India is conducting field trials for several genetically modified (GM) crops, including vitamin A and iron-fortified bananas, insect-resistant pigeon peas, and stress-tolerant rubber. The trials are part of the country's seventh national report to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), which outlines India's implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework.
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton remains the only approved commercially cultivated GM crop in India, covering over 11 million hectares. The commercial production of ethanol using GM yeast has also been permitted under specific conditions.
India has reported on 142 national indicators against 23 national biodiversity targets adopted in agreement with 23 Global Biodiversity Targets (GBTs). The report highlights various policies being adopted by the country to ensure biodiversity conservation and security.
The single-window environmental clearance system under Parivesh 2.0 is helping track biodiversity-rich areas, and proposals for developmental activities in these areas are being considered at the highest level.
India is following two approaches to governance: 'State-driven Conservation' and 'Community-driven Conservation'. Efforts are underway to expand protected areas and establish Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs) to meet the 30 x 30 global goal.
The report also highlights the importance of legal provisions under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, and Forest Rights Act, 2006, which ensure the recognition of local rights and community-led governance of biodiversity resources.
