The nation needs a stronger regulatory body for genetically engineered foods, said M.S. Swaminathan, the agricultural researcher credited with creating India’s green revolution.
“We need a regulatory mechanism that inspires people’s confidence,” Swaminathan told reporters on Tuesday on the sidelines of the Indian Science Congress in Thiruvananthapuram. He said it was “obvious from the Bt brinjal debate” that Indians do not trust the current regulatory structure. He said he believes “Ramesh is holding consultations” on the brinjal’s safety.
Genetically engineered foods hold great promise for the future, especially if India intends to cut its hunger rate in half by 2015, said Swaminathan.
India committed to reducing its hunger rate to meet the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals. As of now, the nation lags behind countries like China and Vietnam.