bt-cotton: safety assessment and risk...

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BTBT--COTTON: SAFETY ASSESSMENT COTTON: SAFETY ASSESSMENT AND RISK MANAGEMENTAND RISK MANAGEMENT

T. M. MANJUNATHT. M. [email protected]

At UAS, Bangalore09 January 07

WORKSHOP ON GM CROPS

WITH A FOCUS ON POST-RELEASE MONITORINGOrganised by:

Department of Agriculture & Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of IndiaUniversity of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore and

Biotech Consortium India Limited, New Delhi

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WHAT IS WHAT IS BTBT--COTTON?COTTON?

Bt-cotton contains Lepidopteran specific gene(s)

derived from the soil bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis

introduced into it by genetic engineering

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Transgenic Technology: What is Unique?Transgenic Technology: What is Unique?

A transgenic plantA transgenic plantcarries newcarries new

gene(s)gene(s)

New gene(s) can beNew gene(s) can beIntroduced into a plant fromIntroduced into a plant from

any sourceany source--bacteria, virus, fungi, animalsbacteria, virus, fungi, animals --thus overcoming taxonomic orthus overcoming taxonomic or

reproductive barrierreproductive barrier

A Big Breakthrough!A Big Breakthrough!

ManMan--made! Unnatural.made! Unnatural.Hence its safety is Hence its safety is

doubted?doubted?

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1996: A Turning Point1996: A Turning PointThree Three BtBt--crops approved in USAcrops approved in USA

• BtBt--corn against European Corn Borercorn against European Corn Borer

•• BtBt--potato against Colorado Potato Beetlepotato against Colorado Potato Beetle

•• BtBt--cotton against Cotton Bollworms cotton against Cotton Bollworms

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BtBt--Corn Against European Corn BorerCorn Against European Corn Borer

BtBt--Potato Against Colorado Potato BeetlePotato Against Colorado Potato Beetle

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BtBt--Cotton Against Bollworm ComplexCotton Against Bollworm Complex

Pink Bollworm

Cotton Bollworm Tobacco Budworm

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1983 : First transgenic plant in lab

1990 : First Bt plants

1992 : Lead lines selected. First field Tests

1993 : Seed companies cross into elite germplasm

1995 : Safety studies completed

1996 : USDA & FDA consultation completedEPA approval for commercialization

DEVELOPMENT OF DEVELOPMENT OF BTBT--CROPS IN USACROPS IN USA

~ 14 years of intensive research and field trials.~ 14 years of intensive research and field trials.Millions of $ investmentMillions of $ investment

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DEVELOPMENT OF DEVELOPMENT OF BTBT--COTTON IN INDIACOTTON IN INDIA1994: Application to DBT by MAHYCO for import of 1994: Application to DBT by MAHYCO for import of

BtBt--cotton seeds from Monsanto,USAcotton seeds from Monsanto,USA

1995: Permit to import seeds (100 gm Coker 312)1995: Permit to import seeds (100 gm Coker 312)

1996: Seeds imported. Greenhouse studies. Back-crossing

1997-98: Limited field trials. Feeding and allerginicity studies

1998-99: Multi-location field trials

2000-02: ICAR trials and other multi-location trialsMore bio-safety studies

26 Mar 02: GEAC approval for commercialization

>500 agronomic field trials and bio-safety studies for 7-8 years.Faced unjustified opposition.

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26 MARCH 200226 MARCH 2002

Govt. of India approved Govt. of India approved MahycoMahyco’’ss

BtBt--CottonCottonContaining Containing BollgardBollgard®® BtBt gene, gene, cry 1Accry 1Ac, licensed from Monsanto, licensed from Monsanto

targeted against cotton bollwormstargeted against cotton bollworms

India’s First Biotech Crop

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WHAT IT TOOK WHAT IT TOOK TO GET APPROVAL?TO GET APPROVAL?

