Answer: Genetically modified (GM) crops are plants whose DNA has been modified using genetic engineering methods for agricultural purposes. With India’s 107th rank in Global Hunger Index 2022, GM technology holds the potential to provide a viable pathway to address food security issue in the country.

Current Status of GM Crops in India

• In India, the regulation of all activities related to Genetically Modified Organism (GMOs) is done by the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) under MoEFCC under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
• Multiple crops like brinjal, tomato, maize, chickpea are in various stages of trials that employ GM technology.
• However, cotton remains the only GM crop that is being commercially cultivated in India.
• In October 2022, the GEAC approved the environmental release of GM mustard hybrid DMH-11, bringing it closer to full commercial cultivation.
• However, there is an ongoing legal case in the Supreme Court questioning the permission for GM food crops including GM Mustard.

GM Technology enhancing Food Security in the country

• Increased Agricultural Productivity: GM technology helps in development of high-yielding crop varieties with enhanced resistance to pests, diseases, and adverse environmental conditions.
• For example: Bt cotton is resistant to pests, such as lepidopteran or dipterans.
• Localized crop varieties for specific conditions: GM technology allows for the customization of crop varieties for specific local environmental conditions, such as drought-prone or saline soils.
• GM Soybean (Glycine max) for drought tolerance has been developed and India allows GM soymeal import from the US for animal feedstock.
• Enhanced Nutritional Value: GM crops can be engineered to contain higher levels of essential nutrients, addressing malnutrition and dietary deficiencies.
• GM crops like Golden Rice can address the prevalence of Vitamin A deficiency in over 60% of pre-school children in India.
• Improved Livelihoods for Farmers: GM crops requiring fewer inputs, can lead to increased profitability for farmers enhancing their economic well-being.
• An estimated 50% of all undernourished people worldwide are small-scale farmers in developing countries like India.

Limitations of GM technology

• Affect the food chain and human health: Critics argue that without adequate research, GM crops can adversely affect the food chain and human health through genetic contamination.

• Genetic Contamination Concerns:

• GM crops may cross-pollinate with traditional varieties.
• Altered genes can affect non-GM crops' characteristics.

• Reduced Diversity and Pest Resilience:

• Crossbreeding can lead to uniform crop varieties.
• Uniformity increases vulnerability to pests and diseases.

• Biodiversity Impact:

• Contamination extends to wild varieties.
• Altered gene pools may lead to reduced pollination.
• Emergence of resistant pests: Crops like Bt cotton and corn have seen reduced crop yield due to rising resistance in pests because of mutation in response to bacteria Bt.
• Seed Monopoly and Dependency: The dominance of a few multinational corporations like Monsanto in GM seed production can lead to high seed prices.
• Thus, limited financial resources will reduce opportunities for farmers to invest in diversified and resilient agri practices.
• Complex Regulatory Framework: Stringent regulatory framework for GM crops leads to delays in approvals and commercialization.
• For example: Bt Brinjal faced regulatory hurdles, delaying its introduction.
• High Initial Investment: Developing GM crops involves high upfront costs which is a deterrent for smaller farmers. 
• This is a limitation of GM technology in ensuring food security in India as over 80% farmers are small and marginal.

It's essential to recognize that GM technology, while promising, is not a panacea for all agricultural challenges. It should be integrated into a broader strategy that includes sustainable farming practices, improved access to credit and markets, and investments in rural infrastructure. This holistic approach is crucial for addressing food insecurity comprehensively in India.