Govt bans GM trials, to burn standing crop
Sowmya Sivakumar
DNA, 20 March 2012
http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/RAJ-JPR-govt-bans-gm-trials-to-burn-standing-crop-2994245.html

Jaipur: The Rajasthan government has put on hold all trials of genetically modified (GM) crops in state. In an order dated March 13, principal secretary, agriculture, said "...no trials of GM crops should be conducted in the state until final decision in this matter is taken."

"The issue (of permitting trials of transgenic crops) indeed being fraught with concerns as no unanimity has arrived at, either in their favour or against them. The government, after considering different aspects of it, has taken a view to wait until a national consensus is evolved. It has also been decided that discussions should be held with all stakeholders and to form a view in this regard keeping in mind the guidelines issued by GEAC [the regulators] and GoI [the Government of India]," the order said.

DNA had first reported on introduction of GM trials in the state without clearance from the government agencies.

Significantly, the latest order comes close on heels of the government's withdrawal of the controversial no-objection certificate (NoC) recently issued by it to the Delhi University for conduction of GM mustard trials in three locations in Rajasthan. The trials had started in Bharatpur, Alwar and Sriganganagar and were nearing harvest. Responding to media reports and questions raised in the Assembly, the state government had ordered that the NoC be withdrawn.

"On March 9th, the NoC was withdrawn and the crop ordered to be destroyed," confirmed Anil Gupta, deputy secretary, department of agriculture.