The net loser is the farmer

The lingering controversy over the issue of genetically modified (GM) crops has flared up afresh, thanks to the permission granted for bio-safety trials of two indigenously developed strains of transgenic Bt-brinjal (eggplant), disregarding the moratorium imposed on such trials 10 years ago. However, this consent is of little consequence unless the ill-advised bar on the introduction of new GM products is also lifted. There is no indication of that as yet though Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other government officials keep harping on the need for science- and innovation-based development.

Bt-cotton, introduced way back in 2002, is the only transgenic crop

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