Niti Aayog bats for GM seeds -Governance Now

Niti Aayog bats for GM seeds

Suggests limiting GM seeds to those varieties discovered by Indian institutions and companies.

GN Bureau | May 8, 2017

#growth #agriculture #seeds #genetically modified #Niti Aayog #action agenda

Niti Aayog is open to the idea of utilizing genetically modified (GM) seeds to help in agricultural growth.

The three year action agenda of Niti Aayog says, “Genetically modified (GM) seeds have emerged as a powerful new technology promising high productivity, improved quality and lower use of fertilizers, weedicides and pesticides in the last one to two decades. They have also gained increasing acceptance among farmers around the world. Indian farmers also enthusiastically embraced these seeds in the only crop in which they have been permitted so far: cotton.”

Read: GM Mustard is ready. But are we?

“There is some concern that GM seeds can be monopolized by multinationals, which may then exploit our farmers. But this concern is readily addressed by limiting GM seeds to those varieties discovered by our own institutions and companies,” it adds.

The Aayog says that technology in the form of high-yielding seeds and fertilizer were the driver of India’s attainment of self- sufficiency through the green revolution, and new technology remains one of the most important determinants of growth in agriculture. We need to work on several fronts.

“India needs a vibrant, responsive, market oriented and globally competitive agricultural research eco system. Instead of creating more institutions, quality must be attained through greater focus on fewer high quality institutions,” the Aayog adds.

Read: GM tech is already obsolete: Suman Sahai of Gene Campaign

Comments

Other News

Reality As It Is: The Buddha`s advice on overcoming bias, prejudices

‘See Things As They Are’: Life Lessons from the Buddha Edited by Nanditha Krishna Aleph, 98 pages, Rs 399 There is a wonderful idea behin

World growth expected to face inflation pressures

World GDP forecasts for 2023 have been revised down again as central banks intensify their fight against inflation and the outlook for China’s property market deteriorates, says Fitch Ratings in its latest Global Economic Outlook (GEO) report. Fitch now expects world GDP to grow by 1.4

200+ bird species documented in Chhattisgarh’s first-ever survey

Nine species of owls (including the magnificent spot-bellied eagle-owl), 10 birds of prey, 11 species of Woodpeckers (including white-bellied woodpecker – the largest woodpecker in peninsular India), and many other species have been documented during a first-ever bird survey in Chhattisgarh.

Cyclists plan ‘memorial ride’ to press demand for infrastructure

Cycling is a passion for many, and it is a way to fitness too. With rising numbers of vehicles on the road, the government encourages this environment-friendly mode of transportation, but it comes with numerous challenges. An accident last month on the Mahipalpur flyover of south Delhi, which took the life

“World headed towards stagflation; India must take care of the poor”

As the post-pandemic fallout and geopolitical uncertainty slows down global economies and sanctions against some nations, energy crisis and inflation are adding to the troubles, India is projected to be decoupled from world economy and fare better. To check if this belief really holds water, in the latest

The changing nature of CSR in India

With the advent of globalization came a new set of challenges for corporations, notably the duty of ensuring the well-being of all stakeholders while also protecting the planet`s natural environment. Although we are dedicated to a faster and more inclusive rate of growth, it is equally imperative that we f