Ethical issues and biopiracy

Manipulating living organisms cannot continue without regulation; ethical standards are needed to judge the morality of activities that may help or harm organisms.

Beyond morality there is biological risk: a GM organism released into an ecosystem may have unpredictable effects.

The Indian Government has set up bodies such as GEAC (Genetic Engineering Approval Committee), which rule on whether GM research is valid and whether releasing GM organisms for public services is safe.

Using organisms for public services such as food and medicine has also raised problems over patents, including public anger at patents granted on genes, plants and bio-resources that farmers and indigenous people of a region found, developed and used long ago.

India has an estimated 200,000 varieties of rice, and 27 documented varieties of Basmati, which is distinct for its aroma and flavour and is mentioned in ancient texts, folklore and poetry.

In 1997 an American company was granted a US patent on Basmati rice. Its 'new' variety came from Indian farmers' varieties crossed with semi-dwarf varieties, and the patent covered functional equivalents, which could restrict others selling Basmati.

There have also been attempts to patent the uses, products and processes of Indian traditional herbal medicines, such as turmeric and neem.

Biopiracy: multinational companies or other organisations using a country's bio-resources without proper authorisation from that country and its people, and without paying compensation.

Most industrialised nations have money but little biodiversity or traditional knowledge; developing and underdeveloped nations have plenty of both. Traditional knowledge can save time, effort and expense in commercialisation.

Some nations are framing laws against such unauthorised use. The Indian Parliament has cleared the second amendment of the Indian Patents Bill, which takes these issues into account, including patent terms, emergency provisions and research and development initiatives.