Question : Genetically Modified Crops

(a) the details of genetically modified (GM) crops approved and permitted for cultivation and commercial production till date along with the GM crops yet to be approved;
(b) whether the Government is aware of a demand for GM crops in Maharashtra running contrary to the ban on planting unapproved HT Bt. cotton seeds and if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether farmers in Maharashtra and other States have started cultivating GM cotton and Bt. Brinjal and have demanded approval to cultivate such crops and if so, the details thereof and the response of the Government thereto; and
(d) whether the Government proposes to conduct enquiry for the sale of unapproved variety of GM cotton and Brinjal seeds in Maharashtra, if so, the details thereof along with the action taken against such companies selling unauthorised GM seeds?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(SHRI BABUL SUPRIYO)

(a) Bt cotton is the only Genetically Modified crop approved and permitted for cultivation and commercial production in India. Applications seeking approval for cultivation of Genetically Modified (GM) Mustard and Brinjal have not yet been approved for want of additional data/studies regarding impact on human health and environment.

(b) to (c) A Farmers’ Union in Maharashtra had sown Herbicide Tolerant (HT) Bt cotton seeds on 10th July 2019 and has also written to this Ministry for permitting access to more GM Crops. Government is not aware of a similar demand from farmers in other States. However, this Ministry has received complaints regarding illegal cultivation of Bt. Brinjal and HT Bt Cotton in the States of Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Punjab.

(d) Government of Maharashtra has been requested to constitute and strengthen State/UT Biotechnology Coordination Committees and District Level Committees for monitoring instances of illegal cultivation of GM Crops and taking appropriate action under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

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