GM crops panel to submit report in mid-Feb

BANGALORE: A state government-appointed committee to look at a comprehensive policy on agricultural biotechnology, including the feasibility of genetically modified crops in Karnataka, will submit its report next month.

The government had constituted a sub-committee, under the Vision Group of Biotechnology, to look into the advantages and disadvantages of allowing open field trials for certain GM crops in the state.

At an interaction on transgenic (GM) technology here on Wednesday, M Mahadevappa, former vice-chancellor of the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, and chairman of the sub-committee, said there have been many misconceptions about GM technology. The right use of technology can provide exciting solutions for food security, nutritional security, environmental safety as well as industrial and pharma needs, he added.

Mahadevappa, also a renowned rice breeder, said even though GM technology is not a panacea, it can address many problems faced by medium and small farmers in the country. Scientists are responsible for lack of awareness about the benefits of GM crops among stakeholders, he added.

KK Narayanan, managing director, Metahelix Life Sciences Ltd and sub-committee member, said it'll submitting the report to the government by mid-February.

Agricultural scientists, including those from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore and the Indian Institute of Horticulture Research, batted for lifting the ban on GM field trials.

Stating that crops like Golden Rice and varieties of maize will go a long way in addressing the nutritional needs of children, MA Shankar, director of research, UAS, Bangalore said 26 crops, including Golden Rice and BT brinjal are awaiting central government approval for field trials.

Counterview

Allowing GM crops into the food chain can be calamitous. A technical committee of noted scientists has submitted a report to the Supreme Court highlighting their negative impacts. With a moratorium on field trials in place, scientists and private companies are desperate to push for GM crops. Instead, agri-scientists should strengthen desi crop varieties through alternative means.