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Scientists are sceptical aboutthe efficacy ofthe technology
Mumbai, August 19The government is set to deny permission for open field trials to introducec genetically modified (GM) Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.
The new GM technology claims to control the spread of the dengue, chikungunya and zika virus in India by using GM mosquitoes to disturb the life-cycle of the virus-carrying mosquitoes.
Mumbai-based company GBIT, associated with seed giant Mahyco and the UK-based Oxitec, is seeking regulatory approvals from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and other Ministries to introduce the technology in the country.
Worried over consequences
Top Central sources said government scientists are sceptical about the efficacy of the technology. They are worried about the unknown consequences and the likely impact on the environment owing to the release of GM mosquitoes.
This development comes at a time when GM technology in India is facing an uphill task as GM cotton’s sustainability is being questioned...