Take a decision on GM food crops on scientific proof: Monsanto

ST LOUIS: US seed major Monsanto has said the Indian government should take a decision on adoption of genetically modified (GM) food crops at the earliest on the basis of scientific evidence.


India has so far permitted only commercial sale of Bt cotton seed. Since its introduction in 2002, Bt cotton seed coverage has increased to 90 per cent of the total area.

In 2010, the government put a moratorium on commercial sale of BT brinjal in the country.

"I can accept the debate on biotechnology. But I have an issue that is not taking a decision and moving on," Monsanto President and Chief Commercial Officer Brett Begemann said when asked about the debate in India on GM food crops.

Monsanto is present in India through its listed entity Monsanto India Ltd and private firm Monsanto Holdings which has also formed a 50:50 joint venture with a local firm Mahyco to market Bt cotton technology to Indian seed companies. Monsanto Holdings also has 26 per cent direct stake in Mahyco.

Begemann said the debate has been going on in India for the past 15 years and it is time to take a decision. "Whether it (GM crop) is good or bad should be based on scientific evidence."

He said farmers and consumers should be given the choice of GM crops.

"I have absolutely no reservation about consuming GM crops. That product has been thoroughly tested. Scientists community stands solidly behind GM crops," he said while seeking to allay apprehensions about safety of GM food crops.

When asked whether biotechnology is suited for India where most farmers have small land-holdings, he said the technology would benefit smallest of the small farmers as well as those having large land holding.

Begemann said Indian cotton farmers have nearly doubled their yield and profit after adoption of this technology. "They (farmers) do not have to spray pesticides."

When asked about recommendations of an expert committee, appointed by the Supreme Court, to put a moratorium on field trials of GM food crops, Monsanto Executive Vice President (Corporate Affairs) Jerry Steiner said: "That's not consistent with the real world experience. Facts are that technology has delivered for farmers."

Monsanto, present in over 60 countries and 500 locations with a headcount of more than 21,000, is working to bring innovation and technology in the agriculture sector.

"We use science to develop products that help increase yields. We help farmers increase production," Begemann said.

Globally, Monsanto achieved sales of USD 13.5 billion during the year ended August 2012. Of this, India contributed Rs 1,000 crore (USD 180 million).