Comprehensive research data to demonstrate:Comprehensive research data to demonstrate:

Safety is accorded the highest priority in biotechnology

• Bio-safety • Environmental safety• Social and economic benefits

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Safety Assessment

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SAFETY ACCORDED HIGHEST PRIORITYSAFETY ACCORDED HIGHEST PRIORITYThroughout Discovery, Product Development and AdvancementThroughout Discovery, Product Development and Advancement

PostPost--MarketMarketMarketMarket

Discovery

Development

Advancement

Commercialization

Gene DiscoveryGene DiscoveryProduct ConceptProduct Concept

Line SelectionLine SelectionGH & Field EvaluationGH & Field Evaluation

TransformationTransformation

Field ProductionField ProductionVariety DevelopmentVariety Development

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SAFETY ASSESSMENTSAFETY ASSESSMENT

Takes place at two Levels:Takes place at two Levels:

Internal Safety Audit by Product DevelopersInternal Safety Audit by Product Developers-- Internal experts Internal experts

Safety Regulations by GovernmentSafety Regulations by Government-- National safety regulationsNational safety regulations-- International safety guidelinesInternational safety guidelines

((CartagenaCartagena, FAO, WHO), FAO, WHO)

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WHAT ARE SAFETY CONCERNS?WHAT ARE SAFETY CONCERNS?

v Toxicityv Allergenicityv Out-crossing / Gene flowv Effects on non-target organismsv Environmental impactv Pest resistance

All safety issues are to be addressed before regulatory approval is given for any product

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ISSUE: SAFETY TO ISSUE: SAFETY TO NONNON--TARGET ORGANISMSTARGET ORGANISMS

Apprehension:Apprehension:

BtBt--protein may have toxic effect on protein may have toxic effect on humans, animals or other nonhumans, animals or other non--target target organismsorganisms

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WHAT IS WHAT IS BACILLUS THURINGIENSIS (BT)BACILLUS THURINGIENSIS (BT)

EM view of a purified inclusion body

EM view of Bt with spores and crystals

Endospore

Crystal

•• Soil bacterium; ubiquitousSoil bacterium; ubiquitous

•• First discovered in 1901 in First discovered in 1901 in Japan Japan

•• About 80 subspecies /strains About 80 subspecies /strains

•• Different strains produce their Different strains produce their own insecticide proteinsown insecticide proteins

•• >140 >140 BtBt--insecticide insecticide crycryproteins characterizedproteins characterized

•• Each Each crycry protein selectively protein selectively affects insects belonging to a affects insects belonging to a particular order (particular order (egeg. Lepidoptera, . Lepidoptera, ColeopteraColeoptera, , DipteraDiptera etc) and at etc) and at their very early larval stagetheir very early larval stage

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BTBT--GENES USED IN GENES USED IN COMMERCIALIZED TRANSGENIC CROPSCOMMERCIALIZED TRANSGENIC CROPS

CottonCotton -- Cry1Ac, Cry2Ab, Cry1AbCry1Ac, Cry2Ab, Cry1Ab

Corn Corn -- Cry1Ab, Cry1Ac, Cry 3BbCry1Ab, Cry1Ac, Cry 3Bb

PotatoPotato -- Cry3AbCry3Ab

Selected after thorough screening to ensure that the Cry proteinshave no toxic or allergenic effects on higher animals

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IngestionIngestion (While feeding plant tissues)(While feeding plant tissues)

SolubilizationSolubilization (Alkalinity)(Alkalinity)

ActivationActivation (pH >9.5)(pH >9.5)

BindingBinding (Specific receptor)(Specific receptor)

InsertionInsertion (Damage gut wall)(Damage gut wall)

Pore formationPore formation

Cell lysesCell lyses

D e a t hD e a t h

SELECTIVE ACTION OF SELECTIVE ACTION OF BT BT IN INSECTSIN INSECTS

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BT BT HAS NO IMPACT IN HIGHER HAS NO IMPACT IN HIGHER ANIMALS BECAUSE OFANIMALS BECAUSE OF……....

Acidic intestineAcidic intestineVery low pH (~1.5 in humans)Very low pH (~1.5 in humans)Absence of required receptors Absence of required receptors

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SAFETY TO NONSAFETY TO NON--TARGET TARGET ORGANISMSORGANISMS

Feed safety studies were conducted using high Feed safety studies were conducted using high dose of dose of BtBt--cotton seedcotton seed--meal / protein on:meal / protein on:

FishFishBirdsBirdsMammals Mammals -- goats, buffaloes, cows, rabbitsHoney beesHoney beesEarthwormsEarthwormsBiological control agentsBiological control agents(Lacewing, Ladybird beetles etc)(Lacewing, Ladybird beetles etc)

