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| Pawar believes GM crop answer to food woes |
| Press Trust of India / New Delhi Feb 17, 2010, 16:33 IST |
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Food and Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar is firm in his belief that Genetically Modified (GM) crops could solve the country's food security problem, but conceded that the Environment Ministry has the final word on the issue.
"We will respect the decision taken by the Environment Ministry, which can give us the ultimate guidance," he told reporters when asked to comment on Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh's decision to hold back release of Bt-brinjal although it was cleared by the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC).
Pawar emphasised that the use of GM crops was essential to address food security in the country.
"Basically, I want to resolve the issue of food security of this country. We have to improve our productivity in a situation when the population doubles and there is no possibility of additional land and water.
"To increase productivity, we have to follow modern science and technology that includes biotechnology as well," he said.
In November last year, the GEAC - an official panel of scientists and experts - approved the first genetically modified (GM) crop, Bt brinjal, for commercial cultivation.
However, due to protest by green and health activists, Ramesh held public hearings on the basis of which the government decided to hold back the crop's release.
Ramesh had also taken exception then to Pawar's stand that the decision of GEAC was final and that the Centre does not have any say.
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