GEAC clears field trials for GM maize, cotton and pigeon pea in India
Regulators give Bayer, Rasi Seeds, and ICAR the green light to advance GM crop testing at designated sites.
INDIA – India’s Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) has approved new confined field trials for genetically modified maize, cotton, and pigeon pea across several agricultural research institutes in the country.
The approvals, announced following the 155th GEAC meeting held on June 9, 2025, apply to Bayer Crop Science, Rasi Seeds Pvt. Ltd., and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
These trials will take place at selected State Agricultural Universities and ICAR institutes.
Bayer Crop Science received permission to conduct trials of two genetically modified maize varieties: herbicide tolerant NK603 and insect resistant MON89034.
According to the meeting minutes, the trials aim to assess weed control using glyphosate potassium salt on NK603 and evaluate MON89034’s resistance against specific insect pests.
Scientists will also monitor how the modified hybrids interact with other insects in the field and examine their impact on soil health and plant development.
Researchers will collect data on how much of the proteins from the modified genes are present in different parts of the plant throughout the growth cycle. They will also compare how these GM maize varieties perform against conventional ones.
“Conducting these confined field trials is part of the regulatory process to understand the traits in real growing conditions,” said a senior official familiar with the approvals.
Cotton and pigeon pea also in focus
Alongside Bayer’s maize trials, Rasi Seeds Pvt. Ltd. secured approval for confined field testing of transgenic cotton hybrids RIRC304 and RIRC-304×MON15985. These varieties have been developed for resistance to key pests that threaten cotton yields in India.
ICAR’s National Institute for Plant Biotechnology was also granted permission to test four genetically modified pigeon pea lines. These varieties aim to resist pod borer infestations, which cause serious crop damage and yield losses in many parts of India.
These developments mark another step forward in India’s cautious but steady progress in evaluating genetically modified crops.
Broader trend in GM crop research
This recent GEAC approval follows earlier decisions to support similar trials in Karnataka and Haryana. In 2022 and 2023, the GEAC allowed Rallis India Limited to carry out first and second-year trials of two GM stacked cotton varieties and a GM maize hybrid at three university sites.
These earlier approvals came after the respective state governments issued No Objection Certificates.
“The Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGM) may issue the permit letters and monitor confined field trials to ensure compliance with prescribed terms and conditions,” stated the committee.
By expanding research into different GM crop varieties, Indian regulators are continuing a science-based approach to agricultural innovation.
The results from these trials will help guide future decisions on whether such crops can be commercially released.
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