The Hindu Business Line : Field trials of Bt rice must not be stopped

In a strange alliance, three seemingly disparate entities — a trade association of rice exporters, a farmers' body and a private activist organisation with worldwide affiliation — have come together to oppose the proposed field trials of genetically modified (GM) rice in the country. (BL, November 1, 2006) Clearly, the objection raised by the association of rice exporters is based on apprehension of loss of export business with Europe.

Significant presence

Indian rice, especially basmati, has a significant presence in the European market. India is world's second largest producer of rice and the entire production is non-GM.

Within the European Union, GM rice is not allowed to be either grown or sold. In August, the EU went into a state of high alert after the US authorities announced discovery of an unauthorised genetically modified organism (LL Rice 601) in commercial long-grain US rice sold in the marketplace.

EU imports over 2,00,000 tonne of US long-grain rice every year. Concerned over the detection of unauthorised GM rice, the European Commission expeditiously decided that all imports of long-grain rice will have to be certified as free from unauthorised rice (read, GM rice).

compulsory tests

According to the latest reports, European member-states have endorsed a draft EC decision to impose compulsory tests on all US long grain rice imports in order to prove the absence of illegal biotech strains. The test will be carried out at the point of entry. Ironically, LL Rice 601 is one of a number of GM rice lines developed by a US-based unit of Germany's Bayer Corporation.

The rice lines are engineered to tolerate the herbicide, glufosinate ammonium. But LL Rice 601 has not received any authorisation that is given after mandatory safety assessment.

It is not the first time that unapproved strains have been detected.

Four years ago, US corn parcels that reached Japan were found to contain unapproved Starlink biotech corn.

Whether contamination was accidental (adventitious admixture) or by design is difficult to say; but clearly, such incidents are the result of regulatory failure.

Tough regulatory oversight and scientifically designed transparent regulatory regimen is essential.

Indian rice exporters are worried their European market would be lost; and it is no small market at this point of time. But the GM-rice experiment is not on basmati variety.

European market

There is little likelihood that the European market for basmati rice would be affected because of introduction of Bt rice. But, more importantly, one needs to address the larger question, that of urgent need to cut down crop losses arising out of pest attacks and thereby, raise rice output.

It is well known that in many regions paddy crop suffers from the attack of `shoot borer' and yields are hurt. A major reason for low yields of paddy is pest and disease attack. Initial experiments have shown Bt rice to be effective in controlling shoot borer attack.

Field trials are the only way to establish, in a credible scientific manner, the prospects of commercialisation of Bt rice. There is absolutely no need for anyone to object or prevent field trails. The authorities must come down heavily on wanton vandalism on research efforts.

Mismatch

Indeed, fluctuating rice production in the country is already beginning to create some concern. The widening mismatch between rising consumption demand and sluggish output will translate into tightening domestic supplies and high prices sooner than anyone can currently imagine.

From being an exporter today, the country may well turn into an importer if production related issues are not addressed with seriousness. In case of rice, the country can ill-afford to repeat the sad story of having to import wheat (despite continuing to be world's second largest producer).

Cotton is one incredible example of how introduction of technology (Bt cottonseed) has revolutionised production. India today ranks as world's second largest producer with cotton output consistently at a high 240-260 lakh bales. From a 20-lakh bales importer status four years ago, India today is an exporter of 40-50 lakh bales of cotton.

Whether rice will follow the footsteps of cotton time alone will tell; but research to infuse technology and strengthen the production base should be a continuous process. No one shall stop the march of science; much less for protecting one's existing business interests.

Indeed, it is a great opportunity for rice exporters in the country to examine possibilities of establishing backward linkages and contribute to raising rice production so as to generate genuine export surplus.

Related Stories:
Rice exporters join anti-GM bandwagon

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