Punjab to carry out GM maize field trials despite objections
Punjab will conduct GM maize field trials this kharif, despite activist opposition, citing the crop’s low water use and potential as a cotton alternative.
Punjab will carry out field trials of genetically modified (GM) maize (corn), despite objections raised by anti-GM activists. The Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) is conducting field trials of GM maize this kharif season.
Speaking to businessline, Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that PAU keeps doing research including field trials and it is necessary to develop varieties to face future challenges. Maize, being a better alternative than cotton, with regard to less water consumption, should be a good alternative for farmers where water is scarce.
Khudian, however, said he had no knowledge of any objection.
Led by the Coalition for a GM-Free India, anti-GM activists have objected to the field trials of GM maize conducted by tPAU. The activists argue that these trials pose significant risks and have called for their immediate halt.
Glyphosate ban
Kavitha Kuruganti of the Coalition for a GM-Free India, said her primary concern revolves around the Punjab government’s existing ban on glyphosate. She questioned how PAU could receive a ‘No Objection Certificate’ for trials involving a pesticide that the State has already prohibited due to its known health and environmental concerns.
She highlighted that experimenting with herbicide-tolerant maize, designed to withstand glyphosate, directly contradicts the State’s own prohibitory orders and potentially violates India’s pesticide regulatory regime.
Stating that every hybrid has pest issues after a few years and new varieties need to be developed, the Punjab Agriculture Minister exuded confidence that PAU will do what is best for the State.
Kuruganti in her letter pointed out that while the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) had considered field trials in 11 States, only PAU (Ludhiana) responded positively. She alleged that PAU had a poor track record of conducting “confined” field trials in compliance with statutory guidelines. She cited past instances, supported by photographic evidence, of violations during HT mustard trials, where no action was taken.
The activist warned that introducing more chemicals into Punjab’s agricultural landscape would be “disastrous,” given the State’s existing environmental health crisis. She stressed that Punjab must be extremely cautious about hazardous technologies like HT and Bt (GM) as they can increase the use of harmful agro-chemicals, impacting both farmers and consumers.
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Source : The Hindu Businessline
