Noted scientist for 'transparent' regulator in bio-tech field

Noted scientist MS Swaminathan today said the government should expedite setting up of a "transparent" regulator in the field of bio-technology so that the issue of genetically modified food can be tackled in a credible manner.
   
Participating in the debate on the Motion of thanks on President's address to Parliament, Swaminathanan (Nominated) said the regulator would be able to sort out the confusion among young scientists about the future of bio-technology.
   
The government has listed among its priorities setting up of an independent regulator in bio-technology, in the President's address, in the backdrop of controversies like Bt brinjal and other GM food.
   
The noted scientist said the proposed regulator should have the provision for independent testing facilities rather than depending on laboratories run by the corporates.   

Welcoming the move to set up a national science academy, he said the network of all the laboratories of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research would help country's science and technology.
   
He suggested that similar initiatives be taken in agriculture because there was a dire need for raising farm productivity. "Food crisis is predicted," he said adding there were vacancies in agricultural laboratories, especially in the north eastern states and these should be filled up.