Trials start in Ludhiana
GM Maize Field Trials Begin in Punjab: Two varieties of genetically modified (GM) maize are undergoing biosafety field trials at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. These trials commenced in the ongoing Kharif 2025 season.
The GM maize hybrids include herbicide-tolerant (HT) and insect-resistant (BT) traits. These are designed to tackle both weeds and lepidopteran pests, respectively.
Bayer and Biosafety Phases
The maize variants have been developed by Bayer, a global agrochemical giant. The current field trials fall under BRL-I and BRL-II stages of biosafety assessments.
The objective is to observe the efficacy of glyphosate-K salt in weed control and the effectiveness of BT maize against pest infestations in field conditions.
Regulatory green signal from GEAC
Approval for the field trials came from the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) in July 2025. The Punjab government had to provide written consent before trials could begin.
GEAC is the apex body for regulating GM crops in India. It functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
Static GK fact: The GEAC was constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and is responsible for approving large-scale use of GMOs and their release into the environment.
Glyphosate controversy in Punjab
Glyphosate, the herbicide to be tested on HT maize, is controversial. In 2018, the Punjab government had banned its sale, citing public health and environmental risks.
The current trials are under strict scientific protocols to test only limited applications of glyphosate. The results will influence whether GM maize can be scaled up across Indian farmlands in the future.
Static GK Tip: Glyphosate is classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a “probable human carcinogen.”
Implications for Indian agriculture
This marks a critical moment in India’s GM crop policy. If the trials succeed, India may witness its first commercial GM maize cultivation in the near future.
Supporters argue this could reduce pesticide use and boost productivity, while critics raise biosafety and ecological concerns.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
GM Maize Field Trials Begin in Punjab:
| Topic | Detail |
| Location of trials | Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana |
| Traits in GM maize | Herbicide tolerance and insect resistance |
| Developer of GM maize | Bayer |
| Herbicide under trial | Glyphosate-K salt |
| Target pests | Lepidopteran pests |
| GEAC approval | Given after Punjab government consent |
| Regulatory body | GEAC under MoEF&CC |
| Year of glyphosate ban | 2018 |
| Legal framework | Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 |
| Trial phases | BRL-I and BRL-II |
