Cannot ignore benefits of GM crops, says ‘Venki’ Ramakrishnan

Nobel laureate Venkataraman ‘Venki’ Ramakrishnan on Monday came down heavily on those opposed to genetic modification of agricultural crops.

 he said there was definitely a need to be careful while dealing with GM crops with proper regulatory mechanism, but one should not ignore the tremendous potentials on offer such as in terms of developing drought resistant varieties and crops with more nutrients and with greater shelf life.

“India has to feed a large number of people. We can’t ignore the potentials of GM crops. We, no doubt, need to be careful, and have proper controls and effective regulations.”

He noted that varieties of wheat, rice and other crops that are cultivated today were developed over the centuries from the wild varieties through various man-made techniques of selection. “Genetic modification is just another tool for selection [developed scientifically].”

He rejected the argument of anti-GM groups and activists that GM crops are promoted by large multinationals and must, therefore, be opposed in the interest of the sovereignty of developing countries and to protect their small and marginal farmers.

“If needed, India and other countries can set up their own national agencies or institutions to ensure that genetic modification could be pursued independent of the MNCs. But, we can’t ignore the great potentials of GM crops. We can’t do without them. We should not mix up issues.”

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