03.12.2012 | permalink
In a move that will raise hackles of anti-GM crop activists, state government has set up committee under famous nuclear scientist Anil Kakodkar to advise the government on allowing field trial for a particular GM-variety developed by a company. If this committee clears the crop variety, then its trial would be allowed by the government. Besides Kakodkar, the ten-member panel comprises vice-chancellors and directors (research) of the four agriculture universities of the state and the agriculture commissioner as the member secretary. Earlier, only central government’s nod was required for field trials. However, now no objection certificate of the government of state where the trial will be conducted is required. Some states have banned such trials completely.