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Swaminathan moots agri biotech policy

BS Agriculture Editor in New Delhi

Noted agricultural expert MS Swaminathan has suggested to the government to come out with a policy statement on agricultural biotechnology to put at rest controversies regarding genetically modified seeds.

While the country's goals in fields like space technology, information technology and some other hi-tech areas were unambiguous, this was not so in the case of modern farm technology.

The world was witnessing a gene revolution and India could not afford to lag behind, he added.

Swaminathan was briefing the media on the second international agronomy conference. The theme of the meet is 'Balancing food and environmental security: A continuing challenge.'

Swaminathan has suggested to agriculture minister to chalk out a clear-cut policy regarding biotechnology and transgenic and other forms of GM seeds. He discounted fears that Indian farmers would become slaves of multinational companies dealing in GM seeds.

"India has a public sector agricultural research network having a formidable strength in molecular biotechnology. It is unlike the situation in many developed countries where only private sector was investing in GM research. The Indian public sector could give competition to the private sector", he said.

Indian Council of Agricultural Research director-general Panjab Singh said Indian scientists were also working on GM seeds.

About approval to ProAgro's GM mustard hybrid seeds, he said ICAR had neither opposed nor supported it. ICAR had called for better analysis of trial results and additional trials, if needed.

ICAR itself tested ProAgro mustard seeds at four locations. Results showed 18 to 24 per cent yield advantage as well as pollen penetration of up to 10 to 20 metres.

World Bank had approved the second phase of agricultural human resource development project that would help improve teaching, research and extension facilities in farm varsities and colleges.

The Planning Commission had approved a grant of Rs 500 crore (Rs 5 billion) for opening more 'Krishi Vigyan Kendras' (farm science centres) to cover all districts in the country.

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