The government's excessive respect for -- and fear of -- noisy anti-GM voices appears finally to be dimming.
This eminently sensible point of view must be taken to its logical conclusion, which means a review of the government's present anti-GM policies.
Other recent developments, too, make such a review imperative.
First, the Supreme Court last November turned down the plea made by its own-appointed technical panel to impose an interim ban on field trials of GM products.
Instead, the court modified the composition of the committee and asked it to revisit its recommendations.
Second, the government made the labelling of foods containing GM content mandatory from January 1.
If food products with GM elements are to be consumed by those who opt to do so, why bar the development of such products at home, leaving the field open for imports?
Perhaps the most noteworthy development of all is the regret expressed by environmentalist Mark Lynas for spearheading a relentless anti-GM movement in Europe since the 1990s, which had resulted in close to zero tolerance in Europe for the development, import and consumption of GM foods.
It is indeed significant that, in his statement, Mr Lynas has not only conceded the people's right to a healthy and nutritious diet of their choosing but has, without mincing words, apologised for assisting to demonise an important technological option that could be used to benefit the environment.
Mr Lynas reportedly told The Indian Express
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