Date:05/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/05/stories/2009010553950200.htm

Other States - Orissa

Discussion on genetically modified crops

Staff Reporter

It will reduce 80 per cent pesticide use
Need to create awareness on this new technology stressed

BHUBANESWAR: Orissa University for Agriculture Technology (OUAT) has started field trials of Bt Brinjal, a genetically modified food, to test its impact on environment and viability of commercialisation in the State.

“We have started trial of Bt brinjal keeping it in isolation. For next two years scientists of OUAT will be doing all sorts of analysis such as its input cost, performance in this agro-climatic zone and if it will be edible,” OUAT Vice-Chancellor D.P.Ray said on the sidelines of workshop on ‘Management and monitoring of confined field trials of genetically engineered crop’ here on Saturday.

“The genetically engineered crop is said to be pest resistant and disease-free. Since it is an edible crop, we should be very cautious before adopting it,” Mr. Ray said.

Earlier addressing the convention, OUAT V-C said development of genetically engineered plant varieties having resistance to pests and diseases could not only increase yield but also reduce application of chemicals in the field and thus might help in reducing soil and water pollution and ultimately the risk to public health.

“In spite of its vast prospects, the new technology has yet to get wide acceptance. There is a need to create awareness on this new technology and to clear apprehensions if any from the minds of people,” Mr. Ray said.

Advisor to Department of Biotechnology and member secretary of Review Committee on Genetic Modification (RCGM) K. K Tripathy said the GM crops would reduce 80 per cent pesticide use as well equal percentage of land use to get present level of production.

Although not a single GM food had been released for commercial production, introduction of Bt brinjal, Bt cabbage, Bt okra and Bt rice was being studied, he said. Bt brinjal would be the first edible product in the country to be grown by genetically modified (GM) seeds.

“There has been huge hue and cry without any scientific basis. One needs to do the risk and benefit analysis before adopting the crop,” Mr. Tripathy said. Among others State agriculture secretary U.P. Singh, OUAT’s dean of research Dibakar Naik and professor-in-charge of Intellectual Property Right Cell Baburam Singh spoke on the occasion.