The scientific and policy debate on the potential benefits and risks of biotechnologies remains polarized. As more genetically modified crops, insects, and fish are developed, the 2000 Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity provides a forum to monitor developments and address risk assessment and risk management …
Characterizing the spatial patterns of gene flow from transgenic crops is challenging, making it difficult to design containment strategies for markets that regulate the adventitious presence of transgenes. Insecticidal Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton is planted on millions of hectares annually and is a potential source of transgene flow.
A shoddy inter-academy report on GM crops casts a shadow on the integrity and competence of Indian science, while a US expert finds approval for Bt brinjal deeply flawed according to this latest special report in Down to Earth. A shoddy inter-academy report on GM crops casts a shadow on …
The leading academies of science in India have, at the request of the government, prepared a report that was expected to give an independent scientific review of transgenic crops and the proposed Biotechnology Regulatory Bill. But the Inter- Academy Report that has been prepared is disappointing on several fronts
In this interview on Radio DTE, Down to Earth Senior Editor Latha Jishnu speaks on biopiracy and explains how access and benefit sharing rules are affecting the world's genetic resources.
This publication reviews relevant aspects of consumer protection in relation to modern biotechnology and its products, and outlines the current status of biosafety issues in developing countries. It provides an overview of the main questions posed in the international debate around the use and commercialisation of GMOs. It analyzes the …
INDIA’S Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) has rejected a request by University of Agricultural Sciences in Bengaluru to conduct trials on transgenic groundnuts for commercial development in difficult terrain. The university wanted to conduct trials for drought and salt tolerance. GEAC noted that transgenic groundnut expresses transcription factors— proteins that …
Unjustified and impractical legal requirements are stopping genetically engineered crops from saving millions from starvation and malnutrition, says Ingo Potrykus.
The introduction of transgenes into plants may cause unintended phenotypic effects which could have an impact on the plant itself and the environment. Little is published in the scientific literature about the interrelation of environmental factors and possible unintended effects in genetically modified (GM) plants.
Labelling of genetically modified foods is a contentious issue and internationally there is sharp division on whether such labels ought to be mandatory. This debate has reached India where the government has proposed mandatory labels. Mandatory labelling aims to provide greater information and correspondingly more informed consumer choice. However, even …
The potential of biotechnology to contribute to the reduction of hunger, malnutrition and poverty in Africa can only be realised with the presence of biosafety legislation. Recently, Kenya enacted the Biosafety Act 2008 after more than six years of stakeholder engagement with farmers, academicians, researchers, members of the community, funders, …
The recent decision of the government of India to impose a moratorium on the release of Bt-Brinjal has been hailed by civil society and scientists alike as a victory for transparency and has demonstrated that the government is responsive to societal demands. This decision is also important since it could …
Manila (Philippines): The moratorium on commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal in India, which has led to a controversy over genetically modified (GM) food crops in the country, has caught farmers
The biotech regulatory Bill gags dissent and takes away the power of states without providing any safeguards to farmers and consumers Latha Jishnu / New Delhi March 11, 2010, 0:42 IST Shortcuts always lead to problems, and nowhere is this more evident than in the biotechnology sector. Research in genetically …
The surcharged debate over GM (genetically modified) crops and food has blundered into ominous terrain. Do civil society and scientists have the right to question government decisions on deployment of GM crops and foods? If a new draft bill for setting up a national biotechnology regulatory body goes through Parliament …
The need of the hour is for an independent evaluation of the long-term impact of transgenics on farm productivity, genetic mutation and bio-safety. Girijaa Upadhyay It was extremely reassuring to see the Prime Minister endorse the decision of the Environment Minister on February 9, imposing a two-year moratorium on the …
K P Prabhakaran Nair With the introduction of the Biotechnology Regulatory Authority of India Bill the control of agriculture is slipping into the hands of multinationals. The poor farmer is in for a real shock The most worrisome development is the unfolding of the Biotechnology Regulatory Authority Bill of India. …
Gurcharan Das / March 6, 2010, 0:51 IST Robert Skidelsky, the biographer of John Maynard Keynes, was in town recently, and he reminded us that inescapable uncertainty is the centrepiece of Keynes
HOW CAN A LOWLY VEGETABLE BE AN ISSUE OF NATIONAL SECURITY? IS THERE A FOREIGN HAND IN YOUR BELLY? SHOMA CHAUDHURY LAYS BARE THE COMPLEX STORY OF Bt BRINJAL AND HOW IT AFFECTS YOU THE lowly brinjal you have always known turning into a sci-fi gizmo — with an uncharted …
