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New twist to controversy over GM crop

In a new twist to the controversy over approval of some genetically modified crops, several non-government organisations and farmers' associations on Monday demanded that the Central Vigilance Commissioner investigate the workings of Genetic Engineering Approval Committee.

"We have appealed to the CVC to investigate the conduct and performance of India's scientific and regulator agencies, particularly the GEAC concerned with the approval of GM crops," said NGOs including Gene Campaign, Forum for Biotechnology and Food Security, Popular Education and Action Centre, Shetkari Sangathan and Bharat Krishak Samaj and Kissan Sangh in a joint release in New Delhi.

Alleging complete lack of transparency in the working of GEAC and other agencies, the NGOs said that "multinationals are known for buying influence in governments."

"There is open talk here that Monsanto (which got approval for bt cotton) and ProAgro (which has applied for GM mustard approval) have 'bought' influence in official circles and government departments to get favourable verdicts for their GM varieties," the NGOs alleged and said it is, therefore, important that CVC investigate the allegations of corruption in the scientific and regulatory agencies.

On defering the decision on the approval of GM mustard, Vijay Jawandhia of Shetkari Sangathan said "nothing is solved by this deferment and all outstanding concerns remain as the GEAC has ruled out any fresh or additional trials."

Criticising the central government for trying to introduce GM mustard in a 'hushed manner', the NGOs alleged that GEAC did not respond to repeated requests for the results of field trials of the transgenic varieties.

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