RESULTS REVEALED NO ILL EFFECTS & BT TO BE SAFE

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FEEDFEED--SAFETY STUDIES CONDUCTED ATSAFETY STUDIES CONDUCTED AT

Industrial Toxicological Research Centre, Lucknow

National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal

Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai

Central Avian Research Institute, Izatnagar

National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad

G. B. Pant Univ of Agri. and Tech., Pantnagar

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ISSUE:ISSUE: SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCYSUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCY


The introduction of the new The introduction of the new CryCry gene gene may alter the chemical composition may alter the chemical composition and characteristics of the plant, thereby and characteristics of the plant, thereby adversely effecting other organismsadversely effecting other organisms

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COMPOSITIONAL EQUIVALENCY:COMPOSITIONAL EQUIVALENCY:PROXIMATE ANALYSESPROXIMATE ANALYSES

BollgardBollgard (Event 531) is substantially equivalent to conventional cotton(Event 531) is substantially equivalent to conventional cotton

Protein Fat Carbohydrates Ash Moisture05

1510

2025303540

g / 1

00 g

Control Bollgard 531

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COMPOSITIONAL EQUIVALENCY: TOXICANTSCOMPOSITIONAL EQUIVALENCY: TOXICANTS

-- Forage composition of Forage composition of BollgardBollgard cotton is substantially equivalent to cotton is substantially equivalent to conventional cottonconventional cotton

-- Similar results found with Roundup Ready Cotton Event 1445 Similar results found with Roundup Ready Cotton Event 1445

Gossypol, % dry weight

Dihydrosterculicacid, % total lipids

Sterculic acid, % total lipids

Malvalic acid, % total lipids

0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1

1.2

1.4

Control Bollgard 531

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MOUSE ORAL TOXICITY STUDIES WITH CRY1ACMOUSE ORAL TOXICITY STUDIES WITH CRY1AC

Body wt., pre-testMales

Body wt., day 7males

Body wt., pre-test Females

Body wt., day 7 females

05

101520253035

Mea

n bo

dy W

eigh

t, gm

Vehicle control

500 mg/kg Cry1Ac

1000 mg/kg Cry1Ac

4300 mg/kg Cry1Ac

• No acute toxic effect on health upon ingestion of large amounts No acute toxic effect on health upon ingestion of large amounts based on bodybased on bodyweights, food consumption and gross necropsyweights, food consumption and gross necropsy

•• About 14 other oral toxicity studies were conducted on rats, rAbout 14 other oral toxicity studies were conducted on rats, rabbits, sheep etc.abbits, sheep etc.

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Issue: Cry Proteins in SoilIssue: Cry Proteins in Soil


BtBt--protein may accumulate in soil when protein may accumulate in soil when roots and otherroots and other parts of parts of BtBt--plants are plants are incorporated in soil and this may have incorporated in soil and this may have harmful effect on soil organisms.harmful effect on soil organisms.

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BTBT PROTEINS IN SOIL GET DEGRADED PROTEINS IN SOIL GET DEGRADED

•• No difference between soils from BtNo difference between soils from Bt--crop and crop and nonnon--BtBt--crops.crops.

•• Readily susceptible to metabolic, microbial Readily susceptible to metabolic, microbial and and abioticabiotic degradation once they are degradation once they are ingested or excreted into soil ingested or excreted into soil

•• BtBt insecticidal proteins cannot bioinsecticidal proteins cannot bio--accumulate causing delayed effectsaccumulate causing delayed effects

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Issue: Gene Flow & Issue: Gene Flow & WeedinessWeediness

Apprehensions:Apprehensions:Genes may escape from transgenic plants and Genes may escape from transgenic plants and cause cause ‘‘Genetic contaminationGenetic contamination’’ or or ‘‘Genetic Genetic pollution.pollution.’’

•• Vertical gene transferVertical gene transfer: Pollen containing : Pollen containing BtBtgenes from genes from BtBt --crop plants may be transferred to crop plants may be transferred to their relative plant species, including weeds, their relative plant species, including weeds, making them insect resistant (making them insect resistant (‘‘Super weedsSuper weeds’’))

•• Horizontal gene transferHorizontal gene transfer: Genes from : Genes from transgenic plants may be transferred to bacteria transgenic plants may be transferred to bacteria and other microorganisms or from bacteria to and other microorganisms or from bacteria to plants, thereby affecting their original plants, thereby affecting their original constitution constitution

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GossypiumGossypium spp.(Cottonspp.(Cotton))

