The following is an edited excerpt.
A strong pitch for genetically-modified (GM) crops revived again with agriculture minister Sharad Pawar batting for it on Wednesday in the wake of the government’s decision to push the food security bill through an ordinance.
Pawar, who was earlier known to have doubts over the food security scheme, maintained in the cabinet meeting that GM crops should be pursued to ensure success of the scheme that targets food handouts for 67% of the country’s population.
Pawar’s argument assumes significance as environment minister Jayanthi Natarajan had recently put on hold approvals given to trial of GM crops by her ministry’s panel.
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