Sharad Pawar believes GM crop answer to food woes

Food and agriculture minister Sharad Pawar is firm in his belief that Genetically Modified (GM) crops could solve the country's food security problem, but conceded that the environment ministry has the final word on the issue.

"We will respect the decision taken by the environment ministry, which can give us the ultimate guidance," he told reporters when asked to comment on environment minister Jairam Ramesh's decision to hold back release of Bt-brinjal although it was cleared by the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC).

Pawar emphasised that the use of GM crops was essential to address food security in the country.

"Basically, I want to resolve the issue of food security of this country. We have to improve our productivity in a situation when the population doubles and there is no possibility of additional land and water. 

"To increase productivity, we have to follow modern science and technology that includes biotechnology as well," he said.

In November last year, the GEAC - an official panel of scientists and experts - approved the first GM crop, Bt brinjal, for commercial cultivation.

However, due to protest by green and health activists, Ramesh held public hearings on the basis of which the government decided to hold back the crop's release. Ramesh had also taken exception then to Pawar's stand that the decision of GEAC was final and that the Centre does not have any say.

The minister also said that the GEAC is the safest body set up by the government for approval of GM crops.

"This (GEAC) is the safest machinery set up by the government for the release of GM crops. Its advise is very important for us," he said.

Listing the benefits of GM technology, Pawar said it helps increasing crop yields, lower production costs, conserve biodiversity, increase stable production and help alleviate poverty in poor and developing countries.

Noting that the recent decision on Bt brinjal must not be seen as a setback, the minister emphasised on doubling the research efforts to remove misgivings regarding GM crops from the minds of policy makers and the public.

"Socio-economic safety and environmental implications of these developments should be critically analysed to provide policy guidance and to create regional mechanisms to meet the bio-security challenges," he said.

He also said that both public and private sector has right to conduct research in GM crops.