A decision on GM trials

But beef up safeguards for genetically modified crop trials

Environment Minister M Veerappa Moily has made the right move by overturning the untenable position taken by his predecessors on field trials of genetically modified (GM) crops. Around 200 gene-altered varieties of different crops will now be allowed to be field-tested, subject, of course, to certain necessary conditions. This could, depending on the outcome of the trials, clear the way for many more GM crops that are awaiting approval from the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) or are in various stages of development. The bar on GM trials was imposed earlier in response to the demands made by the vocal anti-GM lobby, even as a large section of scientists had opined otherwise. A resolution adopted at a conference on GM crops organised by the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences last month had called for an immediate lifting of the embargo on GM trials, pointing out that these trials were essential to evaluate the performance and safety of gene-altered crops. GM crops are being bred specifically to raise crop nutrition and productivity at reduced costs and to impart immunity against pests, diseases and other stresses such as drought, soil salinity and climate change.

Seed companies and public-funded farm research bodies have invested heavily in GM research. Prolongation of the moratorium would have rendered these investments unproductive, thereby forcing many companies - at least the multinationals - to shift their research and development base outside India. The ill-effects of hampering GM research are apparent. India, already a late starter in this field, has been left further behind developed and even some fast-growing countries, such as China and Brazil, in tapping potential gains from biotechnology in various fields, including agriculture and pharmaceuticals.

Certainly, concerns over bio-safety aspects of GM products, especially transgenic crops where genes from alien, non-plant sources have been inserted into them, should not be overlooked. These can be addressed by suitably amending the GM regulatory regime, which, in its present incarnation, lacks autonomy. Its credibility, too, has been eroded by shifting the powers of final approval of GM crops from the GEAC to the environment ministry. A recent paper published in the February 2014 issue of Plant Biotechnology Journal points out some inherent flaws in the legal regime governing the GM sector. For some odd reasons, the GM crops have been listed among the hazardous substances under the Environment Protection Act, 1986. This is scientifically untenable. Besides, there is a dichotomy regarding GM crops between the powers of the Centre and those of the states. While the Union environment ministry has the power to regulate and approve GM crops, the right to allow or disallow the experimentation and cultivation of such crops in open fields rests with state governments - since agriculture is a state subject. This often leads to Centre-state conflicts in decision making. Sadly, an updated and sensible regulatory Bill was introduced but not passed by this Parliament.

There is, therefore, an urgent need to either thoroughly revamp the current regulatory framework or, preferably, replace it with a new one that is immune to political interventions or external pressures. However, trials of GM crops should no longer be blocked, for that would be a disservice to farmers and consumers.