Source: Morning India Business News


NEW DELHI, INDIA, Aug. 31, 2001: The Indian government said today it has not approved the commercial release of genetically engineered seeds in the country. All genetically modified seeds require authorization under the Environment Protection Act 1989 before they can be introduced into the Indian environment, Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers S B Mookherjee told the Rajya Sabha. He said authorization is provided by the genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) of the Ministry of Environment and Forests after satisfactory evaluation of bio-safety from the use of such material including safety to humans and animal health.