Genie in the food

Prime Minister Modi has voiced his interest in genetically modified crops, including food. He has not been specific on what he meant, but a spokesperson has clarified that the government will abide by directions from the Supreme Court, which is hearing a plea for a ban on GM food crops. One, the Supreme Court is no authority on the matter; it can only seek scientific counsel, which even the government can. Two, the Supreme Court can only adjudicate on a ban plea, not enforce the growing of GM crops. Moreover, the biggest challenge is that the scientific community itself is not united on this subject. The government's stand, therefore, leaves us no less bewildered than ever.

The world is equally confused. Most of Europe does not allow the growing of GM crops, with many countries not even allowing the import of GM food. Japan also is strongly against it. The US, which has approved many GM crops, also has not given a blanket approval; each crop has to be specifically approved. The only way for such approval can be testing for any harmful effects on humans or animals that consume the crops, and other plants. India has thus far not created facilities for an extensive testing of GM crops over a long period that is required. Even the permission for testing requires a decision.

As things stand today, India can only go by testing done in other countries. And the US is the only scientifically advanced country that is widely into GM crops. A niggling issue is that the US is also home to mega companies that stand to benefit from the adoption of this technology. And corporate influence on US policy is a well-known phenomenon. The immediate path for the government in India can thus be to invest heavily in studying the matter and building a consensus. People cannot be involuntarily subjected to food they don’t know about. Given our population's awareness level, the common perception is that if something is called food, it must be safe to eat.