GM crops: Panel proposes diluted norms for field trials


Environment ministry’s genetic engineering panel the says states be given a maximum of 90 days to respond to applications for conducting confined field trials

Notwithstanding the heated debate on genetically modified (GM) crops, the Union government is looking to dilute provisions that require applicants to seek no-objection certificates (NOCs) from states for conducting field trials.

The environment ministry’s genetic engineering approval committee (GEAC), the nodal regulator for GM crops, has recommended that states be given a maximum of 90 days to respond to applications for conducting confined field trials, after which their nod should be deemed as given.

The committee also recommended that since trials are conducted strictly within institutional premises, applicants should not require a clearance. In addition, the committee has decided to prescribe a standard format for issuing NOCs by state and Union territory governments..................Read more

 

Source: livemint


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