Confined GM Maize Trials to Begin at Punjab Agricultural University Amid Activist Concerns

Ludhiana, July 16, 2025:
Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) is set to begin confined field trials of genetically modified (GM) maize in the ongoing kharif season, after receiving the green light from India’s apex regulatory body, the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), along with formal consent from the Punjab state government.

The university will test two varieties of transgenic maize — one herbicide-tolerant (HT) and another insect-resistant (IR) — as part of a research-only project in collaboration with Bayer Crop Science Limited.

This decision, however, has sparked renewed debate over the use of genetically modified crops in India, with anti-GMO activists expressing strong opposition.

What Are Confined Field Trials?

Confined field trials are a limited-scale, controlled cultivation of genetically engineered crops under stringent monitoring, conducted to assess their agronomic performance, biosafety, and environmental impact.

These trials are conducted under strict regulatory supervision, without allowing the crops or their seeds to enter the commercial supply chain. In this case, the trials are scheduled to be conducted within the PAU’s agricultural campus in Ludhiana.

The GM maize varieties being tested have been genetically altered for:

• Tolerance to herbicides, allowing farmers to control weeds without harming the crop.

• Resistance to insect pests, especially stem borers and rootworms, reducing crop loss.

Approval Process and Regulatory Oversight

According to official sources, GEAC, under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), reviewed Bayer Crop Science’s proposal in its June 2025 meeting and recommended the field trials, subject to state-level approval and adherence to biosafety norms.

The Punjab government’s consent followed shortly thereafter, clearing the way for the university to initiate the trials within this cropping season.

GEAC’s approval came after multiple rounds of review of the data submitted by Bayer Crop Science, including laboratory studies on the genetic material, risk assessments, and prior trial results from other locations.

University Clarifies: “For Research Purposes Only”

Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice Chancellor of Punjab Agricultural University, issued a public clarification stating that these trials are being conducted purely for academic and research purposes.

“There is no question of commercialising these GM maize variants or releasing them for cultivation by farmers at this stage. These are strictly confined trials governed by the highest standards of biosafety,” Dr. Gosal said in a press note.

The trials will reportedly cover less than one acre each for the two maize variants and will be monitored by scientists from PAU and Bayer under the supervision of the Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGM) and State Biotechnology Coordination Committee (SBCC).

All crop residues will be safely disposed after completion of the trials, with no part entering the food chain or local seed system.

Activists Voice Concerns Over Biosafety and Ethics

Despite official reassurances, anti-GM activists and environmental groups have raised alarm over the trials. They argue that the introduction of GM crops in India, even for research, sets a dangerous precedent, especially in states like Punjab where the agricultural ecology is already under stress.

Activist groups such as Kheti Virasat Mission, Coalition for a GM-Free India, and others have issued joint statements, warning about:

• Unintended environmental consequences, including gene flow to non-GM crops.

• Potential health risks associated with GM food products.

• Lack of transparency and insufficient public consultation.

They also questioned Bayer’s involvement, given the global controversies surrounding agrochemical giants and GM seed patent enforcement.

“We fear that what starts as a confined trial may open the door to commercial GM maize in the future,” said Navdanya’s Punjab coordinator, who joined a small protest outside the university gate earlier this week.

The GM Debate in India: A Recap

India’s stance on GM crops remains highly cautious and politically sensitive.

• The only GM crop approved for commercial cultivation so far is Bt cotton, introduced in 2002.

• Proposals for GM mustard, brinjal, and rice have faced strong resistance and are still under regulatory consideration.

• The Supreme Court of India is currently hearing petitions challenging GM crop approvals on the grounds of biosafety and farmers’ rights.

In this context, the GM maize trials in Punjab are being seen as a crucial test case for the future of biotechnology in Indian agriculture.

Why GM Maize Matters

Maize (corn) is the third-largest cereal crop in India after rice and wheat. However, low productivity and pest infestations remain challenges, especially in non-traditional maize-growing states.

Proponents of GM technology argue that:

• Herbicide-tolerant and pest-resistant maize can reduce pesticide use.

• It can increase yields, helping meet rising demand for animal feed, ethanol production, and processed food ingredients.

• It could boost farmer income and help make Indian agriculture more climate-resilient.

Globally, GM maize is cultivated in countries like the USA, Brazil, Argentina, Canada, and South Africa, with strict regulatory frameworks and biosafety protocols in place.

What Happens Next?

Once the trials are completed — likely by October 2025 — the university will submit a detailed report to GEAC, evaluating:

• Agronomic traits like yield, pest resistance, and tolerance levels.

• Environmental safety, including impact on soil, pollinators, and neighbouring crops.

• Compliance with biosafety measures.

Only after multiple seasons of successful trials and reviews will the question of commercial cultivation even be considered, and that too with central government and parliamentary oversight.

Final Thoughts: Balancing Innovation and Safety

India is at a crossroads where agricultural innovation must balance scientific advancement with socio-political caution.

While confined trials like the one at Punjab Agricultural University are common in many countries, the lack of public trust and concerns about corporate control over seeds continue to fuel protests.

The university, regulators, and Bayer Crop Science will have to ensure absolute transparency, engage with civil society, and strictly adhere to biosafety guidelines if they hope to win public confidence.

As the debate unfolds, what happens in Ludhiana could shape India’s agricultural biotechnology policy for years to come.

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