The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Environment Act to keep a tab on Bt cotton companies

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Jun 13, 2007
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Environment Act to keep a tab on Bt cotton companies

Special Correspondent

The provisions empower seed inspectors to search and seize genetically modified seed varieties

HYDERABAD: Unfazed by the Centre's decision to remove cotton from the Essential Commodities Act, the State Government has decided to invoke provisions of the Environment Protection Act to keep a check on Bt Cotton seed manufacturers and suppliers.

As the efforts to convince the Centre yet to yield results so far, the Government made an in-depth study of other alternatives and it stumbled upon provisions under the Environment Protection Act that came handy. It decided to invoke the provisions under the EP Act that empowers seed inspectors of the Agriculture Department to inspect, search and seize the genetically modified seed varieties, including the Bt Boll Guard I and II versions.

According to terms and conditions of Genetic Engineering Advisory Committee, the companies are bound to comply certain guidelines for securing permission for environmental release and non-compliance will enable the Government to detain/seize stocks under Section 10 of the EP Act.

The companies will have to comply with labelling specifications, indicate season and adoptability, technology used, GEAC reference of approval besides giving an instruction manual.

Sources told The Hindu that normal procedure under the Code of Criminal Procedure can be adopted in case of detention or seizure and punishment in respect of substandard samples would be sought under Section 15 of the Act.

Minister's instruction

Agriculture Minister N. Raghuveera Reddy is understood to have instructed the joint directors of the department to be alert and serious in application of this "empowerment" so that no single packet of poor quality Bt cotton seed goes into the hands of farmers.

The Minister, at the same time, will take up the matter of restoring cotton in the EC Act with Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, who has convened a meeting of State Agriculture Ministers at New Delhi on Wednesday.

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