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

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