The Hindu : National : Monsanto clarifies on GM crops

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Mar 17, 2005

National

National

Monsanto clarifies on GM crops

With reference to the reports in these columns "Do not hype up GM crops, say NGOs" dated March 4, 2005 and "No decision on extension of Bt cotton trial" dated March 5, 2005, Ranjana Smetacek, Director — Corporate Affairs, Monsanto India Limited, writes:

"In India, safety studies on goat, cow, buffalo, chicken and fish were conducted as part of the regulatory process for the approval of Bollgard. Mahyco had conducted hundreds of field trials in different agro-climatic zones in India and had done extensive nutritional and bio safety studies with Bt cotton, under the directives issued by the regulatory authorities and in co-operation with many national institutions.

"The ever increasing Bollgard plantings demonstrate that the Indian farmer is willing to adopt a technology that delivers consistent benefits in terms of reduced pesticide use and increased income. Farmers recognise the value of Bollgard, which continues to gain acceptance among them in the six States where it is being sold.

"An IMRB survey establishes that the benefits have not been limited to large farmers.

"A survey by ACNeilson ORG-MARG on the performance of Bollgard in kharif 2003 estimated that there has been an approximately 29 per cent or 1.72 quintals per acre yield increase in Bollgard fields when compared with conventional cotton fields. The reduction in bollworm pesticide sprays translated into an average savings of 60 per cent or Rs. 1294 per acre for Bollgard farmers. The net profit to farmers from Bollgard cultivation increased significantly by nearly 78 per cent or Rs. 3126 per acre.

"As for the renewal of permission for commercial cultivation of the three existing Bollgard hybrids in southern and central India, we are awaiting communication from the GEAC.

"We trust these facts will help bring clarity and dispel any misconceptions in the minds of your readers."

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