Will someone within the government explain what precisely is the policy relating to agricultural biotechnology? Huge investments have been poured into researching genetically modified crops, covering grains, oilseeds and vegetables. But there seems to be no transparent approach or stability of policy relating to acceptance of the technology.

Agriculture demands focused attention, not benign indifference. In the context of the country's current economic journey, what we need is growth with equity. Agriculture alone can deliver growth with equity.

After all, more than half the workforce is engaged in farm-related activities. But growth rates in the farm sector have been rather modest (approximately 2.5 per cent a year, annual average for the last 10 years) which means a large number of people in the rural areas have been excluded from enjoying the fruits of growth.

Several simultaneous steps are necessary to strengthen domestic agriculture in a way that ensures sustained output growth, reduction of losses and decent farm incomes. One of them is agricultural research and technology infusion.

However, the country's policy focus in the last 10 years has been so diffuse that investors have become wary about putting their money into the farm sector.

CHANGING RULES

Their wariness has only increased, thanks to sudden changes in the rules of the game. Seed companies that have invested in researching genetically modified seeds for a number of crops have suddenly been forced to reckon with a new rule. The Centre has asked them to get permission from the respective State governments to conduct mandated field trials in the States.

This new rule has been enforced from June and has caught most companies completely unawares. The dimensions to this new development are more than one. First, by asking the seed companies to get permission from the State governments, the Centre is abdicating its primary responsibility to promote science-based research and development.

Next, there is no uniformity in the approach of the State governments to agriculture R&D. This means different States can potentially take conflicting or contradictory stands on the subject. This is sure to create uncertainty and foster distortion.

Currently, the policy environment is utterly confusing. No one is sure if science or populism will prevail. We saw what happened early last year when theatrical road shows sealed the fate of Bt brinjal. Now, directing the seed companies to seek permission from the State governments is seen as a further setback.

Without policy stability, transparency in implementation and ease of execution, research funds, at least from the private sector, are unlikely to flow into agriculture.

No wonder, in recent months, more than 100 applications seeking regulatory approvals to conduct field trials have reportedly piled up. Seed companies are unsure if and when they will receive formal approval from State governments.

Time is the essence in these matters. Effective regulatory mechanisms and strict compliance with research mandates is another area that deserves attention. Bio-safety and related issues have to be addressed with utmost care and commitment.

Whether it is done and how may be open to question. The ongoing uncertainty on adoption of agricultural biotechnology as a way forward is in no one's interest, neither the seed companies, nor the government, nor the people.

SEED TECHNOLOGY VITAL

Under the Constitution, agriculture is a State subject; but strangely, New Delhi seems to have realised it only this June and has asked research firms to get clearance from the respective State governments. It is most critical that the Central government takes a clear stand on the future of agriculture biotech.

We are at a stage where seed technology is not just optional, but turning critical. Otherwise, the country runs the risk being swamped by the daunting challenge of pursuing non-technology options. Although agriculture is the country's largest private sector enterprise, the role of the government is critical, given the numerous ways in which restrictions are placed and freebies distributed.

Admittedly, we have almost all it takes to be an agricultural superpower — abundant sunshine, adequate rainfall, varied agro-climatic conditions and biodiversity. However, as a nation and in terms of farm policies and their implementation, we have failed to leverage the strengths.

THE WAY FORWARD

It is not as if non-technological options are not available; but we have done precious little to pursue them vigorously. We need to take a few simultaneous steps:

Strengthen the input delivery system : Timely delivery of quality inputs (seeds, fertilisers, agrichemicals and credit) at affordable prices is critical. Today, there's hardly any regulatory oversight of the input market, as a result of which farmers are often short-changed;

Expand irrigation facilities : Huge investments are being made to create irrigation potential; but there is no real expansion of actual acreage under irrigation in case of major field crops. Last mile connectivity issues as well as cost and time overruns of projects will have to be addressed;

Improve agronomic practices : Extension services should be revived. Instead of perceiving smallholder cultivation as a weakness, it must be converted into an opportunity. Precision farming is the way forward.

Invest in rural infrastructure : Huge investments are necessary to upgrade existing infrastructure and build new ones (access roads to marketing yards; scientific warehouses; primary cleaning, sorting and grading centres; cold chains);

Use strengths in IT to deliver price and market information to growers.

>blfeedback@thehindu.co.in

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