What GM crops does India grow?
India commercialised three varieties of GM insect resistant cotton in 2002, and by 2006, 62 varieties were approved for commercial production. Cotton is an important cash crop, contributing around 30 per cent of the gross value of India’s agricultural production. The popularity of GM insect resistant cotton is illustrated by the expansion of cultivated area. The area under GM insect resistant cotton increased from 50 000 ha in 2002 to 3.8 million ha in 2006. In 2006–07, India surpassed the United States as the second largest cotton producer after China. Other GM crops under trial in India include eggplant (brinjal), rice, cauliflower, tomato, okra, potato and mustard. These crops have traits such as insect and disease resistance, increased shelf life and higher levels of essential amino acids.
