- One of the major challenges that genetically modified insects (GMIs) face in India's agricultural sector is public perception and acceptance. Many Indians are wary of GM technology due to concerns about safety, environmental impact, and ethical considerations. - Another challenge is regulatory approval. In 2018, India's Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change issued new guidelines for the development and release of GMIs. These guidelines require significant testing and evaluation before the insect can be approved for commercial use, which can be a costly and time-consuming process. - Additionally, there are concerns that GMIs could disrupt natural ecosystems and harm non-target organisms. There is a risk that the modified insects could breed with wild populations, creating new genetic combinations and potentially causing unintended consequences. - The potential implications of the new guidelines on India's agricultural sector are mixed. While GMIs could offer a promising new tool for pest control, their high cost and regulatory hurdles may limit their widespread adoption. Furthermore, it may be difficult to overcome public resistance to genetic modification, which could hinder their acceptance and market adoption.