BENGALURU: Forum of Former Vice Chancellors of Karnataka State Universities (FVCK) and Association of Biotechnology-Led Enterprises-Agricultural Group (ABLE-AG) released a book ‘GM crops: Perception Vs Reality’ authored by Dr T M Manjunath and Dr K S Mohan, on Monday.
The authors have four decades of experience in research in plant protection, including GM crops, both in public and private sectors.
Dr M Mahadevappa, president of FVCK and former V-C of University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, and Dr C S Prakash, Plant Molecular Genetics, Tuskejee University, Alabama, USA, were the special invitees.
The book details commercial cultivation of GM crops and highlights their contribution for effective pest control and better weed management in selected crops, resulting in increased yield and steep reduction in use of chemical pesticides.
On the occasion, Dr T M Manjunath, PhD in agriculture entomology from the University of Agriculture Sciences, Bengaluru, said despite obvious benefits of GM technology, there are those who have been projecting GM crops as controversial through unsubstantiated allegations.
This has led to needless suspicion and speculation among farmers and general public about their safety and benefits.
Dr K S Mohan, co-author and PhD in virology from Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, added that thebook addresses some of these issues and is an effort to make all segments of society and stakeholders understand and appreciate the relevance of GM technology to benefit all.
The book will be made available by the office of ABLE-AG free of charge upon request to universities, research institutions, departments of agriculture/horticulture, Krishi Vidya Kendras and interested organisations/individuals.