Open-field trials of GM corn in Pune draws controversy

PUNE: The Coalition for a GM-free India, a group of about 400 organisations, has sought an explanation from the Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth (MPKV) why it is conducting controversial openfield trials of genetically modified corn on its campus.

"We came to know about the trials of GM corn in September. The university was not open to 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 is 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 paid a fee of Rs 25.77 lakh for conducting the trials. The crop will be ready for harvesting in about 1.5 months, sources said.

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

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