Pest Management Systems:

GM crops should be fitted into an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) system. Bollworm affects not only cotton but several other crops. Bollworm is now migrating from Bt cotton to cauliflower and other vegetable crops. The illegal spread of GM varieties is likely to result in serious problems of pest resistance to Bt toxins. ICAR and Department of Agriculture should review the situation and develop guidelines for preventing bio-disasters arising from the lack of a scientifically sound integrated pest management strategy. Non-GM components such as biofertilizers, biopesticides, Integrated Pest Management etc. should be equally promoted along with GM components, for sustainable agriculture. As part of the scientific literacy movement, the need for “refugia” (i.e., concurrent cultivation of non GM varieties) should be explained to farm families. A genetic literacy movement should be launched and Genome clubs may be organized in schools in biodiversity rich areas. Regulation, education and social mobilization with all, will be necessary to prevent illegal plantings and to promote the safe use of GM crops.