(a) whether the Government of Kerala propose to fix norms for bio-agriculture,
bio-fertilisers and bio-pesticides for the preservation of food produced through bio-technology;
(b) if so, the time by which these norms would be notified;
(c) whether the Government are looking into setting up of reliable laboratories for
preservation of foodstuffs produced through bio-technology; and
(d) if so, the time by which these laboratories would start functioning?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS ( SHRI TAPAN SIKDAR)
(a) & (b): The Government of Kerala have informed that for the use of bio-manure,
it is proposed to get the products of different units tested by Kerala Agricultural University
for nutrient value. Bio-pesticides come under the purview of Central Insecticides Act. A
manufacturing licence is only issued after obtaining registration from Central Insecticides
Board. No standard/specification have been fixed for bio-fertilisers because they do not come
under the purview of the Fertiliser Control Order.
(c) & (d) The Department of Bio-Technology assesses the bio-safety of foods produced
through bio-technology. The techniques for preservation of foodstuffs produced through
bio-technology are broadly akin to that of their conventional counter parts.