There is no scientific evidence to prove that genetically-modified crops would harm soil, human health and environment, the government said on Thursday.
Environment minister Prakash Javadekar's response came to queries in Rajya Sabha over the recent controversial decision of biotech regulator — the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee's (GEAC) — granting approval for experimental field trials of 12 GM crops for the purpose of generating biosafety data.
The 12 crops ready for field trials include cotton, rice, castor, wheat, maize, groundnut, potato, sorghum, brinjal, mustard, sugarcane and chickpea.]