|
 What
are the attitudes and perceptions towards genetically modified crops and foods
in India.Soon an in-depth research study will come out with the answers.
The
Canada-based International Development Research Centre in collaboration with the
Gene Campaign has launched a unique research study on the attitudes and
perceptions towards crops and foods in India.IDRC had undertaken a similar study
in China relating to the agri-biotechnology policy.
According to IDRC regional director for
Asia,
Stephen Megurk, 10 years of experiences of Bt cotton cultivation in China has
brought to the fore new generation of technical problems, including pest-ecology
problems."There has been a significant increase in use of pesticides in some
areas.We feel that the problems will be similar in India,"he said.
IDRC
is a non-profit independent think tank.It also receives aid from the Canadian
government. Gene Campaign, which is slated to undertake the study in India, has
already produced a documentary film on Bt cotton cultivation in the
suicide-prone Vidarbha district.
"Our
study will aim at involving all stakeholders.The study will be divided into 10
stages and aims at identifying the root of the problem and suggest appropriate
remedies," said Suman Sahai, Gene Campaign, convener.
The
project is designed as the first effort in an ongoing process of long term
monitoring of public attitudes towards agricultural biotechnology in India,
tracking the changes in such perceptions and attitudes over time and assessing
public acceptance or rejection of GM crops and products. By taking into
consideration societal interests and concerns, this project will contribute
towards improved public policy on agricultural biotechnology.
On
February 7,2007,a
public discussion was organised by Gene Campaign in New Delhi,to launch and
discuss the new research project. Studies tracking such attitudes and
perceptions are being conducted in many developed countries, but this will be
the first study of its kind in India.
The
proposed two-and-a-half year long study by Gene Campaign and their partners will
gather information in five Indian states to contribute to the formulation of
public policy on agricultural biotechnology in the country, taking into account
public perceptions and attitudes to set priorities for public and private sector
investments. An international advisory committee is overseeing the project
methodology and will serve as expert advisors to the research team.
Meanwhile, according to the data released by the directorate of cotton
development, the Bt cotton acreage moved up 38 per cent cultivated in 34.61 lakh
hectares across India during the current cotton season, which started from
October. Maharashtra is on the top with Bt cotton cultivation in 16.55 lakh
hectares. Andhra Pradesh is in the second position with 6.57 lakh hectares,69
per cent of the total area of the state. Bt cotton cultivation has jumped
remarkably within four years after it was introduced in the country during
2002-03.The acreage would have gone up further if the availability of seeds had
been as per the demand. |
