The global population, set to exceed 10 billion by 2050, presents enormous challenges to food, health, nutrition, energy, and environmental security. Plant breeding methods have continuously evolved to develop improved crop varieties to meet these demands. Among the recent developments, genetically modified crops (GMCs) have emerged as a viable option to enhance crop yields, nutritional value, biofuel potential, and climatic adaptability. However, extensive application of GMCs is a very controversial subject due to biosafety issues, environmental impacts, economic viability, and legal considerations. This review presents a critical evaluation of the merits and limitations of GMCs, along with a discussion of available alternative approaches, with particular reference to the Indian context. While GMCs have been developed with increased yields, improved shelf life, reduced pesticide and herbicide use, and improved stress tolerance, potential risks such as health hazards and socioeconomic impacts on smallholding farmers in the developing world cannot be disregarded. Besides, regulatory policies and public perception have a significant influence on the acceptability and commercialization of GMCs, especially in countries like India. The discussion therefore encompasses other sustainable alternatives, including marker-assisted selection, genomics-aided breeding, cisgenesis, intragenesis, and stringently regulated gene editing, that embody environment-friendly approaches to agricultural enhancement. A collective assessment of these techniques is presented in order to examine their prospects for delivering long-term biosecurity without compromising environmental and human health. By integrating scientific advances, policy environments, and social perceptions, this review aims to present a balanced perspective of GMCs and their role in the future of global agriculture, particularly in the Global South.
By 2050, the world's population is expected to exceed 10 billion people. This growth will increase the need for food, nutrition, energy, and environmental protection. Genetically modified crops (GMCs) have been developed to help meet these needs by improving crop yields, boosting nutritional value, reducing pesticide use, and helping plants survive under climate stress. This review looks at both the benefits and challenges of using GMCs, with a special focus on India. It also explores newer, more precise crop improvement methods such as marker‐assisted breeding, genomics‐based selection, cisgenesis, and intragenesis. These techniques aim to make farming more productive and sustainable while protecting health and the environment. GMCs have successfully improved yields and reduced chemical use in some crops, such as Bacillus thuringiensis cotton. However, public concerns remain about food safety, environmental effects, and how these technologies affect small farmers. India's regulatory system and public opinion continue to shape how such technologies are accepted and used. Emerging gene‐editing tools are seen as safer and more acceptable alternatives when carefully managed.
© 2025 The Author(s). The Plant Genome published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Crop Science Society of America.