(a) whether the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is working under the pressure of Monsanto a seed growing company of America;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor;
(c) whether the ICAR has submitted its report on BT cotton; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI HUKUMDEO NARAYAN YADAV)
(a) No, Sir.
(b) Question does not arise.
(c) Yes, Sir.
(d) As per the directives of the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) of Ministry of Environment & Forests, Govt. of India, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) conducted trials of Bt cotton hybrids through All India Coordinated Cotton Improvement Project in Central & South zones of India during 2001-02 crop season. The final evaluation report was submitted to the GEAC in February, 2002. The GEAC in its meeting held on 26th March, 2002 has conditionally approved the release of three transgenic Bt cotton hybrids (Bt MECH 12, Bt MECH 162 & Bt 184) for commercial cultivation in the Central and South zones of the country during 2002-03 crop season after the review of performance of Bt cotton hybrids.