The Hindu Business Line : Sheep mortality issue not in GEAC's agenda

Hyderabad June 20 The Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) seems to be unperturbed on the issue of sheep mortality due to grazing on Bt cotton fields for the ensuing meeting on Friday.

The issue, which was listed in the 77th meeting held in May for discussion in the following meeting, does not figure in the agenda circulated by the committee for the 78th meeting.

Terming it as indifferent, Ms Kavitha Kuruganti of Centre for Sustainable Agriculture, Hyderabad, alleged that GEAC was not worried on bio-safety issues, as it should be. "Last time, we needed to call for its attention showing an advisory by an official of Andhra Pradesh Government," she said.

Mr Jamalaiah, President of AP Goatherds' and Shepherds' Union, told Business Line that the issue of sheep deaths should lead the agenda.

"This is more relevant in the backdrop of increased Bt cotton acreage and introduction of Bt-II. Till now, we observed the incidence of animal deaths in Warangal, Khammam and Adilabad only. But this phenomenon might spread to other parts as well," he said.

Interestingly, the GEAC asked the fact finding report constituted on a similar issue to study a report submitted by the Animal Husbandry Department on animal deaths and place its views on June 22 meeting.

The GEAC is the nodal agency that monitors, controls and gives permissions for all issues related to crop biotechnology.

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