GEAC gives nod to field trials for GM crops to generate biosafety data

The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) has approved experimental field trials for the purpose of generating biosafety data in respect of genetically-modified (GM) crops such as cotton, rice, castor, wheat, maize, tomato, groundnut, potato, sorghum, okra, brinjal, mustard, watermelon, papaya, sugarcane banana, pigeon pea, Artemisia annua L and chickpea.
This was stated by Jayanthi Natarajan, minister of state (independent charge) for environment and forests, in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha. She added that about 79 applications covering 11 crops – cotton, rice, castor, maize, wheat, sugarcane, brinjal, potato, chickpea, mustard and sorghum – are currently pending with GEAC. Out of the 79 applications, 24 are awaiting no-objection certificates (NOC) from the state governments and the remainder is yet to be considered by GEAC.
Natarajan stated that in view of the objections received from some of the state governments regarding GM crop field trials in their states, GEAC directed the applicants to obtain NOC from the respective state government before the issuance of the approval letter. The minister added that the matter is sub judice in the Supreme Court.