The Hindu Business Line : Faster approval process for GM crops

New approval system
An `event' refers to a specific gene construct that can be incorporated in a number of existing hybrids or varieties. In case-by-case approvals, every GM hybrid/variety has to undergo a minimum three years of official trials, irrespective of whether it incorporates an existing or new `event.'

New Delhi , July 3

In a move that would result in faster clearance of genetically modified (GM) crops in the country, the Ministry of Environment and Forests has decided to have an "event based approval system" instead of the current practise of case-by-case approval process adopted by the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC).

This would speed up the introduction of new and diverse products for the Indian farmer, stimulate competition and offer a wider choice, without compromising bio-safety and environmental safety, said an official release.

An `event' refers to a specific gene construct that can be incorporated in a number of existing hybrids or varieties. In case-by-case approvals, every GM hybrid/variety has to undergo a minimum three years of official trials, irrespective of whether it incorporates an existing or new `event.'

The decision was taken based on recommendation of a sub-Committee under the Chairmanship of Dr C.D. Mayee, Co-Chair, GEAC, which was formed to look into the existing processes, protocols and other related issues. The final report of the sub-committee, which was formulated through a consultative process was adopted by the GEAC, it added. Extensive biosafety and agronomic testing is not necessary for approved event. Once an event has been tested for its biosafety and approved for environmental release, it should be treated on par with the non-Bt hybrids, the release said.

While due consideration for the agronomic value of the hybrid should be given and not completely done away with, the parameters of prime importance to assess the efficacy of Bt technology are confirmation of the gene or event, level of protein expression and morphological characterisation, the committee said. Parameters such as level of protein expression, susceptibility to diseases, staple length, staple strength will be considered while selecting promising hybrids as these parameters also contribute to the economic gain.

The technology in no way increases the yield potential of a hybrid.

The release also said that the area cultivated under Bt cotton would touch 81 lakh acres during 2006 in the country, up from 31 lakh in the previous year. During 2002 this was cultivated in 72,682 acres of the land.

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