No GM crop trials without states’ consent: Jairam Ramesh
March 9th, 2011 - 8:24 pm ICT by IANSNew Delhi, March 9 (IANS) After Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar opposed field trials of genetically modified (GM) crop Bt maize in his state, Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh Wednesday said no trials will be allowed without the consent of the states.
The Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC), under the ministry of environment and forests, had allowed US-based firm Monsanto to conduct field trials of Bt maize in Bihar.
“I have asked the GEAC to immediately withdraw the orders. I have asked them to write to all the states asking if they recommend field trails of GM crops and they will be given a month’s time to reply. No field trials will be allowed without written permission of states,” Jairam Ramesh told reporters here.
Bt brinjal was the first, and maize is the second food crop for which the GEAC has given permission for field trials in India.
The ministry last year had put a moratorium on introduction of Bt brinjal in the country following protests from farmers and environmentalists, who say that GM crops are harmful for health and damage the eco-system.
- 'Ban on Bt brinjal hurting Indian scientists' - Jan 26, 2011
- Monsanto's violations in GM maize trials ignored: RTI reply - Feb 06, 2012
- No question of lifting moratorium on Bt Brinjal: Ramesh - Sep 27, 2010
- India is sharply divided over introduction of Bt Brinjal - Feb 09, 2010
- Explained: The ruckus over Bt Brinjal - Jan 30, 2010
- State chiefs don't want hasty decision on Bt brinjal: Jairam Ramesh - Jan 28, 2010
- Decision on Bt. Brinjal not influenced by NGOs: Jairam (Second Lead) - Feb 26, 2012
- Bt.Brinjal decision not influenced by NGOs, asserts Jairam (Lead) - Feb 26, 2012
- Herbicide tolerant GM crops pose serious health threat: Greenpeace - Aug 04, 2011
- Bt Brinjal will be single largest disaster, says scientist - Feb 01, 2010
- Chief ministers influenced Ramesh's Bt Brinjal decision - Feb 09, 2010
- Monsanto to continue research on GM crops in India - Feb 10, 2010
- Baba Ramdev talks tough on BT brinjal issue - Jan 31, 2010
- Greenpeace says moratorium on Bt Brinjal not a long-term solution - Feb 09, 2010
- Uncommon furore over common brinjal - Feb 09, 2010
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