GM Technology is Essential for Climate Smart Agriculture

In an exclusive interview, renowned agricultural scientist and geneticist Professor MS Swaminathan, Father of Green Revolution in India, has shared his views on stalled field trials of GM crops and the current scenario of agriculture in India. Stressing the need for GM crops in the country, Professor Swaminathan said, "GM technology helps us to produce varieties which are climate-smart. Green Revolution involves the use of new plant architecture."

He also discussed the challenges of food security in India, stating that the average yields in most crops are low, compared to crop yields in other countries. India has a large untapped yield reservoir which can be taken benefit by utilizing the potential of technology, services and public policies. On the issue of GM field trials in the country, Professor Swaminathan said, "It is right time that we get a large number of GM varieties in the breeders' assembly line tested at the field level. Without field testing, we will not know the merits and demerits." He also said that farmers can benefit from GM crops if government enlarges its support for public good research. He added that the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and other government organizations should concentrate on producing GM varieties rather than GM hybrids.

For more details, read Professor Swaminathan's interview at FNBNews.