: (c) 2 and 3 only — Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Statement 1 is incorrect: They are specifically involved in Indian biosafety debates.

For Mains

Q. Discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with the adoption of genetically modified (GM) crops in India's agricultural landscape.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

Regulatory bottleneck: Delays in biosafety clearances for GM mustard and Bt brinjal
Socio-economic trade-off: Balancing yield improvements against concerns over long-term biodiversity and soil health
Technological sovereignty: Transitioning from foreign-dependent seed technologies to indigenous biotech research

Keywords: biotechnology · biosafety · GM crops · agricultural innovation · food security

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