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GM Maize Field Trials at PAU Ludhiana: Key Points

16 July 20251 min read
AGRICULTURE & RURALGM Maize FieldTrials at PAULudhiana: KeyPoints16 July 2025safalsetu.com

Why in the news

Punjab Agricultural University was cleared to test genetically modified maize, drawing objections from green groups.

Key facts

  • Stage: BRL-I and BRL-II biosafety trials, strictly non-commercial.
  • Technology provider: Bayer; regulator named: Department of Biotechnology.
  • Goals: test agronomic performance and environmental biosafety to inform future policy.
  • Earlier BT cotton trials, also led by PAU, are the precedent.
TraitPurpose
Herbicide-tolerantWithstands glyphosate-K salt
Insect-resistantResists lepidopteran pests like stem borer and fall armyworm

Concerns

  • No public consultation or transparency, it is alleged.
  • Biosafety, cross-pollination and herbicide overuse fears.

Exam angle

  • Clearance body: GEAC; trial stages BRL-I and BRL-II.

Test yourself

1. Which body's approval, along with the Punjab government's, cleared GM maize trials at PAU?

The notes cite approval from the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee.

2. The GM maize trials at PAU are at which stage?

The trial phase is BRL-I and BRL-II, strictly non-commercial.

3. Which company is the technology provider for the GM maize trials at PAU Ludhiana?

The notes name Bayer as technology provider.

This topic is part of Daily Current Affairs 16 July 2025 (18 topics).

All topics of the dayDay quizJuly 2025

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