ABLE-AG endorses the statement of Shri Prakash Javadekar
on safety of biotech-crops
Farmer group urges state governments to initiate field trials
for biotech-agri crops at the earliest
New Delhi Friday, 5th December, 2015 – The Association of Biotechnology
Led Enterprises – Agriculture (ABLE-AG) endorses the statement made by Shri
Prakash Javadekar, Hon’ble Union Minister for Environment, Forest and
Climate Change in the Rajya Sabha yesterday with regards to the safety of
genetically modified crops.
Responding to the statement made by Shri Javadekar yesterday, Mr. Ram
Kaundinya, Director General, ABLE-AG said, “The entire ecosystem that
supports
agri-biotechnology
including
agriculture
universities,
scientists,
researchers, farmers and seed manufacturers welcomes and applauds the
statement made by Hon’ble Union Minister Shri Prakash Javadekar in the Rajya
Sabha. Accepting modern technologies on scientific grounds sets a good
precedent that fosters research and innovation to help improve and ensure
India’s food security, while also allowing Indian farmers the right to choose. We
at ABLE AG have always maintained that there is no scientific evidence that
Genetically Modified (GM) crops pose any risk to human or animal health and the
environment. We are happy that the Honourable Minister's statement reconfirms
our stand.
Added Mr. Pavitar Pal Singh Pangli, President of the National Farmer
Empowerment Initiative, “This is a very encouraging sign and we now request
the
Genetic
Engineering
Appraisal
Committee
(GEAC)
to
undertake
an
assessment on biotechnology supported crops, to generate further data on its
benefits and safety to the environment, human life and livestock consumption.
We also request the state governments to follow the example of the Punjab
government, which has allowed farmers to reap the benefits of biotechnology
supported agriculture and to allow field trails in their respective states without
further delay.”
Shri Javadekar was quoted yesterday as saying that there was no scientific
evidence that genetically modified (GM) crops are bad for health or the
environment and also that GM crops have beneficial traits such as insect
resistance and herbicide tolerance, stress tolerance, fungal resistance, disease
resistance, salt tolerance, drought tolerance, enhance yield and nutrition etc that
may help in food security.
***
About ABLE-AG
ABLE-AG The Association of Biotech-Led Enterprises–Agriculture Group is an association of 14
leading biotechnology companies focused on research and development of innovative agriculture
biotechnology products for the benefit of farmers, consumers and the nation.
The Indian biotechnology sector is one of the fastest growing knowledge based sectors in India
and is expected to play a key role in shaping India's rapidly developing economy. The industry
grew threefold in just five years showing revenues of US$ 3 billion in 2009-10 alone, a rise of 17
per cent over the previous year, according to the eighth annual survey conducted by the
Association of Biotechnology-Led Enterprises (ABLE).
Vision: To contribute towards sustainable and safe food production by facilitating the best
biotechnology products and practices for both farmers and consumers.
Mission: Committed to create an enabling environment for developing new and superior biotech
traits that can enhance agricultural productivity and sustainably in the country.
Goals: To proactively engage with farmers, the government, regulatory authorities, agriculture
universities, scientists, public and private sector research organizations, industry representatives,
consumers, people’s representatives, civil society groups, and media, to create awareness on the
need and benefits of agri-biotech in India.
ABLE-AG aims to accelerate the pace of agricultural growth in India by enabling strategic alliances
between researchers, the Government and the global biotech industry to increase crop
productivity, help meet domestic food security, and contribute to the inclusive growth.
Media contacts
ABLE-AG
Suchismita Roy
Six Degrees PR
Ridhima Sahni
suchismita@ableindia.org
ridhimas@sixdegreespr.co.in
+91-8978938880
+91-9810289995