Activists oppose genetically modified maize trials in Maharashtra

PUNE: The Coalition for a GM-Free India, a group of about 400 organisations, has sought an explanation from the Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth at Rahuri on why it is conducting controversial open field trials of genetically modified corn on its campus.

“We came to know about the trials of the GM corn in September. The university was not open in sharing information about it. Now they have promised to discuss the issue with us in November,” said Rajesh Krishnan, convener of the Coalition for a GM-Free India.

MPKV sources said Monsanto’s GM corn has been sown on 30 guntha of land (0.75 acre) in the university campus with proper isolation.

All necessary permissions for the trial of the GM crops have been taken. Monsanto has paid a fee of Rs 25.77 lakh for conducting the trials. The crop will be ready for harvesting in about 1.5 months, the sources said.

While 150 members of the anti-GM lobby assembled at the university on Wednesday, a delegation representing farmers also visited the campus to express support for the technology.

“We have all the permissions for our trials,” a Monsanto spokesperson said by phone. “We don't know about what happened at MPKV and do not want to comment more about our trials.”

The crop being tested in Rahuri is Monsanto's herbicide-tolerant, insect-resistant maize, according to a release from the coalition.

Monsanto's GM maize is being tested at two agricultural universities in Maharashtra -- MPKV and the Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth at Parbhani.

The trial at Parbhani is bio-safety research level (BRL-1), while the one at MPKV is BRL-2, which is the final trial for bio-safety.