Bt. Cotton is the only Genetically Modified (GM) crop approved for commercial cultivation by Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) in the Ministry of Environment and Forests, on the basis of environmental and bio-safety evaluations. Harmful effects of Bt. Cotton seeds on human and animal health, plant life and environment have not been reported.
There is no proposal with the Government to ban production and sale of GM seeds duly approved by the GEAC on the basis of their suitability in the various agro-climatic zone with regards to their performance.
Bt. Cotton seeds are being produced and marketed in the country by private seed companies. The Government has organized Public Awareness Programmes to educate the farmers about the risks and benefits associated with the GM crops.
This information was given in the Lok Sabha by Shri Kanti Lal Bhuria, Minister of State for Agriculture in a written reply.
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