As of October 2024, which transgenic crop is being commercially cultivated in India?

Correct option is B

The correct answer is (B) Cotton.

Explanation:
As of October 2024, Bt Cotton is the only transgenic crop being commercially cultivated in India. Bt Cotton is genetically modified to produce a protein from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), which is toxic to certain pests, notably the cotton bollworm. This has led to higher yields and reduced pesticide use in cotton farming.

Information Booster:

• Bt Cotton: A genetically modified (GM) variety of cotton that produces a protein from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). This protein is toxic to pests like the cotton bollworm, reducing the need for chemical pesticides and increasing cotton yields.

• Genetically Modified (GM) Crops: These crops have been altered using genetic engineering (a method of changing the plant’s DNA) to develop new traits, such as resistance to pests or improved drought tolerance.

• Cotton Bollworm: A pest that feeds on cotton bolls (flower buds), which are crucial for cotton production, leading to significant crop loss if not controlled.

• Pesticides: Chemicals used to control or kill pests that harm crops. In Bt Cotton, the plant naturally repels pests, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.

• Sustainable Agriculture: Agricultural practices designed to meet current food and textile needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, often through the use of ecologically balanced methods.

• Trial Phase: The testing period where genetically modified crops are evaluated for safety, effectiveness, and environmental impact before being approved for commercial use.