India, since it outperforms China in population and is concerned about its food security and high costs of importing food, uses the relaxation of regulations for genetically modified crops (transgenic or transgenic). Local state and public institutions are conducting research to develop transgenic seeds for wheat, sugarcane, rice, potatoes, lentils, chickpeas, bananas and other crops.

Indian institutions are "deeply engaged" in developing genetically modified seeds for 13 crops, including rice, wheat and sugarcane, to improve their yield and quality, the government said on Friday. In October, the Ministry of the Environment granted authorization for locally grown GM mustard seeds, which could pave the way for the commercial launch of the country's first food crop in about two years.

The Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR), a state-owned entity, and other organizations are also conducting research to develop transgenic seeds for potatoes, lentils, chickpeas and plantains, the Ministry of Agriculture said in a statement. "ICAR institutions and universities are deeply committed to the development of transgenic crops for different characteristics, such as tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress, yield and quality improvement in 13 crops," he said.

India is committed to adopting agricultural technologies, such as GM crops, to ensure food security and reduce dependence on imports, while seeking to increase production of items such as edible oils for its nearly 1.4 billion inhabitants, the largest number in the world after China.

Source: Agrolink