The Hindu Business Line : GM crops and their opponents

The onus is on the government to signal that nothing stops the march of science; scientifically valid objections should be addressed suitably and the others ignored.

A statement made by the Union Health Minister, Dr Anbumani Ramadoss, at a farmers’ meeting in Tamil Nadu earlier this month that he would oppose any move to introduce genetically modified (GM) food or seeds has become controversial and upset large sections of the country’s elite scientists and technologists. It is unclear if the Minister’s opposition is based on science or ideology; or is it born out of political compulsion or simply posturing to appease some sections. He should spell out the basis of his stand. Statements from high officials that purport to stop or slow down research send out wrong signals to the scientific community, and therefore, are best avoided. Scientists are, of course, upbeat about the prospect of technology driving the country’s agricultural growth.

A combination of agricultural biotechnology, information technology and nuclear technology has the potential to transform India’s moribund agriculture into a growth-oriented economic activity with benefits to all stakeholders, including growers and consumers. The proof of the pudding is in the eating. Proving sceptics wrong, the introduction of the genetically modified Bt. Cotton seed has transformed the cotton sector. The very fact that area under Bt. Cotton seed has expanded to nearly 60 per cent of the total cotton acreage in the last five years and cotton output has consistently risen to over 300 lakh bales, helping India turn an exporter from being an importer of cotton, should put doubts to rest. Technology has clearly delivered, and so, it makes little sense arguing against proven facts. What surely is open to investigation, analysis and debate are the mechanics of research, interpretation of results, system transparency and utility of the end-product to stakeholders.

Without doubt, bio-safety and food safety assessments are critical. The policymakers in their wisdom have stipulated a strict regulatory regimen. For instance, Bt. Brinjal, which is India’s first food crop under evaluation for commercial release has been in development since the year 2000, going through various stages of trials in multiple locations. Research has demonstrated tangible benefits for farmers in terms of substantial reduction of crop losses through pest attack (fruit and shoot borer) as well as monetary saving through reduction in the number of insecticide spraying. Obviously, the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) comprising some of the country’s top-notch scientists will have to take a call based on findings of research conducted under the aegis of a government institution, Indian Institute of Vegetable Research. The onus is on the government to signal that nothing stops the march of science. The GEAC must ensure that scientifically valid objections are addressed suitably, and non-scientific objections ignored.

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