Genetically Engineered Insects

 

Why in News?

India aims to boost Bioeconomy's contribution to GDP from 2.6% to 5% by 2030, as per the Department of Biotechnology's 'Bioeconomy Report 2022'.

• The DBT's April 2023 'Guidelines for Genetically Engineered (GE) Insects' offer procedural guidelines for those attempting to create GE insects with issues.

 Key Highlights of the Bioeconomy Report 2022

1. India's bioeconomy is expected to reach a value of USD 150 billion by 2025 and surpass USD 300 billion by 2030.
2. The sector saw a significant 14.1% growth, reaching USD 80 billion in 2021, up from USD 70.2 billion in 2020.
3. The bioeconomy generated USD 219 million daily, indicating its substantial economic impact.
4. In 2021, the biotech sector saw the daily establishment of three startups, resulting in a total of 1,128 startups for the year.
5. The industry has committed over USD 1 billion to research and development, demonstrating a strong commitment to innovation and advancement.
6. India demonstrated its resilience and capacity by administering 4 million Covid-19 vaccine doses and conducting 3 million daily tests during the global pandemic.
7. Over the past decade, the number of biotech startups has grown significantly, from 50 to over 5,300, with projections of doubling by 2025.
8. The Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) has established 74 bio-incubation centers in 21 states/UTs, providing a supportive environment for bio-entrepreneurs.
9. India has the second-highest number of USFDA-approved manufacturing plants outside the US, demonstrating its global standing in the biotech industry.

Genetically Engineered (GE) Insects

1. About:

• GE insects are organisms modified through genetic engineering techniques to introduce desired traits or characteristics.
• This involves altering the insect's DNA in a non-natural manner, often to provide specific advantages or tackle specific issues.

2. Application:

• Effective management of vectors is crucial for maintaining human and livestock health.
• The management of major crop insect pests is a crucial aspect of agricultural operations.
• The goal is to enhance human health and the environment by minimizing the use of chemicals.
• The production of proteins for healthcare purposes is a crucial aspect of modern medical science.
• Genetic improvement is the process of improving beneficial insects such as predators, parasitoids, pollinators like honey bees, and productive insects like silkworm and lac insect.

3. Issues with Genetically Engineered (GE) Insects Guidelines:

• The guidelines in India lack specificity on the approval purposes of GE insects, focusing on health, agriculture, and environment, but do not align with the broader bioeconomy commitment.
• The guidelines are restricted to research and do not address confined trials or deployment, raising concerns about community exposure without individual choice.
• The definition of 'beneficial' in GE insects is ambiguous, affecting investment and progress, similar to ambiguities in other gene-editing guidelines.

Challenges Related to Genetically Engineered (GE) Insects

1. Ecological Impact:

• Genetically modified insects pose a significant ecological risk, potentially disrupting ecosystems by affecting non-target species or altering existing population balance.

2. Unintended Consequences:

• Genetic engineering is a complex process that can lead to unexpected effects on insect behavior, lifespan, and interactions with other organisms due to changes in targeted genes.
• Modified insects pose a risk of spreading modified genes beyond their intended population, potentially causing unintended consequences if they breed with wild populations.

3. Ethical Concerns:

• Some individuals express concern about the ethical implications of altering the genetic makeup of living organisms, especially when it involves their release into the environment.

4. Regulatory Challenges:

• Creating regulatory frameworks for genetically engineered insects is challenging, necessitating careful testing, monitoring, and oversight to guarantee safety and effectiveness.

 

5. Long-Term Stability:

• The stability of engineered traits over generations is crucial, as genetic modifications must remain effective and not degrade or be influenced by natural selection pressures.

6. Costs and Scalability: 

• The ongoing challenge of ensuring cost-effectiveness and scalability for large-scale applications like disease vector control is posed by the high costs associated with developing and implementing genetically engineered insect technologies.

Way Forward

1. Clear policies are essential for achieving bio-economy goals and addressing issues for sector growth and contribution to the national economy.
2. The success of genetically modified insects’ hinges on a multidisciplinary approach involving scientists, policymakers, ethicists, and the public to mitigate potential risks.
3. The responsible handling of these complexities requires continuous research and open dialogue.    

 

 

 

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