Despite the Rashtriya Swayam Sevak Sangh raising objections to the use of genetically modified (GM) seeds, Niti Aayog has strongly supported the proposal for wider use of GM seeds arguing that it would revive agricultural growth in the country.
Swadeshi Jagran Manch — a subsidiary of RSS – has questioned the role and two-year contribution of Niti Aayog and raised serious questions on the think-tank supporting use of GM seeds, reports The Economics Times.
"It is time for us to return to allow massive research into improving seed varieties including genetically modified one," the government think tank told ET.
"Elsewhere in the world, most notably the United States, GMO seeds have been in use for over two decades with no adverse effect on either crops or those consuming the product of those seeds.""China has been far ahead of us in this regard. Our own experience with BT Cotton has been a success," it added.
The Aayog has sought several policy interventions to bring back agriculture to a higher growth trajectory, which included need to shift towards high-value commodities such as horticulture, fisheries and livestock, reforming land-leasing laws and reforming the agriculture produce marketing committees (APMCs).
The review of the 12th Plan period (2012-17) is not of much use for the economy as the government has decided to come out with a new 15-year vision document and three-year action plan that is being prepared by Niti Aayog.
