PM brings hope for scientists over introducing GM food crops in India after safety trials

NEW DELHI: In a remark which may bring smile on the face of thousands of agriculture scientists across the country, the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday said that the government should not succumb to "unscientific prejudices" against genetically modified (GM) crops.

Giving a strong signal to green activists who have been opposed to the transgenic crops without any scientific backing, Singh said his government remained committed "to promoting the use of these new technologies for agricultural development".

His remarks, came while delivering inaugural speech at the 101st Indian Science Congress (ISC) in Jammu, may send a sense of relief to scientists community in general and agriculture scientists in particular who had developed many transgenic seeds over the years but could not go for field trial due to moratorium on such activities.

The remarks also showed possible change in the stand of government towards genetically modified (GM) crops. The ministry of environment and forest has already indicated that the government is not averse to the idea of allowing field trial to transgenic food crops in the country. The ministry may submit an affidavit in the Supreme Court which could go in favour of agriculture scientists who argued that the safety aspect of the GM crops could not be known unless they are allowed to go for scientific field trials. They also time and again argued the importance of GM food crops for increasing agriculture productivity in the country to achieve larger goal of food security for its population in future.

In the backdrop of such concerns and debate over the use of GM food crops in the country, the Prime Minister on Monday said, ""To ensure food security and to improve land and water productivity, we have to launch a national drive for an ever-green revolution. This will test the ingenuity of our agricultural scientists. Climate-resilient agriculture and modern bio-technological tools hold great promise. Use of bio-technology has great potential to improve yields"".

The PM, however, also insisted on adhering to the safety aspect. He said, ""While safety must be ensured, we should not succumb to unscientific prejudices against Bt crops. Our government remains committed to promoting the use of these new technologies for agricultural development"".

He, at the same time, urged the scientific community to increase communication and engagement with society at large in explaining socially productive applications of technology alternatives and for improving the productivity of small and medium enterprises.

At present, India allows GM seeds in Cotton while there has been moratorium on use of genetically modified seeds in food crops. The matter concerning decision to allow field trials for GM food crops has been pending in the Supreme Court.

The PM, on the occasion of Indian Science Congress, also announced various measures which his government intended to take to improve research and science education in the country.

He said, "I am happy to announce another National Mission on High Performance Computing with an outlay of Rs. 4500 crores. We are also considering establishment of a National Geographical Information System with an outlay of about Rs. 3000 crores. A National Mission on Teaching to enhance the esteem of our teachers is also being launched."

He also announced that India would partner the international scientific community in the establishment of some of the world's major R&D projects.

He said, "In the Gravitational Wave experiment, India intends to host the third detector. A Neutrino-based Observatory is proposed to be established in Tamil Nadu at a cost of about Rs 1450 crores. India is also joining the famous CERN institute as an associate member."

He further said, "We must also seek global leadership in at least some research and development areas. Affordable innovations for human healthcare, sustainable agriculture, clean energy and total solutions for water-related challenges are some areas where Indian science can seek global leadership."