India is likely to need genetically - modified ( GM ) crops to avoid a food crisis , with the UN estimating its population to hit 1.8 billion by 2050 . Only one GM cotton crop is currently grown in India , however , some say the country could benefit from future developments in other crops , including a new pest - resistant pigeon pea developed by non - profit International Rice Research Institute for the Semi - arid Tropics , which can yield 30 % more than other varieties . Scientists already have a solution: genetically modified (GM) crops that can withstand pests and droughts. On the flip side , health concerns and concerns over costs associated with GM crops have prevented authorised planting .
India is likely to need genetically - modified ( GM ) crops to avoid a food crisis , with the UN estimating its population to hit 1.8 billion by 2050 . Only one GM cotton crop is currently grown in India , however , some say the country could benefit from future developments in other crops , including a new pest - resistant pigeon pea developed by non - profit International Rice Research Institute for the Semi - arid Tropics , which can yield 30 % more than other varieties . On the flip side , health concerns and concerns over costs associated with GM crops have prevented authorised planting .