(a) whether the Government is aware that some private companies have proposed to start
cultivation of Bio-Technology/BT rice in certain parts of the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether any private company has got the necessary approval to start the cultivation of
Bio-Technology/BT rice in any parts of the country; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA)
(a) to (d): No private company has been allowed by the Genetic Engineering Approval
Committee (GEAC), the competent authority under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986,
to start the commercial cultivation of BT rice in the country. However, GEAC has permitted
experimental field trials on BT rice at 11 locations during Rabi 2007 to M/s. Maharashtra
Hybrid Seeds Company Ltd. (MAHYCO) to generate bio-safety and other related data.