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GM veggies in India within 3 yrs

In a decision that’s likely to kick off a controversy, the government on Tuesday announced that it plans to introduce genetically modified (GM) food — tomato, brinjal and cauliflower — in the country within the next three years.

This is the first time the agriculture ministry has promised to introduce GM food crops. The announcement was made by the agriculture ministry in reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research and Department of Biotechnology have approved the three transgenic crops that are in various stages of tests and development in institutes across the country.

After these tests, the final clearance for allowing for cultivation of GM varieties will be given by the Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation and the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee, which themselves have been accused of having a conflict of interest as well as favouring the biotech industry.

Till date, India has only allowed genetically modified cotton — a non-food crop. The use of GM cotton has grown, but so has the controversy around it.

India: Government to prevent misuse of oxytocin in fruits and vegetables

Media reports indicate that the hormone oxytocin is being used by farmers in parts of Uttar Pradesh and Punjab on certain vegetables like cucurbits and pumpkin to increase the size and weight of vegetables.

Indiscriminate use of oxytocin may cause health hazards if taken through vegetables over a period of time.

To prevent misuse by farmers this drug has been notified as a Schedule-H drug and can be sold only against the prescription of the registered medical/veterinary practitioner. It has been made mandatory through Gazette notification to market Oxytocin injection in single unit blister packs only. Instructions have also been issued to all State Drug Controllers to regulate and monitor manufacture and distribution of Oxytocin.

This information was given in Lok Sabha today by Prof. K.V. Thomas, Minister of State for Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution in a written reply.

India: Steps to promote organic farming

Government is promoting organic farming, which does not involve use of chemical fertilizers, for crops including foodgrains and vegetables.

Under the “National Project on Organic Farming” for production, promotion and market development of organic farming in the country, financial assistance is provided for capacity building through service providers, setting up of organic input production units, promotion of organic farming through training programmes, field demonstrations, setting up model organic farms and market development.

Under the “National Horticulture Mission” (NHM) and a “Technology Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture in North Eastern States, J&K, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand” promotion of organic farming has been included as a component and financial assistance is provided for organic cultivation of horticultural crops, setting up of vermi-compost units and organic farming certification.

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research has developed technology for preparation of vermi-compost. Besides, microbes to function as effective bio-fertilizers have also been developed.

This information was given in Lok Sabha today by Prof. K.V. Thomas, Minister of State for Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution in a written reply.