Permission for genetically modified crops
The Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) has approved the environmental release of several Bt cotton hybrids expressing six events. The GEAC in its meeting held on 14.10.2009 has also recommended to the Government that Bt brinjal is safe for environmental release taking into consideration the findings of the review by three high level technical Committees namely; the Review Committee on Genetic Manipulations and two Expert Committees constituted by the GEAC in 2006 and 2009. The decision of the GEAC on the safety of Bt brinjal for environmental release is based on scientific facts/data generated during 2002-2009 and international experience with GM crops. The Government of India is following a policy of case by case approval of genetically modified (GM) crops. In view of various concerns related to the safety, efficacy and agronomic performance of transgenic seeds, extensive evaluation and regulatory approval process takes place before any GM plant is approved for commercial cultivation. This includes generation of relevant biosafety information and its elaborate analysis to ensure food, feed and environmental safety. The environmental safety assessment includes studies on pollen escape out- crossing, aggressiveness and weediness, effect of the gene on non-target organisms, presence of protein in soil and its effect on soil micro-flora, confirmation of the absence of terminator gene and baseline susceptibility studies. The food and feed safety studies include assessment on composition analysis, allergenicity and toxicological studies and feeding studies on fish, chicken, cows and buffaloes. In case, the transgenic crop is not found suitable for release in the environment or human consumption, the product is rejected during the trial stage itself. A final view on the commercialization of GM plants is taken only when there is a clear economic and technical justification for release of the product.
As the Ministry has received strong views both in favour and against commercialization of Bt brinjal in India from various stakeholders including the State Governments, farmers, civil societies, NGOs and scientists, the Ministry has decided to hold national consultations with the stakeholders before a final view on the commercialization of Bt brinjal is taken.
This information was given by the Shri Namo Narain Meena, Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance and currently looking after Ministry of Environment and Forests in a return reply to a question by Smt Mohsina Kidwai in the Rajya Sabha today.
The Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) has approved the environmental release of several Bt cotton hybrids expressing six events. The GEAC in its meeting held on 14.10.2009 has also recommended to the Government that Bt brinjal is safe for environmental release taking into consideration the findings of the review by three high level technical Committees namely; the Review Committee on Genetic Manipulations and two Expert Committees constituted by the GEAC in 2006 and 2009. The decision of the GEAC on the safety of Bt brinjal for environmental release is based on scientific facts/data generated during 2002-2009 and international experience with GM crops. The Government of India is following a policy of case by case approval of genetically modified (GM) crops. In view of various concerns related to the safety, efficacy and agronomic performance of transgenic seeds, extensive evaluation and regulatory approval process takes place before any GM plant is approved for commercial cultivation. This includes generation of relevant biosafety information and its elaborate analysis to ensure food, feed and environmental safety. The environmental safety assessment includes studies on pollen escape out- crossing, aggressiveness and weediness, effect of the gene on non-target organisms, presence of protein in soil and its effect on soil micro-flora, confirmation of the absence of terminator gene and baseline susceptibility studies. The food and feed safety studies include assessment on composition analysis, allergenicity and toxicological studies and feeding studies on fish, chicken, cows and buffaloes. In case, the transgenic crop is not found suitable for release in the environment or human consumption, the product is rejected during the trial stage itself. A final view on the commercialization of GM plants is taken only when there is a clear economic and technical justification for release of the product.
As the Ministry has received strong views both in favour and against commercialization of Bt brinjal in India from various stakeholders including the State Governments, farmers, civil societies, NGOs and scientists, the Ministry has decided to hold national consultations with the stakeholders before a final view on the commercialization of Bt brinjal is taken.
This information was given by the Shri Namo Narain Meena, Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance and currently looking after Ministry of Environment and Forests in a return reply to a question by Smt Mohsina Kidwai in the Rajya Sabha today.
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