While several states, including Odisha, are opposing the Biotechnology Regulatory Authority of India (BRAI) Bill, Dr S R Dhua, adviser, genetic conservation to the state government, says there is no scientific basis of any apprehension to the opposition.

A letter endorsed by 250 scientists from across the country addressed to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was released on Thursday, in which they have urged that steps be taken to stop open air release of Genetically Modified Organisms.

Are genetically modified seeds clandestinely made available to the farmers in the state? This question came to the fore at the gram sabha of the Navelim village panchayat held on Sunday after a farmer voiced his doubts after observing unusual characteristics of certain seeds which, he said, are promoted as "high breed" varieties.

The debate over genetically modified organisms (GMO) has intensified in recent months. On one side of the debate is scientific evidence that GMOs are not delivering on their promise, and on the other side is ideological propaganda by the genetically modified seed industry and scientists whose careers are locked into the GMO trajectory.

In a place where population growth is moving incredibly fast, added pressure on farmers in India in the wake of crushing debt and failed crops calls for a new agricultural approach. Genetic modification and organic farming present promising solutions. Young Explorer Andrew Flachs will investigate the effect of both growing strategies by interviewing farmers in Southern India.

I won’t stir the curd. For, some curds are so hardened in texture that stirs don’t work. It’s like throwing pebbles in a mighty ocean where ripples don’t matter.

The GMO furor has been one such.

In a place where population growth is moving incredibly fast, added pressure on farmers in India in the wake of crushing debt and failed crops calls for a new agricultural approach. Genetic modification and organic farming present promising solutions. Young Explorer Andrew Flachs will investigate the effect of both growing strategies by interviewing farmers in Southern India.

There are inherent risks and dangers if India were to adopt genetically modified crops. Here is an expose about several myths surrounding GM crops. This is the first part of a three-part series

Farmers tend to prefer growing genetically modified crops as they give a higher yield, are more disease resistant and provide more profits, Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar said.

Government will not allow commercial cultivation of Bt Brinjal till independent studies establish that the Genetically Modified food crop does not impact human health, the Lok Sabha was today informed.