This refers to the report "Genetically modified crops' field trials put on hold" (July 30). The government's hesitation in going ahead with these trials could well be construed by some as erring on the safe side. But the fact remains that our own range and depth of research in bio-engineered crops is in such infancy that we are neither unable to compare notes with our own indigenous research nor provide well-substantiated data from endemic studies, that could help take a scientific view either way. We are also not able to get over the fears that we would be forever committed to buying seeds under a perennial monopoly. Our experience with Bt cotton does give us some confidence to systematically try out one or two secondary crops. But the crux would lie in improving our own research skills to be able to judge and decide with confidence.
R Narayanan Ghaziabad
Letters can be mailed, faxed or e-mailed to:
The Editor, Business Standard
Nehru House, 4 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg
New Delhi 110 002
Fax: (011) 23720201
E-mail: letters@bsmail.in
All letters must have a postal address and telephone number
