What are the attitudes and perceptions towards genetically modified
(GM) crops and foods in India. Soon an in-depth research study will come out
with the answers.
The Canada-based International Development Research Centre (IDRC) in
collaboration with the Gene Campaign has launched a unique research study on
the attitudes and perceptions towards (GM) crops and foods in India. IDRC
has 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.

DRC 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 aim at identifying the root of the problem and
suggest appropriate remedies," said Suman Sahai, Gene Campaign, convener.

Meanwhile, according to the data released by the directorate of cotton
development, the Bt cotton acreage moved up 38% 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 in terms of Bt cotton
acreage in 6.57 lakh hectares, which is around 69.3% of the total area of
the state.

Bt cotton cultivation jumped remarkably within four years after it was
introduced in the country during 2002-03. The acreage would have gone up if
the availability of seeds been adequate as per the demand.
Bt cotton prices came down considerably, which helped growers going
for Bt cotton cultivation.

According to the report, Bt cotton seed packet sufficient to cover one
acre cost Rs 750 during 2006-07 in most states as against Rs 1,600 during
last year.

Currently, 41 Bt cotton varieties developed by about 15 private seed
firms are approved for cultivation in the North, Central and South zones.

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