Topic :GM crops for long term Food and Nutritional Security

Dr. Annasaheb Shinde College of Agricultural Engineering,

MPKV, Rahuri, Dist. Ahmednagar - 413722

Presented by Miss Geetanjali Kumari

Kharwar(B.Tech Final Year)

GM crops

According to WHO

• “Genetically modified (GM) crops are crops derived from organisms whose genetic material (DNA) has

been modified in a way that does not occur naturally, e.g. through the introduction of a gene from a different organism”

OR• Genetically modified crops are plants used in

agriculture, the DNA of which has been modified using genetic engineering techniques.

GM crops are described by many different names

Genetically Engineering Crops(GE)Transgenic or Biotech CropsGenetically Modified Organism(GMO)

GM Crops in India

Bt Cotton

Bt Brinjal,tomato, bhindi , Rice, soyabean -under evaluation and experimental stage

2002-3 2003-4 2004-5 2005-6 2006-7 2007-80

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Bt Cotton Adoption in India

Bt

Total Area

Crop Year

Are

a (

mil.

ha

.)

Advantages of GM Crops

• Virus Tolerance

Nutrient Enhancement

Yield Increases

Insect Resistances

Drought Resistance

GM

Cro

ps

Herbicides Tolerances

Other GM crops used in the world

CottonRiceSoya beanSugarcaneTomatoesPotatoesPapayasugar beet

How GM crops helps in Long term food and Nutritional security

Food and Nutrition Security

According to UNSCN:“Food and nutrition security exists when all

people at all times have physical, social and economic access to food, which is consumed in sufficient quantity and quality to meet their dietary needs and food preferences, and is supported by an environment of adequate sanitation, health services and care, allowing for a healthy and active life.”

Why we need food & Nutritional security

• To cope situation like

Hunger remains the No.1 causes of dead in the world

42% of world under nourished children live in India -Global hunger

Index 2010Over 20 crore will sleep

hungry tonightOver 25 lakh Indians die of

hunger every year.

How GM crops help in food and Nutritional security

• yield Increases

Conventional Crops

GM Crops

Low yield

High yield

.Less maturation time

Series10

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

3

3.5

4

4.5Maturation time

Conventional Crops

GM crops

Months

GM crops are

Virus Tolerance-e.g. Hawaiian papaya

Herbicides Tolerances-63%GM are HT

Insect Resistances

Drought ResistantGm Crops requires less

water for their growth hence are capable to sustain in drought condition.

Useful in areas which receive less rainfall

Stress tolerance– salt-tolerant crops .– Frost resistant crops.– Flood resistant crops.– Development of crops that make more efficient use of nitrogen and other nutrients.

GM Crops enhances the Nutritional security Enhanced vitamins (e.g. higher levels of beta carotene the

precursor of Vitamin A and E). Enhanced minerals (e.g. higher levels of iron) Enhanced healthy fatty acids content (e.g. omega 3

unsaturated fatty acids). Enhanced amino acid (e.g. tryptophan) Enhanced protein (e.g. in potatoes). Enhanced lipids content Enhanced carbohydrates content Enhanced levels of antioxidants to help fight cancer. Reduced risk of allergic reactions (e.g. by silencing or

removing genes in food such as wheat and peanuts).

Food shelf life increases

Spoiling of food decreasesThus shelf life of food increasese.g.GM tomatoes

Transportation by various means

stor

age

GM Crops- beneficial to farmers

Farmers benefit generally from GM Crops

Spend less money on pesticides, insecticides

Crops are strongerMore profit from GM Crops

Role of Government

subsidies to farmer for growing GM crops

Making and implementing different policy related to GM crops

Setting of testing Labs for Testing GM foods Passage of BRAI Bill with

suggested amendments

Conclusion Its better to eat GM foods Rather then dying hungrily

THANK YOU