Syngenta is positive about the new government's focus on indigenous manufacturing
Expressing his happiness on behalf of Syngenta, Dr KC Ravi, vice president, Commercial Acceptance and Public Policy for South Asia, mentioned, "We are happy that the "Made in India" campaign mentions biotechnology as one of the key sectors and the emphasis on GM hybrids is welcome. Farming in India is getting complex and farmers need all the technologies including GM to combat the various abiotic stresses and climate change issues. India has immensely gained with the introduction of Bt Cotton hybrids and from a net importer the country is today a net exporter and is on the verge of becoming the second largest producer of cotton in the world."
On challenges such as food security, shrinking land, and water shortage that loom large, Dr Ravi stated that India needs to make available the entire tool box - from genetics, chemistry and biology to our farmers to help them address the challenges of retaining and enhancing their yeilds and incomes.
"The efficacy and safety of GM have been empirically proven through many scientific studies. We are happy there are indications that the government is keen to allow wider diffusion of hybrid seeds including GM technology. The government has announced several progressive measures and we hope that the special focus on GM hybrids would further boost the agriculture sector," Dr Ravi told BioSpectrum and stressed that it is crucial that the present impasse is overcome quickly and at least the field trials begins in right earnest.
