‘Politics should not hamper research’
| Date :14-May-2019 |
Staff Reporter:
In the effort of increasing yield, certain qualities of the product will have to be compromised with. This has happened with many rice varieties, including Basmati. The major thrust in ensuring food security is on improving yield, with minimum adverse effect on environment. “The opposition to Genetically Modified (GM) varieties of several food products are out of ignorance and also political,” said Prof Swapan Kumar Datta. In an informal discussion with mediapersons, after delivering a lecture on ‘Importance of Science and Technology for Sustainability of Environment and Food Security’, during National Technology Day programme organised by CSIR-NEERI at NEERI, on Monday. He said that in the name of opposing, GM variety research in the field should not be stopped.
It takes long period to assess adverse or positive impact of the new product on human being and also environment. Quoting example of Basmati rice variety with higher yield, he agreed that the original aroma has reduced. In view of growing need of food, which would be constantly increasing with growing population, certain qualities will have to be ignored.
At the same time, some varieties of cereals have been developed, without affecting their nutritional value. The Bt variety of cotton was first produced by a farmer. Further research demonstrated higher yield. The transregional pests were not thought of. Further research in the field would help in resolving the issue. Prof Datta agreed that extensive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has affected the crop and the soil also. But righting them off totally is not possible.
Better quality of pesticides which are environment friendly and easily biodegradable have been developed. Prof Datta emphasised the need for support to research in science and technology, without any political influence. Research should not be disturbed for political reasons.