Industry hails govt's move on GM crops; CPI(M) body opposes

Agri-biotechnology industry today welcomed the government's decision to allow field trials of genetically modified (GM) crops saying the "progressive step" will encourage unhindered research in farm sector.
On the other hand, CPI(M)'s peasant wing All India Kisan Sabha said such a move is "undemocratic and shocking" ahead general elections. It also questioned the government's intention to act in "haste" without addressing safety issues.
Environment Minister Veerappa Moily today gave a green signal to regulator Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee's (GEAC) decision to allow field trails of GM crops like rice, wheat, maize, castor and cotton.
"This is a progressive step and will clear path for the unhindered progress of research and development in agriculture sector," Association of Biotech-Led Enterprises- Agriculture Group (ABLE-AG) Chairman Ram Kaundinya said in a statement.

Research and trials should not be stopped, he said and hoped that the next GEAC meeting will clear the new applications before the coming Kharif season.
ABLE-AG members comprise MNCs like Monsanto, Syngenta, Bayer, BASF, Dow AgroSciences and Pioneer-DuPont, besides Indian firms like Advanta, JK Seeds, Mahyco and Rasi Seeds.

Syngenta's senior official K C Ravi said, "It paves the way for much-needed push to research and development in the agri biotech sector. An enabling environment is critical for creating a robust agriculture regime in the country."
Opposing the move, CPI(M)'s farmers wing AIKS said,"The government is facilitating profiteering by MNCs without addressing concerns about bio-safety, monopoly control over seeds and having a fool-proof regulatory mechanism in place."

"The Prime Minister owes an explanation to people as to why Government is acting in such undue haste without addressing concerns of people and peasantry," AIKS said in a separate statement.
Ahead of general elections, such a move is "undemocratic and shocking", it said, and added that there should not be field trials of GM crops without ensuring safety and also such trails should be allowed by public sector and not MNCs.
AIKS expressed concern about there is threat that India's agriculture is coming under the control of MNCs. "Seeds are no longer in the public domain as they are now "intellectual property" of MNCs," it said.

At present, India has allowed commercial cultivation of only Bt cotton, while there is a moratorium on Bt Brinjal due to safety concerns.
In the wake of recommendation to ban such trials by a Supreme Court appointed expert committee, field trials of GM crops however have come to a halt.
The apex court had set up this committee following a public interest litigation (PIL) opposing field trails of GM crops. The court had asked the government to submit its stand on the issue.
Yesterday, Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar said the government will soon file an affidavit favouring field trails of GM crops.