GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, COOPERATION AND FARMERS WELFARE

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1749

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 8 TH MARCH, 2016

CULTIVATION OF GM CROPS

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृषि एवं ककसान कल्याण मंत्री be pleased to state:

(a) whether a number of Genetically Modified (GM) crops have been permitted for cultivation in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof, crop-wise along with the benefits accrued/likely to be accrued to the farmers from such capital intensive agricultural practice in the country;

(c) whether the country has surpassed Canada and attained fourth position in terms of area under cultivation of GM crops and if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the Government has formulated any modalities to create awareness amongst the farmers about the GM crops in the country; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken/being taken by the Government in this regard?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

(DR. SANJEEV KUMAR BALYAN)

(a) & (b): No, Madam, Bt. Cotton is the only GM crop approved for commercial cultivation in the country Bt. cotton contain Cry Proteins which has an inherent property to control lepidopteran pests (bollworms) thereby reducing the pesticides sprays. Yields of cotton rose to 523 kg/ha during 2014 from 300kg/ha in 2002 due to control of major pests. With the adoption of GM technology, India is now an exporter of cotton.

(c): It is true that India occupies the fourth place globally in terms of area under GM crops. USA, Brazil, Argentina, India and Canada were the top 5 GM crop growers with 73.1 million hectare, 42.2 million hectare, 24.3 million hectare, 11.6 million hectare and 11.6 million hectare cropped area respectively. (Source:- ISAAA Report 2014) 

(d) & (e): Awareness among farmers is promoted through KVKs and ICAR centers. Besides, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), has conducted workshops and consultative meetings to create awareness among various stakeholders including farmers. DBT has recently established Biosafety Support Unit which will undertake awareness amongst all stakeholders including farmers about the GM crops through training, print and electronic media.