(a) whether the Government is considering to revise the policy on Genetically Modified (GM) crops;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether GM crops have been introduced to ensure food security in the country;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) whether the Government proposes to conduct research and trials on GM crops and if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES (DR. SANJEEV KUMAR BALYAN)
(a) & (b): The Government policy is to allow GM crops after full scientific evaluation of its biosafety and impact on the environment and on the consumers.
(c) & (d): Cotton is the only GM crop (Bt. Cotton) approved for commercial cultivation in the country.
(e): The Government of India follows the policy of ‘case to case basis’ for approval of GM crops.
Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGN) under the Department of Bio-technology (DBT) and Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) under the Ministry of Environment and Forests and Climate Change are the competent regulatory agencies to approve Biosafety Research Trials-I and Trials-II, commonly known as BRL-I and BRL-II Trials, respectively.