Question : GM Crops

(a) whether the Government has finally evolved a policy on Genetically Modified (GM) crops; and
(b) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR)

(a) to (b) A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

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STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 169 TO BE ANSWERED ON 29.11.2019 REGARDING GM CROPS BY SHRI E.T. MOHAMMED BASHEER:

(a) to (b) Genetically Modified (GM) Technology is one amongst several available technologies for crops that has potential for yield enhancement, pest and disease resistance etc. Department of Agriculture Cooperation and Farmers Welfare supports research and release of GM crops, if it is conducted as per approved procedures and guidelines and in conformity with various rules and environmental safety measures prescribed under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

In India, there is a well-established regulatory framework for approval of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) as per “Rules for the Manufacture / Use / Import/ Export and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms, Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells”, 1989 (Rules 1989) established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

Evaluation of each application of GMO is done on a case-to-case basis after a thorough examination of health, environment, food and feed safety assessment studies undertaken in a systematic and scientific manner as per prescribed guidelines, manuals and standard operating procedures stipulated by various regulatory agencies from time to time.

The data generated by the applicants is reviewed at every step in the development process of Genetically Modified (GM) crops by various statutory committees, such as Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBSC), Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGM) in Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology and Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

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