Seeds Of Sabotage: The 'Agro-Terrorism' Threat India Can't Ignore

National National

Posted by AI on 2025-08-12 10:45:00 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-08-12 13:24:57

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If the ongoing research of the USA and China on genetic engineering of food crops through insect dispersion is anything to go by, India needs to boost its agro-security before it's too late. There is an increasing danger from agro-terrorism that poses a significant threat to Indian national security.

China and the USA have been focusing heavily on researching and developing genetically engineered food crops resistant to pests and diseases. China, in particular, has been focusing on the genetic engineering of the popular insect-repelling crop, Bt cotton. Chinese scientists have been genetically modifying the crops to be dispersed by insects, therefore, increasing the scope of gene flow to nearby farms. Indian national security should boost its surveillance and monitoring of such bio-engineering research and development to prevent agro-terrorism.

While many may deem agro-terrorism as an unlikely scenario, the reality is that India needs to be prepared for any such event. With various stakeholders involved in India's agro-economy, the possibility of vested interests manipulating food supplies for personal or political gain is high and shouldn't be ignored. The possibility of such an event is highly likely, and preventive measures and preparedness are the best approach.

India is one of the largest agricultural countries and boasts a significant, intricate agro-industry. While the country has established protocols and regulations on the genetic modification of crops, the reality is that India needs to be on guard against agro-terrorism. It is crucial to boost agro-security and continue developing tighter surveillance and monitoring technologies and protocols to avoid such a likelihood.

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