The development of Bt brinjal was a case of bio-piracy, according to the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA). According to sources, the NBA has finally concluded its year-long investigation and recommended action against the U.S. agri-business giant Monsanto and its Indian collaborators who developed and promoted the controversial, genetically modified vegetable.

Over a year after bio-piracy complaints against U.S.-based multinational Monsanto — with regard to Bt brinjal — reached the National Biodiversity Authority of India (NBA), the investigation is still continuing.

However, when Monsanto sent in its application to use Indian onion strains for hybrid research last month, the Authority promptly forwarded it, and expects it to be dealt with by the end of the month.

Flat yields for five years and rising insecticide use are jeopardising the success of Bt cotton technology.

Firms keep govt in the dark over conducting experiments, he says
Agriculture Minister Umesh Katti has declared that the Government will not allow trials of genetically modified (GM) crops in the State.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday in Bangalore, the Minister said Karnataka had opposed Bt brinjal, and if media reports on Bt maize and Bt paddy trials in Bijapur and Koppal were true, the Gov

New Delhi Since the introduction of genetically modified (GM) cotton crop, which accounts more than 90% in the total area under cotton in the country, there has been a fear of genetic erosion and loss of biodiversity, a group of reputed cotton breeders have expressed.

While acknowledging the fact that after introduction of GM cotton seeds in 2002 the country

Seed is the only part of the agricultural chain that is growing at 20% a year and is insulated from both government subsidies and weather vagaries.

Massive subsidy for Monsanto's hybrid maize seed
The Shivraj Singh Chauhan government recently formed a separate

Centre approves field trials of 14 GM crops. But some states refuse trials, saying safety regulations are too lax. With politicians joining activists, the issue is likely to take a politically volatile turn. This special report in DTE uncovers the mess in GM crops.

While it is widely agreed that an important goal of Panchayati Raj is to ensure better implementation of government's rural development programmes by ensuring participation of people, it is also important to assert that the role of Panchayati Raj Institutions at various levels is certainly not restricted to blind acceptance of the policies and programmes of the central and state governments.

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