Monsanto against mandatory labelling of GMO products

Monsanto, the biotechnology major, holds the view that mandatory labelling of products made from genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in India would make no sense. It favours options such as companies voluntarily labelling products as not containing GMOs, and individuals making a personal decision not to consume food containing GM ingredients.

During an interview with The Hindu group of publications, Gyanendra Shukla, Director (Corporate Affairs) ofMonsanto--1.htm"> Monsanto India Ltd, said the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had determined that GM crops did not differ from non-GM crops, and that products containing GMOs need not be labelled.

"FDA does require a product to be labelled thus if an ingredient is a potential allergen or somehow changes the nutritional properties of the food,” he said. However, no approved biotech crop is either an allergen, or has any significant nutritional differences from non-GM counterparts.

If at all labelling is made mandatory in India there ought to be proper infrastructure in place for companies to comply with the law, he pointed out.

Genetic engineering techniques

Genetic engineering techniques use DNA molecules from different sources that are combined into one molecule to create a new set of genes. This DNA is then transferred into an organism, giving it modified or novel genes. Demand for labelling GMO products has cropped up in view of fears raised over their safety as food and feed.

New version

Having introduced Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) cotton, known as Bollgard I, in 2002,Monsanto--1.htm"> Monsanto is now testing a version of GM cotton that incorporates the properties of Bollgard II and Roundup Ready Flex cotton. “The new variety will provide protection against bollworm and caterpillar besides controlling weeds and other pests,” Dr. Shukla said.

Currently, 250 companies in India sell Bt cotton seeds, most of them deriving their technology fromMonsanto--1.htm"> Monsanto. “Though we offer Bollgard I and II, farmers buy more of Bollgard II since it is just Rs. 100 more for a packet of 450 gm of seeds,” he said.

This year, cotton is grown on a record 107.55 lakh hectares in India and over 90 per cent of it is Bt cotton. Corn (maize) and cotton account for 15 per cent of Indias total cropped area.

Technology fee

Dr. Shukla said the issue of technology fee was pending in courts. The controversy cropped up after Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat fixed the technology fee for Bt cotton seeds. Currently,Monsanto--1.htm"> Monsanto gets Rs. 96 as technology fee for a packet of Bollgard I and Rs. 150 for Bollgard II.Monsanto--1.htm"> Monsanto opposes controls on seed pricing, for it would discourage investment in technology.

Monsanto is testing Bt corn that gives protection against insects and weeds. “It is dual-technology, and is being tested in India.”

As of now,Monsanto--1.htm"> Monsanto is not looking beyond Bt corn. “Were not looking to bringing in GM soyabean or pulses to India unless there is public partnership. …Theres no system to recover the costs,” he said. “In partnership, well get compensation for what we bring in. These are open pollination varieties where farmers do not buy hybrids.”

On the moratorium on Bt brinjal imposed by the Centre, Dr. Shukla hoped that facts that are scientifically-based will prevail.