India must not have 'irrational fears' for GM crops: Expert

NEW DELHI: The country needs to develop more Genetically Modified (GM) crops to cut down on the large imports of pulses, vegetables and edible oils and should not be swayed by irrational fears, Principal Scientific Advisor to the government R Chidambaram said today.

Chidambaram said that although country have attained self-sufficiency in cereals, the pulses and edible oil production remain insufficient leading to large imports.

He was speaking at the 57th convocation programme of Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI).

"And we must develop and use GM Crops to meet all these and other challenges, wherever appropriate, after ensuring safety and not be swayed by irrational fears," he said.

At the same time he also urged the young scientists to develop the technologies for that can produce quality vegetables and fruits at any location and in any season.

Appreciating the IARI's research works, the top scientists said recently released wheat varieties HD 2967 and HD 3086, could boost wheat production in the country by 3 million tonnes during the previous year.

The contribution of Pusa varieties to the productivity increase in the other field and horticultural crops is also laudable, he added.

Addressing the students, Chidambaram said, "Remember that India's development depends significantly upon the development of agriculture, which in turn is a powerful sector for uplifting rural India.