May 2007
May 11,Bharat Textile	Biotechnology to dominate 21st century Addressing a meeting at the Ministry of Environment, Mr. Namo Narayan Meena, Minister for Environment and Forests said that GEAC research activities would gain traction as biotechnology becomes increasingly popular. The experiences of the first GM crop in India, the Bt cotton, have contributed a lot to this progress. In the nine cotton-growing states across India, currently 62 varieties of hybrids are grown. In 2001-02, 15.8 million bales were produced which grew to 24.4 million in 2005-06, the productivity during this period grew dramatically and there was a drop in pesticide usage. Cotton cultivated area increased from 72,000 acres in 2002 to 9.3 million acres in 2006. Mr Meena noted that biotechnology has tremendous potential to boost food production while reducing usage of agrochemicals.
May 10,Business Standard (India)	More GM seeds get nod for trials Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan of the Supreme Court has given the go ahead for field trials of genetically modified (GM) seeds. Brinjal, corn, mustard seeds, cauliflower, rice, etc. will see the application of this technology. Currently, there are 59 hybrids under cultivation. Currently, 35% of the cotton produce comes from GM seeds and this is estimated to grow to 50% in the coming 2-3 years. The court ruling, subject to certain restrictions would result in large-scale trials of BT brinjal. Dr K C Ravi, director, Public Affairs, Monsanto India, said that this verdict would advance the R&D in the country, and thus benefit farmers. Newer products that would have better yields and profits.
May 10,Business Standard (India)	GM potato to reduce blight disease A senior scientist S K Pandey of Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI) has said that GM potato seeds would make the potato crop more resistant against blight disease. Currently, CPRI is collaborating with US-based Cornell University to conduct research on GM potato seed. A Supreme Court order has now allowed trials of genetically modified tomatoes, potatoes, cauliflower, rice and mustard. Field trails of new gene-modified cotton varieties, which were prohibited earlier, have also been allowed.