Source: Financial Express via USDA/FAS GAIN report IN6113

The GEAC has now begun giving importance to studies made by NGO's on genetically modified food crop trials. In the last meeting, GEAC discussed the reports on irregularities on genetically modified okra field trials in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh as pointed out by a report from Centre for Sustainable Agriculture (CSA).

The GEAC has also asked the state agriculture universities to enquire into the incidence of violations. GEAC also reviewed the report of an independent expert panel set up by CSA and another NGO on Bt brinjal trials, and referred the report to the Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGM) and panel headed by Dr. Deepak Paintal, a leading biotechnologist.

The GEAC has formed a committee headed by Dr. M.S. Swaminathan to review the existing biosafety norms that would address global trade concerns.