Policies for conducting field trials of GM crops in India: analyzing the role of civil society
Student name: Ms Khushboo Sharma
Guide: Dr Ramakrishnan Sitaraman
Year of completion: 2016
Host Organisation: Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi
Supervisor (Host Organisation): Dr Saradindu Bhaduri
Abstract: The debate on GM crops has led to mobilization of civil society. Opposition to the use of GM technology in agriculture is seen worldwide. India is a classic example of this opposition as a majorityof its population depends on agriculture. India has tried to adopt the GM technology in its agricultural practices but except for Bt cotton no other crop has been granted approval. This is because opposing actors raise many issues concerning biosafety of GM crops and resist not only their commercial application but also small-scale field trials. This study focuses on current policies on field trials in India and highlights how the civil society has sought correction of these policies.Opponents of GM technology have prayed for a moratorium on field trial activities in India. They seek strengthening of the regulatory system and stricter policy implementation in light of biosafety and socioeconomic concerns.Anti-GM actors include many environmentalist and farmer welfare NGOs and they have gained voice in public discourse.It was concluded that no major policy reforms have occurred since the adoption of these policies and many approvals are still pending.Although there is no final decision on India’s stance on GM crops, opposition from NGOs might impact policy decisions in a significant way.
Keywords: field trials; GM crops; anti-GM movement; Policy; Biosafety.
