Pawar's daughter on panel that will examine biotechnology Bill

By a strange coincidence, daughter of agriculture minister Sharad Pawar, Supriya Sule, has been appointed member of the very panel to which the controversial Biotechnology Regulatory Authority of India (BRAI) Bill has been referred.

‘BRAI will benefit both private and public sectors’

Does BRAI cater only to industry? The BRAI Bill promotes safe use of modern biotechnology by enhancing efficiency of regulatory procedures. BRAI will regulate research, import, manufacture and use of organisms and products of biotechnology. Therefore, the Bill not only helps the private industry but also supports the public sector. Interviewee:  V Ram Kaundinya

Stage set for GM crops

Submission to parliamentary committee on agriculture regarding GM crops

The issue of genetically modified food crops, must be considered in terms of India’s ability to regulate new technologies, the credibility of the scientific system that allows the use of these new technologies and most importantly, the issues of price and control of new technologies that take agricultural decisions out of the hands of farmers.   Sunita Narain dealt with the following key concerns in her submission: 

Down To Earth Editor Sunita Narain's submission to parliamentary committee on agriculture regarding GM crops

The parliamentary committee report on the crucial matter of genetically modified (GM) crops is out and needs to be carefully read and not summarily thrashed. It is clear that GM technologies need a robust and credible regulatory framework to ensure that they work in the interests of people and the environment.

Parliament panel report on GM food highlights rift within government