GM Crops, Olympic Medals, and Patents: Is There a Correlation?
By Nimish Gangrade, Editor, Global Agriculture (The article was originally published in Global Agriculture – December 2024 Issue)
20 December 2024, New Delhi: When examining global trends in agricultural innovation, athletic prowess, and intellectual property creation, an intriguing pattern emerges: the countries excelling in cultivating genetically modified (GM) crops often lead in Olympic medal tallies and patent filings. This correlation invites a deeper analysis into the underlying factors that might connect these diverse domains of agriculture, sports, and innovation.
Global Leaders in GM Crop Cultivation and Their Dominance
The United States, Brazil, Argentina, and Canada are among the largest cultivators of GM crops. According to the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA), the U.S. leads with over 71 million hectares of GM crops, followed by Brazil at 56 million hectares. These countries also consistently rank at the top of the Olympic medal tables. For example, in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, the U.S. won 113 medals, the highest for any nation.
Correlation Between GM Crop Production and Olympic Medals
| Country | GM Crop Area (Million Hectares, 2022) | Paris 2024 Medals |
| USA | 70.9 | 126 |
| China | 3.0 | 91 |
| Japan* | – | 45 |
| UK* | – | 65 |
| Russia* | – | – |
| Australia* | 0.9 | 53 |
| Canada | 13.1 | 27 |
| Brazil | 54.2 | 20 |
| Germany | N/A | 33 |
| India | 11.5 (Cotton Only) | 6 |
Simultaneously, these nations are leaders in global patent filings. Data from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) shows that the U.S., China (also a GM crop grower), and Japan accounted for the majority of patent applications in 2023. The connection between agricultural innovation and broader scientific development is evident. The extensive research infrastructure supporting GM crop development—ranging from biotech labs to academic institutions—may also contribute to technological advancements and innovations across other sectors.
The Role of GM Crops in National Development
GM crops are often associated with higher agricultural productivity, reduced reliance on pesticides, and resilience to environmental stresses like drought and pests. These benefits enable countries cultivating GM crops to allocate fewer resources to food security issues and more toward other domains such as sports and technology.
For instance, GM soybeans, corn, and cotton dominate agricultural production in countries like the U.S. and Brazil. The increased productivity and profitability of these crops create economic surpluses, which can be reinvested in infrastructure, education, and even sports training facilities. Moreover, the integration of biotechnology into agriculture fosters a culture of innovation, encouraging advancements that extend beyond farming.
India’s Stance on GM Crops and Its Implications
India, with its vast agricultural economy, has been slow to adopt GM crops. Currently, the only GM crop approved for commercial cultivation in India is Bt cotton, which has significantly improved cotton yields since its introduction in 2002. However, no GM food grains are approved for cultivation. Despite this, GM soybean is imported in large quantities for use as cattle feed, poultry feed, and in some processed foods, with little to no regulatory oversight on its labeling or segregation from non-GM produce.
India’s Soybean Imports and Lack of GM Testing Protocols
| Year | Soybean Imports (Million Tonnes) | Percentage Likely GM | Testing Protocols for GM Soybeans |
| 2020 | 3.5 | 70% | None |
| 2021 | 4.2 | 75% | None |
| 2022 | 4.8 | 80% | None |
| 2023 | 5.1 | 80% | None |
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has limited regulations on the traceability of GM-derived products. For example, GM soybean meal and cottonseed oil often enter the human food chain indirectly, raising questions about transparency and consumer awareness.
India’s lack of GM food crops is often attributed to public resistance, environmental concerns, and regulatory hurdles. However, this hesitancy may hinder the country’s ability to tackle emerging agricultural challenges such as new pests, diseases, and climate-induced stresses. With a population of 1.4 billion, India’s food security depends on consistent improvements in crop productivity. While traditional breeding has achieved significant gains, it may fall short in meeting future demands.
Yield Increase in GM Crop-Adopting Countries
| Crop | Country | Yield Increase with GM Crops (%) | GM Adoption Rate (%) |
| Maize | USA | 18% | 92% |
| Soybean | Brazil | 15% | 94% |
| Cotton | India | 50% | 95% (Bt Cotton) |
| Canola | Canada | 20% | 85% |
| Rice | China | 17% | 3% (Trials Only) |
The Patent Landscape and Its Agricultural Connection
Countries leading in GM crop cultivation also dominate the patent landscape. In 2022, the U.S. led the world with over 625,000 active patents, followed by Japan and China. These patents span biotechnology, engineering, and various high-tech fields. The correlation suggests that nations investing in GM crop research are likely fostering innovation across other domains.
