Field trial of GM crops likely to begin soon: Report

New Delhi: The NDA government is likely to give the green signal for field trials of some genetically modified (GM) crops, which it had put on hold.

According to Hindustan Times report, the government has decided to allow scientific trials of some GM crops but it would ensure these would strictly adhere to all norms governing such field evaluation.

“You will see trial of GM crops soon,” the newspaper quoted Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar as saying.

The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee, a regulatory panel under the Environment Ministry, recently recommended field trials of 15 GM crops, including rice, chickpea, brinjal and mustard.

However, the field trials, or small scale experiments, on these crops were subject to No Objection Certificate (NOC) from state governments.