Farmers' group demand clearance for GM crops

A group of farmer organisations Wednesday appealed to the union government to allow field trials of genetically modified (GM) crops as that will increase productivity.

Farmers from Consortium of Indian Farmers Association (CIFA), All India Co-ordination Committee of Farmers Associations among others expressed disappointment over a Supreme Court technical expert committee recommending an indefinite moratorium on the field trials of GM crops.

"We face several farm productivity challenges like high labour cost, insects, diseases, unpredictable water and nutrient availability. GM crop can offer us some choices of solutions," Chengal Reddy, secretary general, CIFA told reporters here.

According to the farmer organisations, delay in access to new technology like GM crops will put farmers back by several decades.

"Farmers in other parts of the world have moved several steps forward. They now access the latest scientific technologies in the seeds they sow," said Bhupinder Singh Mann of the Shetkari Sanghatana.

The farmers expressed hope that the Supreme Court will take a decision in their favour.

The apex court committee last month recommended indefinite moratorium till the government comes out with a proper regulatory and safety mechanism.