Have sought rejection of recommendations on GM crop trials: Govt

NEW DELHI: The government today said it has filed an affidavit before the Supreme Court seeking rejection of the recommendations of a Parliamentary Panel and the apex court-appointed expert committee to stop field trials of genetically modified (GM) crops.

In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Agriculture Tariq Anwar said the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Agriculture had recommended stopping of GM trials till regulatory system is strengthened.

A Technical Expert Committee (TEC) constituted by the Supreme Court had suggested 10 years moratorium on field trial of GM crops in its interim-report, he added.

Giving this background, the minister said: "Government, in its affidavit, has prayed for rejection of the proposed recommendations of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Agriculture and TEC recommendations."

The Scientific Advisory Committee to Prime Minister has suggested continuity of trials by reviewing the existing process and protocols. It also suggested certain steps to further make the regulatory system more vibrant, he said.

Anwar further said that field trials of GM crops are currently monitored by the Central Compliance Committee, set up by the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee under the Environment Ministry.

As of now, the government has allowed commercial cultivation of Bt cotton, while it has imposed moratorium on Bt brinjal due to concerns expressed by green activists.