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Mahyco denies it got govt nod for cultivation and marketing of gene-tech crops

Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Company Limited has denied reports that it and its business associate Monsanto have got permission from the government to produce and market hybrid cotton.

In a statement, the company said large-scale cultivation and marketing of genetically improved crops require the recommendation and approval of the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee, a statutory body created under the rules of 1990 under the Environment Protection Act, and functioning under the Ministry of Environment and Forests.

What Mahyco has received is in fact an authorisation from the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, to approach the GEAC for further course of action.

Mahyco has been conducting research experiments on Bt.cotton for the last four years in a step-by-step manner. The experiments were conducted in a glass-house initially and later were moved to the open fields on a small scale in a contained manner. The small scale contained research trials moved from one location to five locations and then to 40 locations followed by 11 locations in the last year.

The trials have been conducted after due authorisation from the regulatory authorities and due evaluation of data from each set of trials. The experiments involved not only collection of agronomic data but also data concerning the safety and environmental impact of the use of Bt.cotton.

The Department of Biotechnology after evaluation of the data from these and other trials, and the presentation made by Mahyco to members of the Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation on April 4, 2000, vide its letter dated May 4, 2000, has advised Mahyco to approach the GEAC for further action. Mahyco is in the process of approaching the GEAC in this regard, in furtherance of the regulatory process.

Thus there is no permission, as yet, for Mahyco to plant Bt.cotton on a large scale or to market the same. The matter has to be decided by the GEAC in accordance with the applicable laws, and Mahyco is committed to the regulatory processes in this regard, the company said in the statement.

Members of the public interested in more information may contact Raju Barwale, Mahyco's managing director, at (0091-22-) 2043020, 2044178, 2049497, 2853832 and 2853833 or email him at mahyco@giasbm01.vsnl.net.in

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