March 17, 2011

India says GM quality inspection rules satisfactory

The Indian government says it has passable regulatory provisions for the quality check of genetically modified (GM) seeds introduced by manufacturers in the country.

"The government has adequate regulatory provisions under the Seed Act, 1966, Seed Rules, 1968 and Seed Control Order, 1983 to check the quality of seeds introduced by companies in India," Minister of State for Agriculture Harish Rawat said.

The Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGM) looks into the bio-safety aspects of GM crops prior to environmental release, he said.

Besides, the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) and Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) also have mandate to regulate the bio-safety of a GM products, he added.

For instance, the MoEF last year had put a moratorium on introduction of Bt brinjal in the country following protests from farmers and environmentalists, who said GM crops are harmful for health and could damage the eco-system.

Similarly, the Environment Ministry stopped the field trial of Bt corn recently, concerned over the impact of GM food crops.