Promoting Public Awareness on matters relating to Agricultural Biotechnology

17.1   Clear and understandable consumer information is a very important part of the public acceptance process. Besides media, research organizations and scientific institutions concerned with crop improvement must also take up the responsibility for promoting awareness among the public about the applications of genetic engineering in agriculture and their potential benefits as well as risks and constraints. Media serve as a bridge between science and society and they should be enabled to play an important role in fostering the technological upgradation of Indian agriculture, thereby enhancing our agricultural competitiveness. 

17.2   An effective communication strategy must be developed and a cohesive mechanism established to ensure that messages are consistent with National policy on agricultural biotechnology and also that all target groups are reached. Education and development communication must receive high priority.

17.3   Field research may be required to ensure that the concerns of various groups of population are understood and addressed to see that the messages are evidence based, simple and effective. Transparency in communication should be the bottom line.

17.4   The issues in regard to the release of GM crops are not understood correctly owing to the lack of information on this subject even amongst the otherwise well-informed members of the public. An information campaign needs to be conducted to generate public awareness on the benefits and risks associated with biotechnology and the social, ethical, economic, scientific, environmental and health issues which are addressed by regulatory bodies before allowing the cultivation of GM crops.

17.5   A scheme should be formulated by DAC/ICAR to hold workshops, seminars, media campaigns (including through the proposed Krishi Channel) to provide information to the public on matters relating to agricultural biotechnology. The Media Resource Centre proposed earlier will have to perform an important role in ensuring information flow to the public through the mass media (internet, Cable TV, Radio and vernacular press).

17.6   The National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS) may be assisted to set up a committee on the Public Understanding of Agricultural Biotechnology.