AYUSH MINISTRY RED FLAGS GENETICALLY MODIFIED CROPS

The Times of India

September 11, 2015
New Delhi, India

New Delhi: Just as the government struggles to find some middle ground on Genetically Modified crops, there is a fresh twist to the politically sensitive issue. The "Ayush" ministry, which deals with Ayurveda and other Indian systems of medicine, has raised concerns with the environment ministry on the possible adverse impact GM crops could have on certain wild varieties of medicinal plants used for Ayurvedic purposes.

And in this context, the Ayush ministry has sought representation in the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) — the apex body that clears GM field trials in India. In 2010 too, the ministry had issues with Bt Brinjal and had made them known to the environment ministry. It raised the matter yet again with the ministry late last year writing to them.

When contacted by ET with queries on the same, the environment ministry said: "Ayush had nothing to do with GEAC. National Biodiversity Authority is already a member." Ayush officials confirmed to ET that they had taken up the matter with the environment ministry.

"We did write to them in late 2014 as well. The request was made because of several representations from the practitioners of Ayurvedic and also Unani medicines who feel that crosspollinated GM crops may affect other wild varieties of plants used for medicinal purposes. We are yet to hear from the environment ministry," Somita Biswas, CEO of the National Medicinal Plants Board — a body under the Ayush ministry — told ET.

However, senior Ayush ministry officials sought to nuance their position. "We are not opposed to introduction of GM crops as such. But there are views on the possible implications of GM introduction on the other species. We have only said that this issue must be addressed and the same can be done if we participate in the GEAC meetings."

The Modi government is in a bind on GM crops due to strong opposition from many right-wing outfits like the Swadeshi Jagran Manch. The Modi government has not yet articulated a clear policy view on the subject. The environment ministry held a GEAC meeting last week, but it was only the second such meeting in the government's term so far and has been kept completely under wraps.