The Hindu Business Line : A new beginning

As food security is the nation’s main concern, no one shall stop the march of science that has the potential to augment supplies without inflicting collateral damage.

The Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) deserves to be complimented for its decision to recommend commercialisation of the country’s first genetically modified food crop, Bt. Brinjal. Given the sensitivities associated with the subject, there is no reason to believe that the regulatory authority, comprising eminent scientists, has not put the technology seed to rigorous bio-safety and other tests before recommending it for commercial use. If the government is playing safe in not taking a final decision in a hurry — Minister for Environment Mr Jairam Ramesh has said that the issue will be studied in depth — it is understandable. There are already enough pressures from organisations purporting to represent the civil society. Yet, it is absolutely necessary that uncertainty associated with grant of final clearance is ended soonest. It is equally necessary to present scientific answers to those raising valid questions. As a first step, it may be appropriate to place all test data in public domain which will allow those concerned to examine closely the entire process leading to GEAC’s recommendation.

In the midst of all this, let us also spare a thought for the growers. Why should they not have the choice of using a technological input, if it is going to reduce yield losses, cut production costs and improve incomes. For instance, in the case of Bt. Cotton, it is only because farmers found value that two-thirds of the country’s cotton acreage is under modified cottonseed varieties. Having said that, one must hasten to add, environmental issues and consumer interests are critical too. Is it safe to grow Bt. Brinjal and is it any different from conventionally-grown brinjal? It is for the members of GEAC and the corporate promoting the new technology seed to adduce unassailable evidence of environmental safety.

A big challenge that the modified vegetable crop may encounter is in marketing — consumers have the right to know what they are buying/eating. This will bring up the issue of labelling the GM vegetable, a vexatious and highly debatable topic. Given that vegetables are grown across the country in small farms and marketing is extremely fragmented, it may well turn out to be a logistics nightmare to label Bt. Brinjal, especially because testing facilities are virtually non-existent. If human health and environmental safety concerns are adequately addressed, labelling will become a secondary issue. As food security is on top of the nation’s concerns, no one shall stop the march of science that has the potential to augment supplies without inflicting collateral damage. For the country facing huge on-farm and off-farm losses, a new ‘gene revolution’ may be the answer as eminent farm scientists have asserted. Bt. Brinjal could be a new beginning.

Related Stories:
Bt brinjal gets biotech regulator’s approval
Bt brinjal awaits statutory nod for commercial release
Mahyco to give Bt brinjal tech to other seed cos

More Stories on : Editorial | Bio-tech & Genetics

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