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The Government have examined the report of the Task Force on application of Biotechnology in Agriculture on the basis of Inter-ministerial consultations and have decided priorities for implementation.
1. Finalization of National Biotech Policy by the Department of Biotechnology.
2. Rationalization of approval process under the Environment (Protection) Act 1986 as suggested by Prof. M.S. Swaminathan’s Task Force.
3. Release of Bt. Cotton varieties for North Zone.
4. Post-release monitoring to be started by Department of Agriculture & Cooperation and Indian Council of Agriculture Research.
5. Capacity building for post-release monitoring and training.
6. Public awareness campaign to be launched by the Department of Agriculture & Cooperation in association with State Agricultural Universities and other scientific organiztions/institutes.
7. Finalising combined strategy for arresting spread of non-approved Bt. Cotton seeds.
8. Developing the testing facilities for Genetically Modified seeds.
9. To finalise Action Plan for the components relating to Agri-biotechnology in the National Biotech Policy.
10. Identification of crops and traits for use of application of biogechnology.
This information was given by Shri Kanti Lal Bhuria, Minister of State for Agriculture, in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.
UM/RC/Hb
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