Currently, Bt cotton is the only genetically modified (GM) crop allowed for commercial cultivation in the country. The previous government had put a moratorium on commercial cultivation of Bt Brinjal in 2010.
Asked if the government would promote GM pulses to boost pulses production, Singh said, "our ministry will implement the decision taken by the regulator Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) under the Environment Ministry."
He was responding to queries at a press briefing on the government's achievement in the last two years.
The government had said the institute has submitted the application to Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGM) for event selection trials of four transgenic events, two each in chickpea and pigeon pea.
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After the selection of appropriate events and clearance of RCGM, transgenic events will be submitted to GEAC for further observation and approval of BRL1 trial, it added.
The government had also informed that a group of secretaries has recommended resolving regulatory issues of GM crops.
Pulses output is estimated to be 17.33 million tonnes this year, marginally higher than previous year's production of 17.15 million tonnes, but much below the record 19.25 million tonnes achieved in 2013-14 crop year.
There is a deficit of 7-8 million tonnes as annual demand is estimated to be more than 23 million tonnes.