Editing Big Agro and the Seed Monopoly (section)

==== Adverse effects of GMO seeds ====
Seed varieties cannot be patented in India; however, this does not stop foreign companies from dominating the market with patented seed varieties. It is a misconception that genetically modified organism (GMO) seeds greatly impact yield, and it is alarmist to assume that there would be food scarcity if developing nations attempted to reduce their dependence on GMO varieties. Apart from their adverse effects on our health, they also adversely impact indigenous farming traditions and local genetic biodiversity of plants. GMO seeds often require farming methods that are incompatible with indigenous knowledge and techniques honed over generations. This shift not only undermines cultural heritage but also displaces small-scale farmers who cannot afford the high costs associated with GMO seeds and the requisite chemical inputs. Furthermore, the widespread adoption of GMO seeds exacerbates the loss of genetic biodiversity, as these engineered varieties supplant a multitude of local species that have been naturally selected for their resilience to local pests, diseases, and climatic conditions. The loss of such genetic diversity diminishes the resilience of food systems, making them more vulnerable to pests, diseases, and the impacts of climate change, thereby threatening food security and sovereignty especially in developing nations. Moreover, market dominance also de-incentivizes companies to innovate, with their priority instead being the farming of emerging markets for seeds and the expansion of profit margins.