New World Cotton New World Cotton -- TetraploidTetraploidGossypiumGossypium hirsutumhirsutumGossypiumGossypium barbadensebarbadense

DesiDesi Cotton Cotton -- DiploidDiploidGossypiumGossypium arboreumarboreumGossypiumGossypium herbaceumherbaceum

No cross pollination between No cross pollination between tetraploidtetraploid and diploid species because and diploid species because of reproductive incompatibility of reproductive incompatibility

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GENE FLOW IS A NEGLIGIBLE RISKGENE FLOW IS A NEGLIGIBLE RISK

• Vertical gene transfer:

Feral crops related to corn, potato and cotton cannot be Feral crops related to corn, potato and cotton cannot be pollinated by these crops due to:pollinated by these crops due to:

•• Difference in Difference in phenologyphenology (Diff. in flowering time etc.)(Diff. in flowering time etc.)•• Sexual incompatibility (Diff. in chromosome umbers)Sexual incompatibility (Diff. in chromosome umbers)•• Difference in habitatDifference in habitat

•• Horizontal gene flow:Horizontal gene flow:

•• Several subSeveral sub--species of species of Bt Bt already exist in soil. already exist in soil. Bt Bt crops are not going to add anything more to the already crops are not going to add anything more to the already existing flux of existing flux of crycry genes among soil microorganismsgenes among soil microorganisms

•• No evidence of horizontal gene transfer from plants to No evidence of horizontal gene transfer from plants to microbesmicrobes

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WEED RELATIVES OF COTTON WEED RELATIVES OF COTTON ((GOSSYPIUMGOSSYPIUM))

GossypiumGossypium stocksiistocksii : Occurs in northern part : Occurs in northern part of Gujarat (India) where cotton is not of Gujarat (India) where cotton is not cultivated. Bollworms do not feed on this cultivated. Bollworms do not feed on this weed.weed.

GossypiumGossypium ttomentosumomentosum : Occurs in Hawaii : Occurs in Hawaii (USA) where this weed is considered on the (USA) where this weed is considered on the decline. However, decline. However, BtBt--cotton is not cultivated cotton is not cultivated in Hawaii.in Hawaii.

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ISSUE: PEST RESISTANCEISSUE: PEST RESISTANCE


The insect pests constantly exposed to The insect pests constantly exposed to BtBtproteins may develop resistance thereby proteins may develop resistance thereby resulting in resulting in ‘‘super pests.super pests.’’

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INSECT RESISTANCE MANAGEMENTINSECT RESISTANCE MANAGEMENT(IRM) STRATEGIES(IRM) STRATEGIES

Proactive IRM strategies have been Proactive IRM strategies have been initiated to prevent or delay the initiated to prevent or delay the potential development of resistance by potential development of resistance by the target pests the target pests

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IRM STRATEGIES WITH IRM STRATEGIES WITH BTBT CROPSCROPS

•• Optimal doseOptimal dose

•• Refuge Refuge

•• Gene stackingGene stacking

•• Baseline susceptibility data for target pestsBaseline susceptibility data for target pests

•• Surveillance for product performanceSurveillance for product performance

•• BtBt--crop as a major component of IPMcrop as a major component of IPM

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REFUGE FORINSECT RESISTANCE MANAGEMENT

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REFUGEREFUGEA refuge is a crop without Bt gene planted close to A refuge is a crop without Bt gene planted close to that with Bt genethat with Bt gene

Insect will feed and proliferate on nonInsect will feed and proliferate on non--Bt plants Bt plants and will remain susceptible to Bt protein.and will remain susceptible to Bt protein.

When these mate with the scant few that have When these mate with the scant few that have become resistant by surviving on the Bt crop, the become resistant by surviving on the Bt crop, the susceptible genes will dilute any resistant genes in susceptible genes will dilute any resistant genes in the overall gene pool.the overall gene pool.

