The Hindu Business Line : Trial nod

The Supreme Court's decision to lift the embargo and allow the Government to conduct approved field trials of genetically modified (GM) crops subject to certain restrictions has come not a day too soon. With the suspense over the future of agricultural biotechnology research removed, life-science companies can resume their work and commercialisation of technology seeds. Once the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) grants clearance, new transgenic cotton hybrids can be expected in the market for the coming planting season. Importantly, research in some food crops, including rice, groundnut, pigeon pea and vegetables (brinjal and okra), can move forward. The country has a chance to cut the losses arising out of pest and disease attacks, as also improve yields and quality of produce.

The court ruling is important in more senses than one. Bio-safety issues are once again the focus of attention. Taking cognisance of the apprehensions of some stakeholders, the Supreme Court has set conditions for proper conduct of field trials — isolation distance (between fields with GM crops and others) and testing protocol. But most remarkable is the decision to bring more accountability and transparency in the pre-commercialisation period. A designated scientist will now be made responsible for ensuring total compliance with all conditions of trials. In addition, the GEAC has been asked to submit detailed reports to the court on the toxicity and allergenicity effects of GM crops. Because the science is esoteric and these technology crops touch the lives of millions of people — producers, consumers, processors — there cannot be enough transparency and decisiveness in the pre-commercialisation activities. Placing the research data in public domain will surely help calm suspicious minds and clear the air.

GM cotton is a remarkable success story of Indian agriculture last four years. After introduction of Bt cotton in 2002, the total output has expanded dramatically, from 170 lakh bales to 270 lakh bales. From an importer of 20 lakh bales a year, India is today an exporter of 40 lakh bales of cotton. This would not have been possible but for the infusion of technology in the farm. But Bt cotton is the only crop that has been commercialised. At a time when the agricultural output growth has hit a plateau and shortages are becoming chronic, policymakers have to explore every option to raise farm production and productivity. They must note that hi-tech seed alone is not the panacea for all the ills of agriculture. Reservations over long-term effects of GM crops and apprehensions over the integrity of pre-commercialisation research trials abound. These concerns may have been glossed over, but will now have to be addressed in all seriousness. The Supreme Court has sent out a strong signal to the policymakers to ensure that technology infusion should be advanced but without compromising bio-safety and stakeholder interest.

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