Biotech Updates

GEAC Proposes Use of Agri Universities in Field Trials of GM Crops

July 6, 2016

India's Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) has proposed to tap farms of chosen universities for scientific field trials of GM crops. GEAC has identified 40 agricultural universities with large isolated fields in different areas of the country under varied agro-climatic conditions. This proposition was also suggested by scientist M.S. Swaminathan, who said that such arrangement would provide a uniform method of assessment of GM crops.

"The idea is to convince states about field trials of such crops in protected environment, arguing that the risks and benefits of genetically engineered crops cannot be known unless it is scientifically tested in different agro-climatic zones", said an official of environment ministry. " A final decision on the issue will be taken after consulting states and Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The ICAR may also spare farms of its various institutions for the purpose," he added.

Read more in Agropages and Times of India.