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Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh came out in support of genetically modified crops on Friday, saying technology holds "great promise" to address crop losses due to drought and floods.
Addressing the Indian Seed Congress in Agra, the agriculture minister said although commercial release of newer technologies could help boost crop yields and improve farmer income, faster technology adoption could happen only if there is a rational regime for technology pricing and licensing.
India has permitted commercial cultivation of Bt cotton, but imposed a moratorium on commercial release of Bt brinjal in February 2010 owing to concerns aired by green activists. The moratorium was imposed by the previous United Progressive Alliance-led government.
The National Democratic Alliance government, and right wing-affiliated groups such as Swadeshi Jagran Manch and Bhartiya Kisan Sangh are also opposed to GM crops.
In May last year, Singh had said the Centre would allow GM technology only if it is very essential. The Bharatiya Janata Party had in its manifesto for the 2014 General Elections had said it would not allow GM foods without a full scientific evaluation of its long-term effects on soil and production, and their biological impact on consumers.
"Apart from increased productivity to produce more from less water and land, the losses that occur due to droughts, floods, biotic and other abiotic stresses also need to be eliminated decisively through adoption of appropriate technologies. In this context, genetic engineering holds great promise," said Singh.
