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LATEST NEWS UPDATES | PM indicates change in Centre’s stand on GM crops -Vishwa Mohan

PM indicates change in Centre’s stand on GM crops -Vishwa Mohan

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published Published on Feb 4, 2014   modified Modified on Feb 4, 2014
-The Times of India


NEW DELHI: In a remark which may cheer agriculture scientists and farmers across the country and signal a change in stance, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday said the government should not succumb to "unscientific prejudices" against genetically modified (GM) crops.

Responding to anti-GM activists who have been opposed to even scientific field trials of genetically engineered crops, Singh said his government remained committed "to promoting the use of these new technologies for agricultural development".

His remark, while delivering the inaugural speech at the 101st Indian Science Congress (ISC) in Jammu where he announced a number of R&D projects with an outlay of around Rs 9,000 crore, may bring a sense of relief to scientists who have developed many transgenic seeds over the years but could not go for field trial due to moratorium on such activities.

The PM, however, insisted on adhering to the safety aspect of transgenic crops before releasing it for cultivation.

"While safety must be ensured, we should not succumb to unscientific prejudices against Bt crops. Our government remains committed to promoting the use of these new technologies for agricultural development," Singh said.

He, at the same time, urged the scientific community to increase communication and engagement with society in explaining socially productive applications of technology alternatives and for improving the productivity of small and medium enterprises.

The statement also showed possible change in the stand of Centre towards GM crops. The ministry of environment and forests (MoEF) has already indicated that the government is not averse to the idea of allowing field trial of transgenic food crops in the country.

Concurring with the view of agriculture ministry, the MoEF may file a joint affidavit in Supreme Court which could go in favour of scientists who argued that the safety aspect of GM crops could not be known unless they are allowed to go for scientific field trials. They also, time and again, argued the importance of transgenic food crops for increasing agriculture productivity in the country to achieve larger goal of food security.

In the backdrop of such concerns and debate over the use of GM food crops in the country, the PM emphasized use of bio-technology in promoting climate-resilient agriculture. He said, "Use of bio-technology has great potential to improve yields."

At present, India allows commercial production of Bt Cotton while there has been moratorium on scientific field trials of other genetically modified crops. The matter concerning decision to allow field trials for GM food crops has been pending in the Supreme Court.

The PM also announced various measures which his government intends to take to improve scientific research. It includes National Mission on High Performance Computing with an outlay of Rs 4,500 crore, a National Geographical Information System with an estimate of Rs 3,000 crore and a National Mission on Teaching to enhance the esteem of teachers.

Besides, he said, "A neutrino-based observatory is proposed to be established in Tamil Nadu at a cost of about Rs 1,450 crore."


The Times of India, 4 January, 2014, http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/PM-indicates-change-in-Centres-stand-on-GM-crops/articleshow/29830957.cms


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