(a) whether the Genetically Modified (GM) crops (foodgrains, vegetables
and fruits, etc.) may prove a threat to human generation as reported by various
scientific communities in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether any study has been done by the Government in this regard;
(d) if so, the details and outcome thereof; and
(e) if not, the reasons therefor and the steps taken by the Government
in this regard ?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS
(SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARAJAN)
(a) to (e) The Government of India is following a policy of case by case
assessment of genetically modified (GM) crops. In view of various concerns
related to the safety, efficacy and agronomic performance of transgenic seeds,
extensive evaluation and regulatory approval process takes place before any GM
plant is approved for commercial cultivation. This includes generation of
relevant biosafety information and its elaborate analysis to ensure food,
feed and environmental safety. The environmental safety assessment includes
studies on pollen escape out- crossing, aggressiveness and weediness, effect
of the gene on non-target organisms, presence of protein in soil and its effect
on soil micro-flora, confirmation of the absence of terminator gene and baseline
susceptibility studies. The food and feed safety studies include assessment on
composition analysis, allergenicity and toxicological studies and feeding studies
on fish, chicken, cows and buffaloes. In case, the transgenic crop is not found
suitable for release in the environment or human consumption, the product is
rejected during the trial stage itself. A final view on the commercialization
of GM plants is taken only when there is a clear economic and technical
justification for release of the product. Bt cotton, a non-food crop is the
only transgenic crop approved for commercial cultivation in India.