Indian-based Agricultural Biotechnology Researcher Decries Vandalism of Genetically Modified Crops Field Trials

BANGALORE, INDIA, NOVEMBER 24, 2006 - Dr. C Kameswara Rao, the founder of the Indian-based Foundation for Biotechnology (FBAE) and the author of FBAE Biotech Blog, has criticized anti-biotechnology activists in India for vandalizing genetically modified (GM) crops under field trials.

In a blog entry entitled, “From Verbalism and Vocalism to Vandalism: Graduation of Anti-Agricbiotech Activism in India,” Dr Rao argues that anti-biotechnology activists aren’t justified to interfere with the field trials of GM crops.

“The statement that ‘such trials were being done surreptitiously without taking into account the consequences’ does not mean anything, when the feared consequences are not spelt out,” notes Dr. Rao.

Anti-biotechnology activists in India’s States of Karnataka and Haryana have torched Mayco Seed Company’s genetically modified cotton and rice under field trials, arguing that the two crop traits threatened their indigenous varieties. The destroyed rice crop was a Bt transgenic with Cry 1Ac gene, to control the shoot-borer disease.

Dr. Rao defends these field trials insisting that they are being done in accordance with the law. “On July 11, 2006, the Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGM) permitted Mahyco to conduct multi-location limited field trials of this transgenic, at 12 sites in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh,” notes Dr. Rao.

He appeals to law enforcement officers to take stern actions against vandals of GM crops. “…destroying a legally grown private crop is a criminal act, which should not go unpunished.”

About FBAE Biotech Blog
FBAE Biotech Blog is a web log highlighting the benefits of genetically modified foods in India and throughout the world.

On the Web at http://www.fbaeblog.org/