(a) whether there is no significant socio-economic benefits to farmers cultivating GM food crops and they have incurred huge debts because of the capital-intensive practice; and
(b) if so, the details thereof and the view of each State in this regard including Andhra Pradesh?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (DR. SANJEEV KUMAR BALYAN)
(a) & (b): Yes, Madam. Bt. Cotton is the only Genetically Modified crop presently allowed for commercial cultivation in the following states of India viz. Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. No GM food crops has been approved for commercial cultivation in the country till now. Therefore, the question of socio- economic benefits or adverse effects of such crops does not arise.