NEW DELHI: Even as groups associated with the RSS continue to oppose the genetically-modified (GM) crops, the NITI Aayog has come out strongly for their introduction, arguing that “we cannot stop import of the GM produces in the times of liberalised trade”.
“The NITI Aayog is of the view that the GM crops’ varieties developed by public institutions and approved by the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) should be allowed to be introduced in the country. We have favoured that the GM crops in pulses should be allowed since we have not got technological breakthrough to spur the production,” said NITI Aayog member Prof. Ramesh Chand.
He stated that Argentina took an edge through technological advantage in the productions of vegetable oils and canola even while India stagnated in their productions. “We almost import two-third of our vegetable oil requirements, which may be from the GM crops as well.
One cannot stop import of the GM varieties in the times of liberalised trade,” said Prof. Chand.
Incidentally, the Delhi University had developed a GM variety of mustard seed, which the Central government is keen to introduce for trial.