A team of scientists at the Delhi University (DU) has successfully developed a genetically modified (GM) cotton variety which is found to be safe for 'food/feed and environment' and resistant to pests. The same team had earlier developed the GM mustard variety which is soon likely to get the go-ahead for commercial cultivation from the environment ministry.
The new GM cotton variety was developed over a period of a decade under the leadership of Deepak Pental, the ex vice chancellor at DU and professor of genetics. He will soon approach the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to approve this laboratory-tested variety, according to media reports. Last year, Pental had given another GM cotton variety to ICAR for further research.
The Indian government seems keen to promote high-yielding GM crop varieties in the country in order to boost domestic farm production and cut down on imports, despite opposition from activists and politicians who believe that GM food could compromise biodiversity and food safety. (KD)
A team of scientists at the Delhi University (DU) has successfully developed a genetically modified (GM) cotton variety which is found to be safe for 'food/feed and environment' and resistant to pests. The same team had earlier developed the GM mustard variety which is soon likely to get the go-ahead for commercial cultivation from the environment ministry.#
Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India