Two key objections raised by the RSS outfits, such as Swadeshi Jagaran Manch and Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, over GM seeds are that they contain "foreign" genes and that their commercialisation would benefit multinational companies (MNCs). It is distressing that the RSS organisations are trying to influence science policy in this government, because both these pleas are unfounded. Insect-killer Bt gene, for instance, is far from "foreign" as it is derived from a bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis, present in local soil. The notion that the GM technology is the monopoly of MNCs is also misguided, as a large number of Indian companies and public-sector farm research bodies are also engaged in GM research. In fact, by blocking field trials, the Swadeshi lobby is primarily preventing development of indigenous GM seeds, thereby perpetuating the monopoly of MNC products.
No technical advance is risk-free. GM technology could threaten the environment and health. Its effective regulation and monitoring are imperative. Yes, the present regulatory system does not inspire confidence; and it has been weakened further by shifting the final approval powers from the GEAC to the environment minister. The need, therefore, is to completely rework regulation. Sadly, the well-written Biotechnology Regulatory Authority Bill lapsed with the last Lok Sabha. Instead of taking an anti-science view, the government should move forward with better regulation - and the GM seeds that have already been approved for trials should be rigorously tested for potential risk, not dumped completely.