The natural biodiversity needs to be exploited in order to introduce desirable traits in popular varieties and cultivars already in use. Molecular characterization of horticultural crops, vegetables, and fruits should be initiated, particularly of mango, apple, banana, papaya, and okra, which are threatened by many diseases, insect pests, and viruses. Emphasis need to be given on stringent biosafety guidelines, which should progressively evolve with time and need of the hour. Negative campaigns by certain groups claiming to be protecting the interests of farmers and consumers and sensationalism and false propaganda by the print media should be adequately dealt with by the scientific community. There should be better communication between scientists, farmers, and consumers involved in agricultural biotechnology.
Biotechnology needs to be integrated with the industry.
Genetically modified food should first be tested by feeding it to cows, buffaloes, and other milching animals and poultry prior to commercialization instead of feeding it only to rats and rabbits. Enough data on genetically modified crops regarding food safety, human health, socio-economic benefits, and environmental safety should be made available to the public, particularly for convincing the farmers and consumers. There should be no undue haste in pushing the transgenic crops in India until they are proven safe in all respects before releasing them to farmers for large-scale cultivation. Unnecessary delays in clearing the approvals for transgenic crops at various steps due to personal stakes of certain groups should be guarded against. Farmers should not be exploited but should be left free to think and decide what is best suited for them.