ICAR Emphasizes Importance of Field Trials of GM Crops

Indias premier agriculture research body Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has emphasized the importance of genetically engineered crops in bridging the demand and supply gap for foodgrains in the future. Vision 2050 which provides a strategic framework for innovation-led inclusive and sustainable agricultural growth in the country has listed research into genetically modified organisms (GMOs) among nine key areas which have to be harnessed to enhance productivity, nutrition, and farmers income.

ICAR in its vision document said, "Genetic enhancement is considered to be a major option to bridge the demand and supply gap under normal situations as well as under projected scenarios of increased frequency and intensity of stresses." The document, released by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Patna on July 25, also noted that the GMOs do not provide a "miracle solution" to all problems, it detailed how scientific research in this area, backed by proper field trials, would help in dealing with safety and ethical aspects of genetically engineered crops.

"I am sure that ICAR Vision 2050 would stir new thinking in researchers to harness science, in the policymakers to develop policies for sustainable development of agriculture to provide food, income and livelihood, and in the consumers an urge to tailor their lifestyle, keeping in view the planetary boundaries of the Earths resource system", said Dr. S. Ayyappan, director general of ICAR, in his preface to the vision document.

Source: CBU