An Impact Of Genetically Modified Foods And The Rights Of Farmers
- IJLLR Journal
- Jan 27
- 2 min read
Sasmita D S, Christ (Deemed to be University)
ABSTRACT
This study focuses on the regulations governing GM foods and assesses their impact on farmers' economic security, seed sovereignty, and the environment. Genetic modification of plants involves adding new DNA to a plant's genome to alter its characteristics. It emphasizes the importance of striking a balance between innovation and safeguarding farmers' rights. Agricultural biotechnology innovation has led to changes in intellectual property systems by extending protection to life forms. The principal transgenic crops grown commercially in the field are herbicide and insecticide-resistant soybeans, corn, and cotton other crops grown commercially and/or field-tested are sweet potatoes resistant to a virus that could destroy most of the African harvest, rice with increased iron and vitamins that may alleviate chronic malnutrition in Asian countries and a variety of plants that can survive weather extremes. Some bananas produce human vaccines against infectious diseases such as hepatitis B, fish that mature more quickly, fruit and nut trees that yield years earlier and plants that produce new plastics with unique properties Plant Genetic Resources have always been valuable economic assets and a source of livelihood for many people, including those in India. Genetically modified crops can potentially help conserve biodiversity and enable crops to thrive in various environmental conditions. These crops are primarily protected by the “TRIPS” Agreement and the “Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Act, 2001” in India, which grants intellectual property rights.
The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act, 2001 is India's sui generis legislation that directly addresses the protection of plant varieties and the rights of farmers and plant breeders. The proposed research aims to study the necessity, feasibility, and implications of incorporating international intellectual property standards for biological resources such as seeds and plants and the potential impacts on the country’s food security. It will also explore the important role played by farmers in the conservation, enrichment, and sustainable use of plant genetic resources in India. This review will also address some major concerns about the safety, environmental and ecological risks and health hazards involved with GM foods and recombinant technology. Current laws need to be dynamic in addressing the sustainability of modified crops and farmers' rights in the IPR regime.
Keywords: Genetically modified foods, biodiversity, food security, farmers rights, biotechnology, environment.
