Asian Journal of Research in Biosciences

Aim: This study evaluate the multifaceted role of Genetically Modified (GM) crops in addressing dual challenges of food security and hidden hunger in India. This paper examines the dual potential of GM technology to stabilize crop yields against escalating climate volatility and to address malnutrition through biofortification, specifically focusing on indigenous developments like GM Mustard (DMH-11) and Vitamin A-enriched Golden Rice.

Study Design and Methodology: The approach demands a thorough analysis of current developments, such as recent trade discussions between the US and India and court rulings relating to agricultural patents. The study classifies barriers to adoption as economic (corporate monopolies), cultural (natural vs. manufactured food), and administrative (regulatory transparency). The impact of these elements on small-scale farmers and consumer autonomy is the main importance of this "middle-out" investigative method.

Results and Discussion: The results show that although GM technology has great potential to increase caloric and nutritional production, prevalent distrust prevents its integration. Because corporate monopolies are seen as a threat to seed sovereignty, "Indian perception" is still cautious in 2026 (Beej Swaraj). The findings show that traditional food systems continue to be preferred by society over "engineered" substitutes. The report also finds a serious lack of faith in regulatory transparency, which is made worse by unclear, essential labeling and doubts about the supremacy of multinational patents over advances in the public sector.

Conclusions: Strong socioeconomic safeguards must be linked with biotechnology innovation to end hunger.  A "middle-out" approach that puts public-sector research and domestic innovations ahead of international patents is necessary to incorporate GM crops. In the end, protective consumer rights through strict labeling and decentralized laws, safeguarding the rights of small-scale farmers, and closing the trust gap through regulatory transparency are all necessary to ensure national food security.