Here’s How The Government Plans To ensure Biosafety Of Genetically-Engineered Organisms

India’s robust regulatory framework will ensure the biosafety of all types of genetically-engineered organisms, the Environment Ministry said, amid speculation over the fate of genetically modified crops.

“A strong regulatory framework supported by several guidelines will ensure biosafety under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986,” Environment Ministry additional secretary and Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee chairperson Amita Prasad said at South Asia Biosafety Conference at Hyderabad.

Emphasising capacity-building and sharing of experience to ensure effective implementation of the bio-safety regulations, she commended the research institutions for their initiatives towards developing newer products relevant to the national needs.

Pointing out the food crisis and challenges ahead to achieve food security amid climate change and dwindling natural resources, National Academy of Agricultural Sciences vice-president Anupam Verma said that “the world has no option, but to accelerate utilisation of the available and emerging technologies for improving world food production”.

He stressed that agriculture biotechnology is a powerful tool for addressing the emerging challenges, as already demonstrated by the fast adoption of such technologies in dealing with biotic and abiotic stresses.

With inputs from IANS.