'Modified crops should be specific to each country's needs'

In 2003, the global area of transgenic crops continued to grow for the seventh consecutive year at a sustained double-digit growth rate of 15 per cent, as compared with 12 per cent in 2002.

The estimated global area of genetically modified crops for 2003 was 67.7 million hectares; this includes a provisional conservative estimate of three million hectares of GM soyabean in Brazil (the final hectarage could be significantly higher), for the first time officially approved for planting in 2003.

It is noteworthy that a double-digit rate of 10 per cent growth in genetically modified crops was sustained in 2003, even excluding the Brazilian hectarage.

Seven million farmers in 18 countries, an increase from six million farmers in 16 countries grew the 67.7 million hectares of genetically modified crops in 2003, equivalent to 167 million acres in 2002. The increase in area between 2002 and 2003 of 15 per cent is equivalent to nine million hectares.

India is also catching up fast among the developing countries and is currently ranked third after China and Brazil.

In an interview with Business Standard, Margarita Escaler, manager Global Knowledge Centre on Crop Biotechnology from International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-Biotech Application, spoke on the current status of crop biotechnology and the road ahead. Excerpts.

What is the current global status of crop biotechnology?

A lot of countries have identified biotechnology as a leading edge technology for helping them achieve economic development. Most of these countries have agriculture contributing substantially to the GDP, and also generates a lot of employment.

Crop biotechnology encompasses a number of tools and elements, genetically modified crops is just one aspect. Apart from genetically modified crops, conventional plant breeding techniques, bio-informatics, microbiology, molecular genetics plant physiology and molecular biology are the other tools.

Q. How are smaller countries developing on their technologies?

Countries depending on their capabilities are developing technologies. Countries whose economies are developing are investing in more traditional applications of biotechnology.

There are only a handful of countries that are developing transgenic or genetically modified crops.

In fact, there are only 18 countries growing genetically modified crops but a lot more countries are doing research and development to develop transgenic crops. Over 20 countries are granting approval for food and trade imports of genetically modified crops.

Q. What is the status of crop biotechnology in India?

In India it is a growing industry. There is lot of potential as the country has good human resource talent and good infrastructure.

The government has also identified the growth requirements of the industry. The public sector is investing around $15 million per year and the private sector around $10 million in the sector.

In terms of using biotechnology, India is third after China and Brazil. So, what are the issues that need to be addressed to move up?

India is doing all the necessary things that are helpful in moving up the value chain. As long as there is a continuing political will to develop these products, it will move up the ladder.

On a global level, only four crops have been genetically modified. So is there a potential for more crops to be genetically modified?

The four crops "" soyabean, maize cotton and canola "" that have been modified on a large scale cater to the needs of the industrial or the first world countries.

It is, therefore, more essential now for countries like India, China, Philippines and Brazil to develop their own varieties of crops and these countries are going in that direction.

For example, in India crops like chickpea, sorghum and groundnut are being modified and in Philippines work on genetically modified rice, papaya, coconut and few vegetables are being undertaken. It is very important for each country to work on the needs of its people.

How should countries address the issue of IPR infringement?

It is a very important issue that countries doing research need to address. The countries will have to manage their IP portfolios as a lot of tools that are used in research are owned either by universities or by the private sector in industrial countries.

They will have to negotiate and come to an agreement with these countries so that they can use the tools to develop products. This is now seen happening more often.

How can the bio-safety regulations be addressed, as there are no harmonised laws in this regard?

Bio-safety regulations have to be put in place in countries, which like to use technology.

There are several initiatives that are being taken to address the issue of having a harmonised law on a regional basis as it important for environmental safety. But as far as food safety is concerned, it can be lot general.