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RefugeRefuge

StructuredStructured20% with normal 20% with normal

pp measurespp measures5% with no control 5% with no control

NaturalNaturalHighly preferred Highly preferred alternative hostsalternative hosts

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RefugiaRefugia -- Before SelectionBefore Selectionrefuge Bollgard™ cotton

R

R

SSSS

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RefugiaRefugia -- During SelectionDuring Selectionrefuge Bollgard™ cotton

R

R

SS

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Refugia Refugia -- After SelectionAfter Selectionrefuge Bollgard™ cotton

R

R

SS

SS

R + S = RS / SS (No RR = Resistant population)

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Refugia Refugia -- Before SelectionBefore Selectionrefuge Bollgard™ cotton

R

R

SSSS

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NATURAL REFUGIA

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HelicoverpaHelicoverpa armigera armigera feeding on Red Gram (Tur)feeding on Red Gram (Tur)

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HelicoverpaHelicoverpa armigera armigera feeding on Bengal Gram feeding on Bengal Gram

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Helicoverpa armigera feeding on Sunflower

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Fig 5b Larval ratio (Cotton v/s other hosts) at Eklashpur

1.00

12.02

0.28

17.50

0.080

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

20

Cotton Pigeonpea Sunflower Chickpea SorghumCrops

Ratio

1.00

5.05

0.37

2.85

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

Cotton Pigeonpea Sunflower SorghumCrops

Ratio

Fig 5b Larval ratio (Cotton v/s other crops) at Hosur

Relative Population of Relative Population of HelicoverpaHelicoverpa armigeraarmigeralarvae on alternate crops and cottonlarvae on alternate crops and cotton

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GENE STACKING (PYRAMIDING)GENE STACKING (PYRAMIDING)

Two Two Bt Bt genes genes egeg. . Cry1AcCry1Ac & & Cry2Ab Cry2Ab in thein the same same plant with different modes of action.plant with different modes of action.

Bt Bt gene with other insecticidal gene gene with other insecticidal gene egeg. Protease . Protease inhibitor, amylase inhibitor.inhibitor, amylase inhibitor.

In case an insect develops resistance toIn case an insect develops resistance toone gene, it would succumb to the otherone gene, it would succumb to the other

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NO INCIDENCE OF PEST RESISTANCENO INCIDENCE OF PEST RESISTANCE

In the last 10 years (1996In the last 10 years (1996--2006) of commercial cultivation of 2006) of commercial cultivation of BtBt--cotton and other cotton and other BtBt--crops on millions of acres, there has crops on millions of acres, there has not been any field incidence of pest resistance to not been any field incidence of pest resistance to in in plantaplantaexpressed expressed BtBt--proteinsproteins

Lab studies and incidence of resistance Lab studies and incidence of resistance by other insects to by other insects to Bt Bt sprayssprays have often beenhave often been misquoted as misquoted as resistance to resistance to BtBt--cropscrops

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ISSUE: REGULATION OF GM ISSUE: REGULATION OF GM CROPSCROPS


Regulation of genetically modified Regulation of genetically modified crops is not adequate and dependablecrops is not adequate and dependable

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Ministry of Science Ministry of Science & Technology& Technology

Ministry of EnvironmentMinistry of Environment& Forests& Forests

DBTDBT

IBSCIBSC RCGMRCGM

GEACGEAC

REGULATION OF REGULATION OF GMOsGMOs IN INDIAIN INDIA

Each major committee has sub-committees, comprisingexperts in various fields drawn from various public institutions

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SAFETY REGULATIONS IN USASAFETY REGULATIONS IN USA

Three federal agencies ensure safety of biotech Three federal agencies ensure safety of biotech products:products:

USDA:USDA: Field testing and environmental safetyField testing and environmental safety

EPA:EPA: Environmental, food and feed safety forEnvironmental, food and feed safety forpestpest--protected product registration and protected product registration and sales; and for herbicide use on Roundup sales; and for herbicide use on Roundup Ready crops Ready crops

FDA: FDA: Food and feed safetyFood and feed safety

Similar regulatory bodies exist in other countries also

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The following facts reveal a lot

Are the Criticism/OppositionAre the Criticism/OppositionJustified?Justified?

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SAFETY OF GMOS: A NEVERSAFETY OF GMOS: A NEVER--ENDING DEBATE!ENDING DEBATE!

