Bt Cotton — Tech Evolutions

Entry	Year	Description	Impact
Rules for the Manufacture, Use, Import, Export and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms/Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells	1989	These are not a direct amendment to the EPA 1986 but are statutory rules notified under Section 6, 8, and 25 of the Act. They established the multi-tier regulatory system for GMOs in India, including the RCGM and GEAC.	Provided the foundational legal and institutional framework for the regulation, research, and commercialization of all genetically engineered organisms, including Bt cotton. This notification is the bedrock of GM crop regulation in India, defining the roles and responsibilities of various committees and ministries.
GEAC Notifications on Trait Fees/Seed Pricing	Periodically (e.g., 2015, 2016, 2018)	While not formal 'amendments' to an Act, the GEAC, under the MoEFCC, has issued several notifications and orders over the years to regulate the maximum sale price of Bt cotton seeds and the 'trait fee' (royalty) charged by technology providers like Mahyco Monsanto Biotech (MMB). These interventions were often in response to disputes between MMB and Indian seed companies, and farmer concerns over high seed costs.	These regulatory interventions aimed to control the market dynamics of Bt cotton seeds, ensuring affordability for farmers and addressing concerns about seed monopolies. They reflect the government's attempt to balance intellectual property rights with farmer welfare, a critical aspect for UPSC aspirants studying agricultural policy and intellectual property rights in agriculture [VY:ECO-08-05].