Just as the government struggles to find some middle ground on Genetically Modified crops, there is a fresh twist to the politically sensitive issue.
The Ayush ministry, which deals with Ayurveda and other Indian systems of medicine, has raised concerns with theenvironment ministry on the possible adverse impact GM crops could have on certain wild varieties of medicinal plants used for Ayurvedic purposes.

And in this context, the Ayush ministry has sought representation in the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) — the apex body that clears GM field trials in India. In 2010 too, the ministry had issues with Bt Brinjal and had made them known to the environment ministry. It raised the matter yet again with the ministry late last year writing to them.

When contacted by ET with queries on the same, the environment ministry said: "Ayush had nothing to do with GEAC. National Biodiversity Authority is already a member." Ayush officials confirmed to ET that they had taken up the matter with the environment ministry.............Read more

Source web page: The Economic Times