The Hindu Business Line : GEAC defers decision on Bt cotton renewal

THE Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) on Wednesday deferred a decision on granting renewal of permission to Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Company (Mahyco) to market its three Bt cotton hybrids (Mech-12, Mech-162 and Mech-184) in the Central and South zones during the coming planting season.

The GEAC had allowed commercialisation of the genetically modified (GM) hybrids — which incorporate the cry1Ac gene derived from the soil bacteria, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) — in the Central and South zones for three seasons beginning 2002.

The meeting today was slated to consider giving renewal of permission to Mahyco to market the hybrids during the ensuing season as well.

"A decision on renewal has been deferred for the GEAC's next meeting on May 11", officials said. The stated reason for deferment was that the GEAC has not yet received complete reports from the Governments of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh on the Bt hybrids, particularly with concerning claims made by Mahyco and Monsanto (the technology provider) on their efficacy against the Amercian bollworm pest vis-a-vis actual field-level performance.

"In any case, there is time because unlike the North, sowing on cotton takes place somewhat later. Given the views expressed by certain civil society groups, including Greenpeace and Gene Campaign, at today's meeting, it was decided to defer a final view till the next meeting on May 11", the officials added.

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