Snapshot

Scientists at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) are using a technique which allows plants to be genetically modified without the need for conventional transgenic technology.

A research proposal — pending for almost two years before the authorities — asks Indian regulators to consider this technique as equivalent to conventional breeding methods, since it does not involve inserting any foreign DNA into the plant.

While the Union government investigates allegations of unauthorised genetically modified (GM) rice being exported to European countries while being branded as 'organic', scientists at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) are using a technique which allows plants to be genetically modified without the need for conventional transgenic technology.

A research proposal for the same is pending before the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee for almost two years. The proposal asks the Indian regulators to consider this technique as equivalent to conventional breeding methods, since it does not involve inserting any foreign DNA into the plant.