The agriculture industry in India is facing a pivotal moment, with the seed industry being a major focus. The future trajectory of this industry could have significant implications for the overall growth and development of agriculture in the country. The Indian government’s recent decision to differentiate gene editing (GE)[1] from genetically modified (GM) crops is a significant development that offers limitless opportunities for creating marketable products with desirable traits. Advancements in gene editing technologies have the potential to transform the seed industry as we know it completely. These cutting-edge tools allow for precise modifications to the genetic makeup of seeds, leading to the development of crops with improved yields, disease resistance, and nutritional content. The impact of gene editing on agriculture could be profound, offering a sustainable solution to feeding a growing global population.

It offers the alluring prospect of making crops resilient to pests, diseases, and environmental stress, which is becoming a major constraint in crop production due to increasingly visible climate change impacts. The practice of gene editing presents complex ethical challenges that require careful consideration and responsibility from the Indian seed industry. It prompts questions about the moral implications of modifying genetic material and the potential risks and benefits of such interventions. Some of the ethical and moral issues unique to gene editing are as follows.

1. The emergence of gene editing technologies raises concerns about equitable access. Developed nations and large agribusinesses have more resources to invest in gene editing research, potentially creating economic disparities in access to advanced technologies. This is currently being observed with developing countries still finding ways to access technology.
2. The unintended consequences of these alterations and their impact on biodiversity and ecological balance could be a major concern. Unintended consequences can be observed in the long run, as gene editing could alter the traits of crops in ways that impact the surrounding environment. An example could be that a gene-edited plant might exhibit increased resistance to certain pests that were not targeted, potentially disrupting local ecosystems by affecting populations of insects or other species that rely on these plants.
3. The gene-edited crops will be subject to intellectual property and ownership rights. This raises ethical questions about the ownership of modified genetic material. Also, patents and IP rights could restrict access to certain plant varieties, limiting farmers’ ability to save seeds, replant, or share them freely. This could be a challenge to traditional agricultural practices and farmers’ rights.

Therefore, it is crucial that the industry approaches this issue with care and takes into account the broader societal and environmental impacts of gene editing.

Technology has already started providing gene-edited crops that are benefiting consumers globally. For example

1. Innate® Potatoes[2] (Simplot), developed by J.R. Simplot Company, are engineered to have reduced bruising and black spots and produce less acrylamide, a potential carcinogen when cooked at high temperatures.
2. Calyxt developed a herbicide-tolerant canola variety, SU Canola™[3], using TALEN® technology. The SU Canola™ can tolerate sulfonylurea-based herbicides, providing farmers with a more efficient weed control option.
3. GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) tomatoes: GABA, a naturally occurring amino acid, has various health benefits, including reducing stress and promoting relaxation. CRISPR-Cas9 to enhance the GABA content in tomatoes and commercialized in Japan.

As evidenced by the above examples, the benefits of gene editing are immense. However, the ethical problem faced by the seed industry in general and society at large are the concerns about unintended consequences, potentially disrupting delicate ecological balances and threatening biodiversity. Another concern relates to the control and ownership of genetically edited seeds, creating worries about monopolistic practices within the agricultural sector. Such Catch-22 situations intersect with deeply rooted cultural and ethical values, challenging India’s agricultural traditions and raising debates about the sanctity of natural processes in farming.

The right approach that the Indian seed industry can adopt will be to embark on a path of rigorous research and development to integrate gene editing into their breeding efforts. Scientists and researchers around the world are working towards the development of gene editing platforms that can lead to the development of crops that are not only capable of producing high yields but also possess environmentally sustainable characteristics. The development of such platforms can revolutionize the agricultural industry and provide sustainable solutions. Companies are investing in technologies that mitigate the environmental impact of genetically modified organisms and striving to ensure that the benefits of gene editing are equitably distributed among farmers, regardless of their scale of operation.

The Indian seed industry can benefit from these platforms and technologies by fostering collaborations with academic institutions, biotechnology companies, and international organizations. These global institutes can provide access to expertise and resources, accelerating research and development efforts. Companies also need to engage with government agencies to ensure compliance with regulations and communicate effectively with farmers and local communities to tailor GE crops to regional needs, promoting sustainable agriculture. The dialogues with ethical and environmental organizations will foster trust and address concerns that may arise due to gene-edited crops.

[1] https://allianceforscience.org/blog/2022/04/in-boost-for-agriculture-india-exempts-gene-edited-crops-from-biosafety-assessment/ .

[2] Innate Potatoes. https://www.innatepotatoes.com/

[3] Cibus Announces Approval of First Commercial Product SU Canola™ in Canada. https://www.cibus.com/press/press031814.php

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