At a crucial meeting in New Delhi, the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee discussed various genetically modified seeds, including cotton.

However, GEAC said it has not approved multi-locational research trials of GM food crops.

The field trials of GM crops, which was on the agenda for the discussion included six Bt rice hybrids, three Bt okra hybrids, two GM corn crops, eight Bt eggplant hybrids.

The committee had asked seed companies concerned to submit validated protocol for detection of 0.01 per cent level of genetic contamination, subject to which the field trials of GM food crops would be considered.

The GEAC, however, approved the procedure for import of soyoil extracted from Roundup Ready Soybeans as proposed by Solvent Extractors' Association of India.

The GEAC, in its 78th meeting on Friday, approved MLRT of several Bt Cotton hybrids expressing genes and events which were earlier approved. It also approved strip trials of Bt Cotton hybrids expressing genes and events approved earlier. GEAC allowed experimental seed production of Bt Cotton hybrids in different parts of the country.

Permission to conduct MLRT of Bt cotton expressing approved gene/ events have been approved. This includes BG I Cotton hybrids, BG II Cotton hybrid, cry1Ac gene, 3 intra-hirsutum hybrids, 2 inter-specific hybrids, 3 inter-specific hybrids, 5 Bt Cotton hybrids, Bollgard Cotton hybrids has been given.

The MLRT will be done in central and south zones at various locations. The committee has also approved the proposal for strip trials of Bt Cotton expressing approved gene/events.

This will cover 35 Bt Cotton hybrids, 115 transgenic Bt Cotton hybrids, 29 intra-specific Bt Cotton hybrids and others will be included.

Experimental seed production of Bt Cotton expressing approved gene/events has also been given approval. The Large Scale Field Trials of Bt Cotton expressing new gene/events did not get approval because they did not complete full bio-safety studies. This include cotton hybrids expressing Cry1C gene and seed production of cotton hybrids.