India, in contrast, lags in patent filings and GM crop research. According to WIPO, India filed approximately 61,000 patents in 2022, significantly fewer than the U.S. or China. This disparity indicates the need for India to bolster its research capabilities, not just in agriculture but across sectors.
Comparison of GM Crop Adoption and Patent Innovation
| Country | GM Crop Area (Million Hectares, 2022) | Patents Filed (2022) |
| USA | 70.9 | 31,42,652 |
| China* | 3.0 | 15,98,162 |
| Japan* | N/A | 2,65,187 |
| South Korea | N/A | 2,37,783 |
| Germany | N/A | 67,412 |
| India | 11.5 (Cotton) | 61,573 |
| Canada* | 13.1 | 36,879 |
| Australia* | 0.9 | 18,444 |
| Brazil | 54.2 | 15,954 |
| Argentina | 24.5 | 8,654 |
The Olympic Connection: Resources, Innovation, and Training
The relationship between GM crop cultivation and Olympic success can also be tied to resource allocation and innovation. Nations like the U.S., China, and Japan have well-funded sports programs supported by robust economies. The economic benefits derived from GM crops and other technological advancements free up resources for investment in sports infrastructure, training, and athlete development.
Conversely, countries that struggle with agricultural inefficiencies often divert significant resources to address food security challenges, leaving less for other developmental activities. For example, India’s agricultural sector employs nearly 60% of its workforce but contributes only around 17% to GDP, reflecting inefficiencies that could be addressed through technological adoption.
Way Forward for India
To bridge the gap in agricultural innovation and its broader impacts, India must adopt a comprehensive and multi-pronged strategy. First, accelerating research and development in both GM crops and traditional breeding methods is essential. The focus should be on developing pest-resistant, high-yielding, and climate-resilient varieties that can address the challenges posed by a growing population and changing climate. Collaborations with global institutions like the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) and leveraging advanced technologies can significantly expedite progress in this area.
Second, India needs to enhance its regulatory frameworks by establishing clear, science-based policies for the adoption and oversight of GM crops. Transparent and consumer-friendly mechanisms can help address public resistance and foster trust in biotechnology. This will ensure that advancements in agricultural science benefit both farmers and consumers without unnecessary delays.
Third, investing in education and innovation will be critical to driving growth. Increased funding for agricultural research and the establishment of academic programs dedicated to biotechnology and sustainable agriculture can encourage innovation. This, in turn, could boost patent filings and foster technological advancements, creating a ripple effect across various sectors of the economy.
Finally, integrating GM technology with sustainable farming practices is vital for balancing environmental and economic goals. By aligning these efforts with global trends in regenerative agriculture, India can achieve long-term benefits such as improved soil health, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and enhanced productivity. Together, these measures can help India address its agricultural challenges while contributing to broader developmental objectives.
GHG Emissions Reduction from GM Crops
| Region | GHG Reduction (Million Tonnes CO2e) | Equivalent Cars Off the Road (Millions) |
| North America | 35.6 | 23.8 |
| South America | 42.8 | 28.6 |
| Asia (India, China) | 12.1 | 8.2 |
| Europe | 0 (No GM Adoption) | N/A |
Is There a Direct Correlation?
While the connection between GM crop cultivation, Olympic success, and patent leadership is not directly causal, the underlying factors—innovation, resource allocation, and institutional support—create a strong link. Countries that prioritize scientific research and technological adoption in agriculture tend to excel in other domains, reflecting their overall developmental approach.
India’s cautious stance on GM crops limits its potential in addressing critical agricultural challenges and leveraging the broader benefits of innovation. As the global population grows and climate risks intensify, adopting a balanced approach to GM crops, traditional breeding, and sustainable practices will be vital for India’s food security and economic progress. Aligning agricultural advancements with broader developmental goals can enable India to compete not just in global markets but also in arenas like sports and technology, mirroring the successes of countries leading in GM crop cultivation.
Please reach out at info@krishakjagat.org, nimishgangrade@krishakjagat.org if you would like to share your company story or advertise in the upcoming issue of Global Agriculture magazine.
(For Latest Agriculture News & Updates, follow Krishak Jagat on Google News)
(+80 Million Farming Audience Visits Krishak Jagat’s Hindi Website – Click Here for Website)
