Taking a major step forward to scientifically assess ‘risk’ and ‘safety’ aspects of transgenic crops, the Indian government’s top regulator — Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) — revalidated 10 varieties of GM crops including wheat, rice, maize and cotton, and allowed multi-national seed companies to go for “confined field trials” of these varieties.
The “confined field trials” (called Phase-II trial) would take place in bigger areas as compared to previous tests in a very small tract of land during Phase-I. Companies like Monsanto, Mahyco and BASF whose applications got revalidation will, however, be able to go for field trials only after getting the state’s mandatory nod.
Read the full, original article: Govt regulator paves way for field trials of GM food crops including wheat, rice and maize
