GEAC mandates prior state govt okay

With states wanting information on field trials of genetically modified crops, the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) today directed applicants or companies wishing to conduct field trials for genetically modified (GM) crops to first produce a no-objection certificate from the states where they wished to do this.

Bihar, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh have earlier objected to field trials on GM crops being conducted in their state without their knowledge.

Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, for instance, had written to Union environment minister Jairam Ramesh for details on the field trials for GM maize being conducted in the state by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. Madhya Pradesh recently sought details of the places where trials for GM crops were being conducted.

In the new rules, those wishing to conduct field trials for GM crops must first write to the GEAC about the place they have in mind. The Committee would then analyse the site on various parameters, such as its location near a sanctuary, water body, etc. After obtaining clearance, the applicants would have to get a no-objection certificate from the state in question as well, before any field trial.

GM companies are unhappy. “It will obviously delay the process for getting clearance for field trials,” said Paresh Verma, director, research, in Shriram Bioseed Ltd and a member of the National Seed Association of India.