Aug 01 2014 : The Economic Times (Delhi)

How GM Crops can Eliminate Hunger





The government has erred in putting field trials of genetically-modified (GM) food crops on hold. The country requires genetically-engineered crops to meet the rising demand for food and non-food crops as incomes rise. Let's not forget, farm output surged after India adopted the best biotechnology in terms of high-yielding varieties in the 1960s. Apparently , opposition from two Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) outfits about the possible harm from the new technology has forced the NDA government to backtrack on field trials for 13 GM crops. The trials have been cleared by the apex body for approval of GM crops, the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC). To quell such fears, India must develop the competence to carry out independent testing for all GM crops to assess the likely negative effects. The testing facilities should be housed in universities and dedicated laboratories.Environment minister Prakash Javadekar says the recommendations of the GEAC are not binding on the governme nt. In fact, the GEAC attracted criticism after a parliamentary panel's finding that it had been pressured to approve Bt Brinjal in 2010. Rightly, a Supreme Court-appointed technical expert committee wants a robust regulatory mechanism in India.
The point is that people entrusted with regulation should not have any financial interests in the GM industry .
Therefore, the setting up of a Biotechnology Regulatory Authority makes eminent sense. The Bill has been pending for over a decade now. The government must secure Parliament's approval to set up the authority fast. However, repairing the regulatory system does not mean halting field trials. The trials will pave the way for commercialisation of GM food crops, and help usher in a second green revolution.