Issues raised have been mostly speculative, complex, Issues raised have been mostly speculative, complex, inconsistent and confusing. The issues ranged from:inconsistent and confusing. The issues ranged from:

Scientific issues should receive utmost priority

EthicalEthical -- EmotionalEmotionalEconomical Economical -- EgoisticEgoisticPoliticalPolitical -- PublicityPublicityIgnoranceIgnorance -- Arrogance Arrogance Legal Legal -- IllegalIllegalSocial Social -- ScientificScientific

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In 1901 : In 1901 : Bt Bt discovered in Japandiscovered in Japan

Since 1956 : Used as foliar spray to control a variety ofSince 1956 : Used as foliar spray to control a variety ofpests all over world pests all over world

Since 1996 : After due regulatory approval as safe Since 1996 : After due regulatory approval as safe and beneficial, transgenic and beneficial, transgenic BtBt--crops crops commercially grown on several millions commercially grown on several millions of hectares in several countriesof hectares in several countries

In 2001 : In 2001 : BtBt completed 100 years completed 100 years

SAFE HISTORY OF SAFE HISTORY OF BACILLUS THURINGIENSIS (BT)BACILLUS THURINGIENSIS (BT)

No negative impact for more than 100 years! No negative impact for more than 100 years!

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GLOBAL AREA OF TRANSGENICGLOBAL AREA OF TRANSGENIC CROPS, CROPS, 19961996--20052005

90.081.0

67.758.7

52.644.239.9

27.8

11.01.7

0.010.020.030.040.050.060.070.080.090.0

100.0

1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

Hec

tare

s in

Mill

ion

More than a 50-fold increase in 10 years

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GMGM--COTTON: COUNTRIES & AREA IN 2005COTTON: COUNTRIES & AREA IN 20058 Countries, 9.8 M Ha8 Countries, 9.8 M Ha

(Year of Introduction in Parentheses)(Year of Introduction in Parentheses)

USA 4.6 M Ha

(1996)

Mexico0.12 M Ha

(1998)

Colombia < 0.1 M Ha

(2002)

Argentina0.07 M Ha

(1997)

China 3.3 M Ha

(1997)

India 1.3 M Ha

(2002)

Australia 0.3 M Ha

(1996)

South Africa 0.03 M Ha

(1998)

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AREA UNDER AREA UNDER BTBT--COTTON IN INDIACOTTON IN INDIA(IN 6 to 9 STATES)(IN 6 to 9 STATES)

YearYear Area inArea inHectaresHectares

Area in Area in AcresAcres

No. of No. of Bt Bt farmersfarmers

20022002 29,41529,415 72,68572,685 25,00025,000

20032003 86,24086,240 2,13,0992,13,099 75,00075,000

20042004 5,53,0005,53,000 13,66,46313,66,463 3,50,0003,50,000

20052005 12,66,690*12,66,690* 31,28,72431,28,724 10,00,00010,00,000

*This adoption is about 14% of 9.0 m ha of total cotton area in India

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IMPACT OF BT COTTON IN INDIA, 2004IMPACT OF BT COTTON IN INDIA, 2004

StateState Bollworm pesticide Bollworm pesticide reductionreduction

% % RsRs/acre/acre

Yield increaseYield increase

% % QtlQtl/acre/acre

Increase in net profitIncrease in net profit

% % RsRs./acre./acre

Andhra PradeshAndhra Pradesh 79 2,08779 2,087 46 2.346 2.3 552 4,782 552 4,782

KarnatakaKarnataka 72 78272 782 33 1.7 33 1.7 8 4688 468

MaharashtraMaharashtra 71 692 71 692 50 1.950 1.9 212 6,270 212 6,270

GujaratGujarat 64 78364 783 259 7.3259 7.3 1,545 15,0951,545 15,095

Madhya PradeshMadhya Pradesh 60 1,23560 1,235 42 2.742 2.7 90 6,27090 6,270

Tamil Tamil NaduNadu 68 75868 758 27 1.727 1.7 46 3,26346 3,263

All India av.All India av. 72% 1,13772% 1,137 58% 3.058% 3.0 60% 5,95060% 5,950

Indian Market Research Bureau (IMRB), April 05

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HIGHEST SAFETY STANDARDS EVER

Never before in the history of agriculture has food been subjected to such stringent safety assessment as biotech products

Healthy criticism is always helpful. Blind opposition Healthy criticism is always helpful. Blind opposition is unhealthy is unhealthy

Safety is our primary responsibility. We should Safety is our primary responsibility. We should always strive to do betteralways strive to do better

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Incorrect knowledge is more dangerous

than ignorance !

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Effective dissemination of Effective dissemination of correct knowledgecorrect knowledge

is a preis a pre--requisite to promoterequisite to promoteany new technologyany new technology

Biotechnology has the potential to revolutionizeagriculture and benefit the farmers and society

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Thanks

T. M. [email protected]

bt-cotton: safety assessment and risk...

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