The Hindu Business Line : Don’t allow field trials in GM crops, AP told

Hyderabad, July 12 The Centre for Sustainable Agriculture (CSA) has asked the Andhra Pradesh Government not to allow field trials in GM (genetically modified) crops in the State.

Citing the examples of Orissa, Kerala, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh and Uttaranchal, where the State Governments barred such trials, Mr G.V. Ramanjaneyulu, Executive Director of CSA, said the GM field trials would have adverse impact on the farmers.

‘NO MONITORING’

In a letter to the Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, and the Minister for Agriculture, Mr N. Raghuveera Reddy, he pointed out that there was no legal mechanism to oversee GM crop trials or their safety.

The letter came in the wake of GEAC (Genetic Engineering Approval Committee) approving GM field trials in bendi and maize in the State.

However, the State Government have to give the final nod for the companies to go ahead with the trials.

Andhra Pradesh is among many States that are yet to form State Biotechnology Coordination Committee (SBCC) to over see the GM crops related activity. The States are supposed to set up the committee under the Environment Protection Act.

“Even without forming such a committee, the States are allowing GM field trials,” he said.

Alleging that introduction of Bt cotton had led to eruption of hitherto unknown problems like mealy bug in States like Gujarat and Punjab, Mr Ramanjaneyulu said other problems like bronze wilt, para wilt and tobacco streak virus too were reported from several parts.

“If this is the case with Bt cotton, we can only imagine how the situation would be like if more GM crops are added,” he observed.

More Stories on : Bio-tech & Genetics | Agricultural Policy | Andhra Pradesh

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