Seed firms begin field trials of GM crops in Maharashtra

At least five large seed companies, including Monsanto, Mahyco and BASF, have started field trials of genetically-modified (GM) crops in Maharashtra, which granted permission earlier this year. The companies are focussing on crops such as rice, corn, chickpea and cotton.

Mahyco, for instance, has started carrying out trials for GM rice in the Konkan region of coastal Maharashtra. The company eventually wants to develop a rice variety which will be tolerant to salinity in the environment. Others such as Monsanto, BASF, Sungro Seeds and a large seed company based out of Andhra Pradesh have either started conducting field trials or are in the process of carrying out the same.

Public-private partnership

Mahyco, through its group company Sungro, is actively working on developing a GM chickpea (

chana) . Sungro is developing the seeds through a public-private partnership with Assam Agricultural University, which could increase farm production by 20-25 per cent.

Since the permission was granted in January, the company is waiting for the right weather to carry out the trials, according to an industry source.

German chemical company BASF, which also has a plant sciences division, is in the process of carrying out field trials for rice. The company, in a statement to BusinessLine, said “field trials are part of a global research project that aims to significantly increase rice yields.

Through these trials in India, BASF will select the genetically enhanced rice lines which will be best adapted to Indian growing conditions and therefore most suitable for Indian rice farmers.” Monsanto is also carrying out trials for cotton and corn in Maharashtra, as a part of trials nationwide.

The company, in an email statement, said: “We understand that the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee has approved field trials requests of various organisations, including that of Monsanto. State no-objection certificates have also been secured.”