New Delhi: The Narendra Modi government is facing pressure from its ally, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh in the ongoing GM crop debate. In a recent development, two RSS linked outfits have now demanded a ban on field trials of genetically modified (GM) crops. The government has however, claimed that there is no pressure on it to decide against GM crops.
The demand came just days after the regulatory body, the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee, gave a go-ahead for the trial of 15 crops.
Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said, "Field trials of genetically modified crops was a recommendation of the committee. A decision will be taken in this regard after consultations with all stakeholders."
Even as the debate on the open field trials for GM crop continues, the father of India's green revolution MS Swaminathan has sounded a word of caution and clearly said that the mechanisms to regulate and assess safety of GM food is inadeqaute in the country.
Responding to queries on the GM crop issue Swaminathan said, "I had recommended a regulatory authority. Inspite of 30 years, we have not developed procedures which satisfy the public, NGO and media that you have an objective system of measuring risks and benefits GEAC has not been cared for because it is headed by bureaucrats and not by professionals."
On the other hand, the proponents of GM food argue that it increases productivity and therefore contributes to food security, lowers production costs and increases stability of production in times of drought and other biotic stress.
While those who are opposed to GM crop point out that there is no independent and professional regulatory mechanism in place yet and no consensus among the scientific community regarding the safety have been achieved.
MS Swaminathan has reiterated the urgent need for a national policy and national mechanism to dispel apprehensions about GM food as India cannot afford to miss the benefits of transgenic technology.
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