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GM food in India faces opposition from Planning Commission |
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The proposal to introduce genetically modified (GM) food in India is now facing opposition from Planning Commission of the country after facing stiff opposition from environment ministry.
The highest planning body has shown the red light to GM technology in food crops in the first public positioning by the government. However, the plan panel has fewer objections on introduction of GM technology in non-edible agro products like cotton.
Planning Commission member Abhijit Sen said that India`s crop exports could be severely hit if it allowed GM food crops. He added that several European and other nations preferred to buy food items from India because it was still known as `GM-free`.
Sen, an agricultural economist, said, "There is bound to be much greater opposition to GM foods. In case of soyabean, we earn more money through exports as the West relies on us for not using GM technology."
The promoters of this technology are keen to start cultivation of GM varieties of tomato, potato and green vegetables including brinjal, he informed. However, Sen said use of this technology has reportedly been successful in enhancing the produce.
Environment minister Jairam Ramesh had earlier expressed fears about allowing BT brinjal and other GM foods, many of which are in the trial stage in the country.
Indian has become the second largest producer of cotton in the world within six years after the introduction of BT cotton in the country.
India is one of the six leading countries that are conducting field trials of GM crops. BT brinjal is considered to be in the final stages of approval from the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC), under the environment ministry.
Some Indian states particularly Gujarat, Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh widely cultivates
BT cotton though areas which have water scarcity have not been so lucky.
An official said, "The gap between India and China has reduced. Farmers are getting big returns due to massive production. There is need to have more GM crops to meet the growing needs of the burgeoning population."
However, reservations against GM food are growing as Kerala government has decided to advise farmers against GM crops. As per the Cotton Advisory Board, India`s GM cotton area is estimated at 6.33 million hectares or 66% of the total cotton area in 2007-08, up from 3.69 million hectares in 2006-07.
(Posted on : 16/06/2009)
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| GM food in India faces opposition from Planning Commission |
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