India
March 12, 2007
Source:
Government of India, Information
Bureau
Bt. cotton is the only genetically
modified (GM) crop approved for commercial cultivation by
Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) in the
Ministry of Environment and Forests, on the basis of
environmental and bio-safety evaluations. Harmful effects of Bt.
Cotton seeds on human and animal health, plant life and
environment have not been reported.
There is no proposal with the Government to ban production and
sale of GM seeds duly approved by the GEAC on the basis of their
suitability in the various agro-climatic zone with regards to
their performance.
Bt. Cotton seeds are being produced and marketed in the country
by private seed companies. The Government has organized Public
Awareness Programmes to educate the farmers about the risks and
benefits associated with the GM crops.
This information was given in the Lok Sabha today by Shri Kanti
Lal Bhuria, Minister of State
for Agriculture in a written reply. |
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