Plan panel for projects on transgenics

India does not have a clear policy on whether GM crops are to be brought into the country or not. Despite several government and private labs achieving major success, only one crop, the Bt cotton, has got approval for commercial release so far. While many other private players are knocking on the government8217;s doors, there is talk of streamlining the country8217;s regulatory mechanism.

Transgenics are either pest-resistant or have improved nutritional components, but because of over-riding biosafety concerns, each clearance has to go through trials before being released.

The government, which has been facing criticism for lack of clarity on the roadmap, set up a task force last year with a budget of Rs 40 crore to identify key areas of research and institutes.

The two-day seminar is expected to come up with a clear roadmap and action plan on areas of research and the timeframe it would be completed in. This would prioritise research areas, identify appropriate technologies for research in public and private sector and also involve cooperation among scientists on genetics, entomology and agronomy.