Seed companies seek states' nod for GM crops

The Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises-Agriculture Group (ABLE-AG) has been lobbying with the states to allow field trials of genetically modified crops as only three states (Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Punjab) have given permission so far.

“We are meeting the governments of respective states to clear the doubts and apprehensions associated with the field trials of GM crops,” V Ram Kaundinya, chairman of ABLE-AG, said here on Tuesday.

The move to introduce new genetically modified crops in the country was questioned by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Agriculture earlier this year even as the Centre transferred the onus of allowing the field trials to the respective states.

Further, the committee in its report tabled in Parliament last month also observed that the Approval Committee was under tremendous pressure from the industry to grant approvals for these crops without properly studying their impact on health.

Kaundinya said there were misconceptions on the safety aspects of the genetically modified crops though studies conducted so far had not indicated any such problem.

However, the industry body has taken up the task of providing adequate information and data to the Parliamentary Standing Committee members on GM crops besides persuading the states to change their stand towards this technology, according to Kaundinya.

The technology of genetically modified crops doesn't just mean BT (insect-resistant) but extends to several other areas like salinity-resistant and drought-resistant crops that are essential for the Indian soil and agroclimatic conditions, he said.

Graham Brooks, director, PG Economics Ltd, London, in a presentation said the ongoing resistance to the adoption of GM technology in Europe was driven by political factors rather than any health concerns. PG Economics specialises in advisory and consultancy services to agriculture and natural resources-based industries.