NEW DELHI, FEB 27: The agriculture ministry is of the view that development of transgenic crops should be compatible with nature.

Though transgenic crops may be needed to boost production and productivity, absolute care should be taken to ensure that the genetically modified (GM) crops do not affect health and environment. The ministry is also of the view of promoting organic farming.

Agriculture minister Rajnath Singh while inaugurating the Centre for Transgenic Plant Development in Jamia Hamdard in Delhi on Friday said “it is essential to ensure that the transgenic crops developed are compatible with nature. We also need to ensure that they are free from any health and environment hazards.” He also admitted that GM crops may help increase the production and productivity.

Mr Singh assured the new centre that his ministry will extend an assistance of Rs 4 crore for development oilseeds under the technology mission on maize, oilseeds and pulses. The centre will be used to genetically engineer medicinal plants and food crops, especially oilseeds and pulses for induction of tolerance against biotic and abiotic stresses, improving fertiliser utilisation efficiency and quality traits such as grain protein and oil.

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