GM crops panel report not objective, say experts

The recommendation of the Parliamentary Committee on genetically modified (GM) crops that field trials of such crops be banned and a moratorium on commercialisation of GM crops imposed has evoked strong reaction from scores of scientists across the world.

“This (the recommendation) is highly detrimental to development of science and harnessing the potential of biotechnology for reviving the country’s agriculture to accelerate poverty reduction and reduce malnourishment,” as many as 65 economists and social scientists from within India and outside have jointly said in a statement.

‘not objective’

Stating that the Committee’s analysis does not reflect the available scientific evidence, Prof N. Chandrasekhara Rao, Institute of Economic Growth, University of Delhi, and several prominent agricultural economists and social scientists working on the impact of GM crops, and in particular on Bt cotton in India, have come together to dub the Committee’s report as ‘not objective.’

To escalate the issue to the highest level within the government, a letter has been written to the Prime Minister stating “the GM crop technologies can play a very important positive role towards food security and sustainable development,” it is learnt. The report of the Committee on Agriculture observed that “Bt cotton has benefited seed companies but not poor farmers, and Bt cotton has contributed to farmers suicides.” Several national and international experts have criticised the comment as simply wrong stating it contradicts the scientific evidence on the benefits of Bt cotton in India, published in studies by national and international scholars.

Talks with a cross section of stakeholders reveals strong lobbying by anti-GM groups and government apathy towards this technology. It is unclear whether the Indian policymakers have a viable alternative to infusion of technology in agriculture. Given its current moribund status and emerging challenges of land constraints, water shortage and climate change, it is imperative that agriculture is driven by investment and technology infusion.

Accepting the recommendations of the Parliamentary panel report on GM crops willy-nilly will mean a setback to revival hopes of Indian agriculture, some stakeholders remarked. The policy environment must encourage long-term planning and flow of investment. There is genuine risk that lack of predictability will drive away all potential investment and technology transfer.

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