Swaminathan Calls for Formation of Biosafety Authority in India

Eminent agriculture scientist MS Swaminathan and Father of Green Revolution in India calls for Parliament to approve the Biosafety Regulatory Authority to address concerns on GM crops. India's Prime Minister emphasized that the nation should take advantage of GM crops for improved productivity and profitability of farming.

"We will not be able to assess the benefits and risks of GMOs in a reliable manner unless at least field testing of GMOs are permitted," Prof. Swaminathan said. He stressed the need to establish without further delay a National Biosafety Authority, which inspires public, professional, political, and media confidence. Public sector research needs to be promoted so that there can be inclusiveness in access to technology and benefit can be derived from a very good expertise in India's public sector institutions in the fields of molecular biology and genetic engineering.

For more details, visit the website of MS Swaminathan Research Foundation.