Science & Technology

Study Finds 30% of Cotton Area Under Illegal GM Hybrids in India

08 October 2026UPSCSSC

In Brief

Reveals that up to 30% of India's cotton fields use illegal GM hybrids, violating the allowed cry1Ac and cry2Ab Bt genes.

A study has revealed that up to 30 percent of the cotton cultivation area in India is under 'illegal' genetically modified (GM) hybrids.

Currently, India legally permits farmers to grow GM cotton hybrids and varieties containing only two specific genes—cry1Ac and cry2Ab—isolated from the soil bacterium Bt. These approved genes code for proteins that are toxic to destructive bollworm insect pests.

Source: Currents/Harish Damodaran; Saurajitmazumdar

#GM-cotton#Bt-cotton#cry1Ac#cry2Ab#unauthorized-GM-crops

Expert Study NotesHIGHGS3 — Science & Technology and Agriculture

GS3 — Science & Technology and Agriculture

📌 Exam Angle

A question can test awareness of India's regulatory framework for GM cotton, specifically the two legally approved Bt genes (cry1Ac and cry2Ab) and their function in pest management. The article provides factual basis for testing knowledge of regulatory compliance violations in agricultural biotechnology.

⚠️ Key Concerns

No specific implementation concern is stated in the supplied report.

💡 Why It Matters

The finding directly relates to India's agricultural biotechnology governance and regulatory enforcement. Understanding the scale of illegal GM hybrid cultivation is relevant to assessing compliance with India's biotechnology approval framework and its implications for authorized crop varieties.

🔑 Must Remember

• Up to 30% of India's cotton cultivation area uses illegal GM hybrids outside approved genes. • India legally permits only two Bt genes in cotton: cry1Ac and cry2Ab, derived from soil bacterium Bt. • These approved genes code for proteins toxic to bollworm insect pests.

📝 Key Terms

GM hybridsBt cottoncry1Accry2Abbollwormgenetic modificationregulatory complianceIndia agriculture

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