Allow us to go ahead with field trials of GM crops: Centre to SC

The government called this as an “unscientific approach” and claimed that although the existing regulatory mechanism was dependable, they were open to all ideas of strengthening it further.

“As a result of continuous oversight, no confirmed adverse effect from research, field trials or commercialisation of GM crops have come to light. Hence, it is reiterated that there is no basis to accept the recommendation to halt the confined field trials on the pretext of additions in the existing system,” it said.

Responding to the PILs by Aruna Rodriugues and ‘Gene Campaign’ seeking a ban on reckless promotion of untested GM trials, the government said any delay or stoppage of GM crop field trials will be a “blow to Indian Science” and consequently, Indian farmers and economy as a whole will be the “biggest loser.”

“Roadblocks in conduct of field trials would have a cascading effect of setting back all the related fields of research, which were thus far on the upswing. This will have several cascading implications, including the compulsion to import GM food,” stated the affidavit, adding that the ambiguity in the matter since the first PIL was filed in 2004 had also discouraged young scientists and researchers.

The government also criticised the Expert Committee’s views on socio-economic issues while recommending a ban on field trials, contending not only this was outside the scope of their work but also that it was a policy matter, exclusively in the domain of the Centre.

It submitted that in view of the pressing commitment of the the government towards providing food and nutritional security to the citizens of India, “it is necessary, just and proper that the government be allowed to examine and take a considered view on the recommendations by the committee, “without impacting the ongoing research and field trials in any area and not compromising with the bio-safety.”

The Centre assured the court that it was committed to continually strengthen the current regulatory process by employing the best global practices to suit the requirements of the country. The court will take up the response on April 22.