BIOSAFETY ISSUES

The commercialization of transgenic crops has sparked off intensive debates worldwide regarding biosafety, ethical issues and the impact of this powerful technology on agriculture, human health and environment.

Genetic modification of organisms can have unpredictable effects when such organisms are introduced into ecosystem.

For example, cross pollination between GM plants and wild varieties will lead to contamination of gene pools of wild varieties.

Consumption of GM food may develop allergies.

GM microbes may escape from laboratory and will be hazardous.

Therefore manipulations of living organisms need regulation.

The Indian Government has set up genetic Engineering Approval Committee, (GEAC), which will take decisions regarding the validity of GM research and safety of introducing GM product for public services.

BIOPIRACY

There are issues regarding bio-piracy also.

Developing and underdeveloped countries are rich in biodiversity (bio-resource) and traditional knowledge while the developed nations are rich in finance and technology.

This leads to biopiracy. Developed counties since the past two decades have been enjoying immense profits by patenting the knowledge and bio-resources of underdeveloped counties.

BIOPATENT

A bio-patent is a patent granted by the government to the inventor for biological entities, processes and products.

Patent gives the owner exclusive rights to use the resource, process or market the product and earn profits.

Bio-piracy is the bio-patenting of the bio-resource of the other nation without proper permission of the concerned nation or unlawful exploitation and use of bio-resource without giving compensation.

EXAMPLES

Basmati Rice

Basmati Rice, known for its unique aroma and flavour has been grown in India for centuies.

There are about 27 documented varieties of Basmati grown in India.

A Texas based company got patent rights on Basmati rice through the US patent and Trademark office.

This allowed the company to sell a new vaiety of Basmati - Texmati, in the US and abroad.

Actually this new variety is derived by crossing Indian Basmati with semi dwarf vaiety and claimed as an invention or a new vaiety.

Thus, it is a case of bio-piracy and unfair bio-patenting.

 

Turmeric and Margosa

Patents on turmeric, margosa and many other Indian, traditionally known as medicinal plants, have also been attempted and awarded.

Now we are fighting to cancel these illegal bio- patents. We have won the legal battle against the patents of Basmati and Turmeric.

 

Genetic Literacy

There is a need for launching a genetic literacy movement in schools and colleges on the rapid developments taking place in the area of molecular genetics.

It would help in better understanding of the opportunities and isks associated with recombinant DNA technology.

This will help to promote the safe and responsible use of the tools associated with the new genetics in the country in the fields of food and agriculture, medicine, industry and environment.