(a) the progress made in scientific testing of new and edible Genetically Modified (GM) crops in the past five years;
(b) the names of such authorities that were involved in the testing process of these crops;
(c) the measures undertaken by the Government to restore confidence among the people regarding the use of genetically modified crops; and
(d) the proposal of the Government to increase or decrease the fund for research and development of GM crops for the next three years?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(SHRI BABUL SUPRIYO)
(a) Scientific testing of new Genetically Modified (GM) crops is undertaken as per guidelines prepared under Rules for the Manufacture, Use/Import/Export and Storage of Hazardous Micro-Organisms/ Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells (Rules, 1989). During the past five years, scientific tests were conducted in rice, sorghum, chickpea, pigeon pea, sunflower, castor, potato, brinjal, and tomato to develop GM crops with traits like insect-pest resistance, virus resistance, abiotic stress tolerance etc.
(b) As per Rules, 1989, the authorities involved in testing process of GM crops are Institutional Biosafety Committees (IBSCs), Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGM) and Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC).
(c) GEAC under this Ministry discharges its responsibilities regarding the environmental release of GM corps based on scientific evidence. Biosafety data on GM Cotton, Brinjal and Mustard were made available to all stakeholders during public consultation, by GEAC.
(d) The Budget allocated under the Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) -Network Project on Functional Genomics and Genetic Modification during 2017-2020 is Rs. 11.12 crores to support 21 institutes and fund 46 sub-projects.
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